Thriving in Uncertainty: How IA Is Turning Challenges to Sustained Growth for Financial Services
By: Rob Paisley, Strategic Industry Director, Global Team Lead, SS&C Blue
In a world gripped by economic uncertainty, financial services (FSI) organizations face a stark choice: evolve or be left behind. With inflationary pressures mounting, regulations tightening, and customer expectations shifting faster than ever, the financial sector is at a turning point. But amid this turbulence, one thing is clear: intelligent automation (IA) and artificial intelligence (AI) are no longer optional—they’re now essential.
Also Read: Taking Advantage of Gen AI With Next-level Automation
As markets fluctuate, AI is stepping up to drive operational resilience, enabling financial firms to anticipate market shifts, safeguard assets, and streamline operations.
The numbers paint a complex picture.
EUROPE:
The latest figures from the European Central Bank show that the financial outlook for the broader Euro area in the first quarter of 2025 is cautiously optimistic, with the region expecting modest recoveries after challenging economic periods in 2023 and 2024.
USA:
In Q1 2025, the U.S. economy is expected to continue its moderate recovery, although at a slower pace than in 2024. GDP growth is projected to range between 1.4% and 1.7%, signaling a deceleration compared to the stronger growth seen earlier in 2023. This slowdown reflects the effects of tighter monetary policies and the waning impact of fiscal support.
ASIA PAC:
S&P Global reveals its economic outlook for the Asia-Pacific region in Q1 2025 is expected to be positive, albeit with some regional divergences. Overall, the region is forecast to grow at a solid pace, driven by strong domestic demand, the rebound of tourism, and stable financial conditions.
GLOBAL SUMMARY:
Europe expects a modest recovery, the U.S. economy is slowing, and Asia-Pacific remains a beacon of strong demand. Despite optimism in pockets of the global economy, challenges like tighter financing conditions and geopolitical tensions persist. Yet, those leveraging AI are not merely weathering the storm, they’re thriving.
Research from our latest Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) study conducted by Forrester Consulting shows that 76% of organizations surveyed expect to see a positive impact on business growth in the next two years from their intelligent automation program.
We expect that savings from full-time equivalent reductions or operational efficiency gains will play a part in this growth. However, there is much more to it than that. Where the magic happens is when IA significantly enhances operations, helping organizations become much more effective at releasing improved products, attracting new business and, ultimately, growing revenue.
Disruptors, efficiency and metrics driving innovation
The financial services industry has always been driven by data, but the real question is: Are you using your data in the best way to unlock growth?
Generative AI, chatbots, and 24/7 customer access are no longer novelties – they’re table stakes in an environment where customers demand seamless, real-time experiences at lower costs.
Meanwhile, process automation isn’t just about efficiency anymore; it’s about survival. Whether it’s onboarding, loan processing, or managing compliance, AI is empowering financial institutions to scale rapidly without sacrificing quality.
The competitive landscape is shifting too. Fintech disruptors are shaking up the market, leaving traditional institutions to decide whether to adopt or get left behind. However, those embracing IA and orchestrating end-to-end processes are discovering a competitive edge – boosting employee satisfaction, driving innovation, and ultimately, delivering sustained growth.
Overall, our TEI study supports these findings, with 69% of FSI organizations agreeing that automation improves business metrics such as growth and customer satisfaction. It even reveals an incremental revenue growth of 5.4% CAGR for customers along with a host of other benefits including increased productivity, improved employee retention and compliance cost avoidance.
The future belongs to those bold enough to reimagine financial services through the lens of AI. By leveraging intelligent automation, financial institutions can both survive economic uncertainty and define it on their own terms.
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