The Next Stage of Connected Banking: The Impact of AI-powered Physical Devices on Financial Ecosystems

The report examines the evolution of connected banking through the lens of physical AI – autonomous, intelligent devices capable of executing financial services in real time. As financial institutions look beyond traditional channels, physical AI opens new frontiers where everyday objects, such as smart appliances, vehicles, and industrial systems, become financial endpoints. This transition accelerates the emergence of banking-as-a-lifestyle, in which banking is seamlessly woven into customer experiences, enabled by AI-driven touchpoints and embedded decision-making.

The report delves into the market forces propelling this shift, from advances in edge computing and AI frameworks to the growing consumer demand for convenience and personalization. It outlines how banks must rethink their products, infrastructure, and partnerships to remain relevant and provides a roadmap to operationalize physical AI, from strategy and governance to ecosystem integration and risk management. Real-world use cases in smart homes, connected cars, and autonomous supply chains demonstrate how financial institutions can lead the next wave of transformation by embedding services into device-driven interactions.