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BBVA is integrating generative AI into its core banking operations by deploying ChatGPT Enterprise across the entire organization, a move that could reshape risk management, software development, and customer service in the financial sector.
Rather than focusing on headline‑grabbing adoption metrics, BBVA’s strategy zeroes in on quantifiable value. After a pilot with OpenAI that began in May 2024 and involved 3,300 user accounts, the bank expanded access to 11,000 employees, making the rollout one of the largest enterprise‑wide AI deployments in banking to date.
The pilot delivered a clear business case: employees reported saving an average of three hours per week on routine tasks, and more than 80 % of participants logged in daily. Thousands of custom GPTs were created internally to automate specific collaborative and administrative workflows, underscoring the power of bottom‑up innovation rather than top‑down mandates.
Impact of ChatGPT on banking operations
The partnership goes well beyond a generic productivity boost. BBVA plans to embed AI into risk analysis—a traditionally labor‑intensive function—by using large language models (LLMs) to parse market data, regulatory filings, and internal risk reports at scale. The bank also aims to streamline its software development lifecycle, leveraging AI‑assisted code generation and automated testing to cut time‑to‑market for new digital services.
“We were pioneers in the digital and mobile transformation, and we are now entering the AI era with even greater ambition,” said Carlos Torres Vila, Chairman of BBVA. “Our alliance with OpenAI accelerates the native integration of artificial intelligence across the bank to create a smarter, more proactive, and fully personalized banking experience.”
Deploying AI in a heavily regulated environment demands rigorous governance. BBVA’s global rollout incorporates enterprise‑grade security, data encryption, and model‑access controls to ensure that client information remains protected while staff leverage the latest OpenAI models. Secure internal agents are being built to interface directly with BBVA’s existing core‑banking systems, enabling real‑time decision support without compromising compliance.
To avoid the common enterprise pitfall of “technology for technology’s sake,” BBVA and OpenAI have co‑designed a structured adoption framework that includes role‑based training, certification pathways, and continuous performance monitoring. This approach is intended to translate raw AI capability into measurable productivity gains and risk mitigation outcomes.
Improving the banking experience with AI
On the client‑facing side, BBVA has launched “Blue,” a virtual assistant powered by OpenAI models that handles card management, account inquiries, and transaction searches through natural‑language conversation. Future phases will integrate these capabilities directly into BBVA’s digital channels, allowing customers to interact with the bank via conversational AI in the same way they use ChatGPT for personal tasks.
A dedicated BBVA team will work closely with OpenAI’s product and research groups to fast‑track the development of “AI‑native” banking services. By aligning product roadmaps, the bank expects to shorten the time required to bring new AI‑driven features from concept to production, a competitive advantage in an industry where fintech entrants are increasingly leveraging generative AI.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, noted, “BBVA is a strong example of how a large financial institution can adopt AI with real ambition and speed. By embedding our models into the core of their products and operations, BBVA will enhance the overall banking experience for their customers.”
Industry analysts see BBVA’s initiative as a bellwether for the broader banking sector. According to a recent survey, 68 % of global banks plan to increase AI spend over the next 24 months, with risk analytics and customer engagement identified as top priorities. The key challenges will revolve around model governance, vendor lock‑in risk, and the cost of scaling compute resources. BBVA’s proactive stance on security and training could set a template for peers seeking to balance innovation with regulatory compliance.
From a financial perspective, the projected efficiency gains translate into a potential reduction of operating expenses by up to 5 % over the next three years, according to BBVA’s internal forecasts. Moreover, faster risk assessment cycles may improve capital allocation, potentially unlocking additional revenue streams in credit and investment services.
Original article, Author: Samuel Thompson. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/14451.html
