Banking on Low-Code: How Low-Code is Levelling the Playing Field in AI Development

Article attributed to Pramod Kumar, Head of Business (APAC), Newgen Software

The digital transformation of the banking industry is being fuelled by artificial intelligence (AI), a non-negotiable strategic asset reshaping the financial landscape. AI is no longer regarded as a futuristic concept confined to science fiction; in fact, it’s now a driving force reshaping industries across the globe. We can all agree that AI’s potential to unlock unprecedented innovation and efficiency is undeniable.  Forward-thinking organisations across the sector are harnessing AI to unlock operational efficiencies, gain unprecedented insights from data, and deliver hyper-personalised customer experiences that were once unimaginable. In other words, AI is not just a technological advancement; rather, it’s a fundamental shift in the way we do business.

However, the path to AI adoption is fraught with challenges. The traditional approach to AI development—often reliant on scarce specialised talent, prolonged development cycles, and substantial financial investments—has created a significant barrier to entry for many organisations. As a result, this has left countless businesses on the sidelines of the AI revolution, unable to harness the transformative power of AI due to the prohibitive costs and complexity involved.

However, the emergence of low-code AI development platforms is poised to change this paradigm dramatically. Low-code AI development empowers a broader spectrum of individuals to create AI solutions, even those without extensive coding expertise or Data Science knowledge. Through intuitive visual interfaces, drag-and-drop components, and pre-built AI models, low-code AI platforms abstract away much of the technical complexity, making AI development faster, more accessible, and significantly more cost-effective.

Imagine business analysts, domain experts, and even ‘citizen developers’—individuals with a deep understanding of their business needs—creating and deploying AI-powered applications that drive tangible results. This is the promise of low-code: to democratise AI and level the playing field, enabling organisations of all sizes to harness the power of AI to drive tangible business outcomes.

This democratisation is already evident in the transformation of critical banking operations. Low-code platforms, coupled with AI capabilities, are revolutionising areas such as customer onboarding, document processing, and customer support. Intelligent chatbots, for instance, now seamlessly guide customers through account opening procedures, reducing manual intervention and expediting the process. Furthermore, these platforms are automating the extraction and analysis of data from a multitude of documents, streamlining tasks that were once time-consuming and prone to human error. By handling routine customer enquiries and providing round-the-clock support, AI-powered chatbots are also freeing up valuable human resources, allowing staff to focus on more complex and strategic initiatives.

Beyond streamlining operations, the convergence of low-code and AI is empowering banks to make more informed, data-driven decisions. Predictive models, built on these accessible platforms, are enhancing fraud detection capabilities by analysing transaction patterns and customer behaviour in real time.  This proactive approach enables banks to identify and mitigate potential threats before they escalate, safeguarding both the institution and its customers.

Additionally, low-code can also help with credit risk assessment by leveraging a broader range of data points, including alternative data sources, to provide a more comprehensive picture of borrower creditworthiness. By identifying customers at risk of attrition, banks can implement targeted retention strategies, fostering stronger customer relationships and loyalty.

While these examples offer a glimpse into the transformative power of low-code AI, a strategic approach is crucial for banks seeking to unlock its full potential. To successfully harness the power of this technology, financial institutions should consider these essential guidelines:

  1. Start small, think big: Rather than attempting a complete overhaul, begin with a pilot project to test the waters. Choose a well-defined use case, such as automating a specific customer service process or building a fraud detection model.  A successful pilot project will not only demonstrate the value of low-code AI but also provide valuable insights to inform future scaling efforts.
  2. Foster collaboration: The most effective low-code AI solutions are born from collaboration between business users and IT professionals. Encourage open communication and knowledge sharing to ensure that AI applications are tailored to meet specific business needs and integrate seamlessly with existing systems.
  3. Prioritise data: The success of any AI initiative hinges on the quality and reliability of your data. Invest in robust data governance practices to ensure that your data is accurate, complete, and secure. This includes establishing clear data collection and management protocols, implementing data cleansing procedures, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.

By embracing these guidelines, banking institutions can confidently embark on their low-code AI journey, maximising the transformative potential of this technology to drive innovation, efficiency, and ultimately, growth.

The future of banking will undeniably be inextricably linked with the adoption of low-code AI. It’s a future where intelligent automation, data-driven insights, and personalised customer experiences are not just possible but achievable. By taking those first steps—starting small, fostering collaboration, and prioritising data—financial institutions can position themselves at the forefront of this technological revolution. The future of banking is here: it’s intelligent, agile, and customer-centric—and it’s powered by low-code AI.

To explore how Newgen Software can drive digital transformation in your organisation, click here to learn more. If you’d like to connect with Pramod Kumar and gain deeper insights into his expertise, you can find and connect with him on LinkedIn.