Additional Reading

AI factories may be a watershed moment for industry, but the means must line up with the ends: outcomes that CIOs can measure. The contemporary AI moment speaks to the early days of cloud, when CIOs weren’t buying a service so much as adopting a way of operating, according to Sid Nag, president and chief research officer of Tekonyx. AI factory must prioritize scalable intelligence to deliver real, tangible results. To address the question of value, enterprises need orchestration engines, domain-specific models and the ability to fine-tune, train and run inference on their own data, according to Nag. Just as important, they need governance, predictability and repeatability so that AI can move from one-off experiments to reliable business systems. In other words, the AI factory matters not as an engineering marvel, but as a model that enables a scalable intelligences which CIOs can use to drive measurable outcomes, he explains. “To me, that’s a successful outcome of AI,” Nag said. “If that’s the way the world can think about it and all the vendors can respond to that, I think that’s a winning ticket.”

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The convergence of blockchain, AI, and Web3 is transforming the digital landscape by enabling decentralized, user-centric ecosystems where individuals have greater control over their data and digital assets. The integration of AI and blockchain supports new business models—such as AI-driven chatbots, virtual assistants, and programmable digital assets—expanding opportunities for tailored customer experiences and resilient, efficient financial services. A variety of use cases are rapidly emerging, including:  AI agent financial services. Cryptocurrency exchange platforms are integrating AI to facilitate seamless cryptocurrency purchases and trades. AI-powered chatbots in banking can improve efficiency by handling routine tasks and inquiries, allowing human representatives to focus on complex issues. Modernizing payments in the gig economy. Blockchain and AI can revolutionize gig economy payments by providing instant transactions and enhancing security through smart contracts and fraud detection. This transformative combination can help ensure transparency, reduce costs, and build trust between workers and employers. AI-enhanced fraud detection in banking. While fraud detection presents a significant challenge for banks, AI can analyze vast amounts of transaction data in real time to identify patterns and anomalies indicative of fraud. Integrating AI with blockchain enhances security and transparency, providing real-time fraud detection, accurate monitoring, and reduced operational costs. Transforming global remittances. The integration of blockchain and AI can revolutionize global remittances by offering real-time transfers, enhanced security, and cost-effective transactions, reducing fraud risks and improving customer experience. AI-powered chatbots and automated compliance checks further advance the remittance process, ensuring transactions adhere to regional regulations. Expanding accessibility to health care payments. Integrating blockchain and AI can enhance health care payments by improving security and transparency while reducing fraud and enabling faster claims processing. Blockchain-based platforms with smart contracts and AI automation can streamline insurance claims and patient billing, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring timely payments.

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AI is rapidly reshaping the business game, creating a few clear winners — and a stadium full of spectators. According to a new report from Boston Consulting Group, only 5% of companies in its 2025 study of more than 1,250 global firms are seeing real returns on AI. Meanwhile, 60% of companies have seen little to no benefit, reporting only minimal increases in revenue and cost savings despite making substantial investments.BCG said that industries like software, telecommunications, and fintech have the highest levels of “AI maturity,” which the firm defines as “the ability to create value at scale.” Meanwhile, fashion and luxury, chemicals, and real estate and construction are lagging behind. BCG found that sectors incorporating AI into their core business functions — R&D, sales and marketing, as well as manufacturing and IT — saw significant value gains from 2024 to 2025. Amanda Luther, the global leader of AI and digital transformation at BCG, told Business Insider by email that “value” in the firm’s report “refers primarily to measurable financial and operational impact — notably, revenue growth, cost reduction, and cash-flow improvements that translate into shareholder returns.” It also includes “productivity gains, process efficiencies, and innovation outcomes that improve decision-making, speed, and quality of execution across workflows,” she said. BCG describes the companies successfully planning for and adopting AI as “future-built companies,” and says there are five traits that set them apart. Companies succeeding at incorporating AI are equipped with leadership that’s enthusiastic about the technology, and nearly all C-Suite leaders use it on a daily basis. They are more likely to appoint a chief AI officer and a chief data officer to ensure AI is adopted across the company. These companies are also more likely to have a “model of co-ownership” between the business departments and IT, so that each group has autonomy and accountability for its actions. They reshape and reinvent workflows. BCG said that nearly 90% of future-built companies expect that most of the value they see from AI will come

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Blue Ocean Technologies, LLC, a fintech firm focused on global trading and data, announced plans to integrate with a forthcoming tokenized National Market System equities solution. The move would make Blue Ocean ATS the first alternative trading system to support tokenized U.S. equities trading. The proposed solution would maintain existing investor protections and clearing controls while moving settlement to a blockchain platform. “Integrating with forthcoming tokenized settlement infrastructure represents the next frontier in our journey,” Brian Hyndman, CEO of Blue Ocean Technologies commented. “Tokenization has the potential to complete the 24/7/365 market, closing the final gap in an increasingly connected global trading ecosystem,” he explained. Blue Ocean recently became a data oracle operator on the Pyth Network, publishing real-time overnight U.S. equities prices for blockchain applications. Meanwhile, eToro is introducing tokenized U.S. shares, allowing investors to trade blockchain-backed versions of popular equities. The company shared its plan when announcing a new 24/5 trading schedule. Under this schedule, its 100 most popular U.S. stocks can be traded outside regular market hours.

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A new generation of startups is redefining what it means to be “AI-native,” using artificial intelligence for everything, everywhere, all at once. These startups are embedding AI across every function and early spending patterns already reflect how AI-native work is taking shape. Analysis by a16z and Mercury across more than 200,000 early-stage firms found that about 60% of AI budgets go to horizontal tools, meaning general-purpose platforms such as assistants, creative software, and shared workspaces that can be used across roles and teams. The remaining 40% supports vertical tools designed for specific functions like finance, HR, or legal. Creative software accounts for the largest share of spend, underscoring how AI has shifted from a supportive layer to a core part of how teams execute their daily work. Alex Wu, Managing Partner at CFO Advisors, a firm that provides fractional CFO services to startups, told PYMNTS that structure is what determines AI success. “We encourage startups to create a dedicated role that’s all about testing new tools and figuring out how to implement them, an AI enablement role that scouts tools, runs pilots, and hardwires wins into workflows,” he explained. He added that this structured approach helps avoid what he calls “tool fatigue,” where teams experiment without measurable outcomes. “The real value shows up after the novelty wears off. If a tool is still being used after two weeks and has become part of a workflow, that’s when it’s creating real productivity.”

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Echelon, an artificial intelligence startup that automates enterprise software implementations, emerged from stealth mode with $4.75 million in seed funding led by Bain Capital Ventures, targeting a fundamental shift in how companies deploy and maintain critical business systems. The company has developed AI agents specifically trained to handle end-to-end ServiceNow implementations — complex enterprise software deployments that traditionally require months of work by offshore consulting teams and cost companies millions of dollars annually. These agents can analyze business requirements, ask clarifying questions in real-time, and automatically generate complete ServiceNow configurations including forms, workflows, testing scenarios, and documentation. The technology delivers a significant advancement from general-purpose AI tools. Rather than providing generic code suggestions, Echelon’s agents understand ServiceNow’s specific architecture, best practices, and common integration patterns. They can identify gaps in requirements and propose solutions that align with enterprise governance standards. The agents are trained not just on ServiceNow’s technical capabilities but on the accumulated expertise of senior consultants who understand complex enterprise requirements, governance frameworks, and integration patterns.

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The World Economic Forum (WEF) describes the next stage of development as agentic AI with empathy. These systems extend beyond automation by integrating emotional awareness into decision-making and communication. They are built to interpret tone, intent, and sentiment, allowing AI to respond with contextually appropriate actions rather than predefined outputs. The WEF notes that this form of agentic intelligence could help organizations move from efficiency-based models to ones that combine operational precision with emotional connection. Research from Deloitte on affective computing shows how emotion-sensing technologies can reshape service interactions by detecting stress or confusion and dynamically adjusting communication. The relevance of these developments is growing in finance, where customer relationships depend on trust and perception. Emotion-aware systems could improve fraud detection by identifying stress indicators during authentication, assist in compliance by flagging linguistic signals of discomfort or hesitation, or personalize digital banking by adapting tone and pacing to a user’s emotional state. A Forbes analysis offers a cautionary perspective, emphasizing that AI-driven empathy remains imitation rather than intuition. Algorithms may mirror affect but lack the contextual reasoning and accountability that define genuine human connection. This suggests that emotion-aware systems should augment, not replace, human judgment, especially in sectors where ethical and relational stakes are high.

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Famed roboticist and iRobot founder Rodney Brooks believes that despite the amount of money being injected into the industry, humanoids won’t be able to learn dexterity — or the fine motor movements with hands — rendering them essentially useless. Fady Saad, a general partner at robotics-focused VC Cybernetix Ventures and former co-founder of MassRobotics, told that beyond sending humanoids into space in place of human astronauts, he doesn’t see a huge market yet. Saad is also concerned about safety, especially when humans and humanoid robots share the same space. Safety issues could arise from humanoids and humans working closely on a factory floor, or other industrial sites. Saad says those concerns mount when humanoids enter people’s homes — a goal many humanoid companies are working toward.  Seth Winterroth, a partner at Eclipse, said while it can be easy to get excited as each new technological development happens, or the latest demo drops, humanoids are incredibly complicated. He added that it will be a while before they reach their full capabilities. “It’s difficult to do software releases to six degrees of freedom systems; what we’re talking about with some of these humanoids is 60-plus degrees of freedom systems,” Winterroth said, regarding a robot’s ability to move on a 3D axis. “Then you need to be able to have good unit economics around that solution, such that you’ve got strong gross margin, such that you can be building an enduring business. I think we’re early.” In most cases, humanoid robots aren’t ready for the world yet, either.

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Bill Rogers, Truist Chairman & CEO said:

We delivered strong second-quarter results, driven by strategic loan growth and higher net interest income derived from continued strong production from our business. Our performance reflects the value of our client-centric business model and momentum in our strategy, as we see tangible results from investments we have made in talent and technology across our platforms. We remain on track to achieve our annual expense growth target, which includes continued investments in talent and technology. Asset quality remained strong, and our strong capital position continues to support both our growth initiatives and our ability to return capital to shareholders. As we stay on offense, our clear strategic focus, strong balance sheet, and unwavering commitment to our purpose—to inspire and build better lives and communities—position us well to continue driving improved performance in the evolving environment.” —

 

Consumer & Small Business Banking–

• Continued net new checking account momentum; added ~37K in 2Q25, supported by a strong 82% primacy rate
• Strong loan growth across all consumer portfolios driven by new loan production of ~$13 billion for the quarter, a significant year-over year increase of $5.5 billion
• Advanced our Premier banking strategy with deposit and lending per banker production up 31% and 37% year-over-year– Maintained pricing and credit discipline; new loan production yielding higher rates than the existing portfolio; consumer NCOs at multi quarter lows

 

Wholesale Banking

• EOP loans increased by $5.3 billion, or 2.9% vs. 1Q25, driven by broad-based growth across industry groups and geographies
• Doubled new client growth in Commercial & Corporate YTD
• Wealth net asset flows were positive, aided by a 27% YTD increase in net new AUM from Wholesale and Premier clients compared with the same period a year ago
• Ongoing progress in Wholesale Payments, evidenced by 14% year over-year growth in treasury management fees

 

Driving digital growth

• Experience enhancements and performance marketing drove 17% year-over-year growth in digital account production
• New-to-bank clients acquired through the digital channel grew 27% year-over-year, contributing 43% of total new-to-bank clients in 2Q
• LightStream lending products were integrated across Truist digital experiences, becoming LightStream by Truist in 2Q

 

Empowering clients efficiently

• Over 1.8 million digital clients utilized financial management tools in online and mobile banking, up 40% year-over-year
• New Plan & Track Dashboard empowers clients to take control of their financial planning, driving a 30% increase in activity

 

“Our second quarter results demonstrate continued momentum across our franchise and the benefits of the strategic investments we’ve made in talent, technology, and capabilities,” said John Turner, Chairman, President and CEO of Regions Financial Corp. Turner added, “We are experiencing solid deposit growth, disciplined loan production, and strong performance across fee-based businesses, including Treasury Management and Wealth Management. As we modernize our platforms and expand further in key growth areas across our footprint, we remain committed to executing our plan while generating top-quartile returns and long-term value for our shareholders. Our strong performance is the result of remaining focused on the financial needs and opportunities of our clients and operating in a responsible manner for the benefit of the people we serve.”

Corporate

• Driving growth in our priority and core markets by adding resources
• within Treasury Management and Commercial Banking
• Treasury Management revenue increased 8.1% YTD, driven by client base growth of 10.2%(1)
• Capital Markets income up 4% QoQ driven by higher M&A activity and RECM originations
• Ascentium Capital 1H25 loan production is up 12% YoY, contributing to growth are transactions originated through cross-marketing relationships with the Commercial Bank & Branch network
• Leveraging advanced technology including Natural Language Processing to efficiently screen public filings to evaluate 18K+ product opportunities for large corporate clients

Consumer

• Growing and retaining primary relationships by reskilling ~300 bankers to focus on small business opportunities and reallocating ~300 bankers to align talent depth with highest opportunity across key customer segments
• Delivering on localized strategies leveraging key sponsorships and campus activations including conducting ~6k financial education workshops in 2Q25
• Digital channel YTD checking growth of 10% from digital funnel improvements
• Mobile App mobile users increased 2% YoY; New Mobile App launch in progress
• Saved over 200k hours from centralizing processes so bankers can focus more on serving customers

 

Wealth

• Record 2Q25 NIR, up 1.2% QoQ
• Relationship growth of 8.3%(2)
• Investing in our Associates through our Next Level Advisor Development Program
• Completion of new cloud-based portal to improve infrastructure of existing and future WM applications
• Leveraging new tools to drive enhancements to Advisor CRMs leading to improvements in both experience and efficiency
• Fully launched social media program for client-facing associates to deliver compliant content through LinkedIn
• New head of Regions Investment Services named; Brandon Greve

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