Visa survey reveals AI will reshape European banking by 2030

A recent study conducted by Visa Consulting & Analytics, titled 'From AI Promise to AI Performance,' highlights the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the European banking sector. The survey, which gathered data from 325 senior executives across 17 European markets, found that 86% of respondents believe AI will fundamentally reshape retail banking by 2030. Furthermore, 61% of executives expressed the view that early adopters of this technology will gain a significant competitive advantage or move to dominate their respective markets.

The findings indicate that while over 90% of European banks are already utilizing some form of AI in their core operations, there is a widening strategic divide. The industry is currently split between banks that focus on using AI solely to optimize existing operational efficiency and those integrating it into long-term development, such as advanced fraud detection, personalized customer services, and autonomous AI agents. Data shows that 48% of banks fall into specific categories based on their adoption approach, ranging from 'Efficiency Seekers' to 'Trust Builders.

This gap suggests that the current strategic choices made by financial institutions will be the defining factor in their future value creation. As the sector moves from experimentation to widespread application, the market is expected to consolidate around those who prioritize deep AI integration over basic functional improvements.