'Banking' on artificial intelligence to enhance bank risk management

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the impact of digital transformation on risk management within the banking sector, emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing operational risk management. It examines key research questions about how digitisation reshapes risk management practices, the extent to which South African banks align with international standards, and the role of AI in advancing these frameworks. The study finds that AI holds substantial potential to improve risk management, particularly in managing operational risks, while underscoring the indispensable role of human oversight. Ultimately, this shift toward a more AI-driven, adaptive approach marks a pivotal evolution in the financial sector, suggesting that the future of risk management can indeed rely on AI's transformative capabilities.