Artificial intelligence is reshaping financial services, driving automation, smarter decision-making and greater efficiency. As financial institutions seek greater transparency and reasoning in their AI applications, AI-powered decision intelligence is emerging as a critical capability.
According to theCUBE Research’s latest analysis, discussed in “The Next Frontiers of AI” podcast, emerging AI frameworks — most notably, retrieval-augmented generation models, causal knowledge graphs and AI reasoning — are reshaping how financial institutions navigate an increasingly complex, dynamic landscape.
The financial sector has long embraced cutting-edge technologies, leveraging AI to optimize risk management, automate processes and improve customer interactions, according to theCUBE Research’s Scott Hebner. However, as businesses look beyond traditional predictive models, they seek more advanced AI capabilities that provide greater transparency, reasoning and AI-powered decision intelligence.
Hebner, the podcast’s host, was joined by Jayeeta Putatunda, lead data scientist, director – AI center of excellence, at Fitch Group Inc., located on Wall Street. “Financial services have always led from the front in predictive analytics and deterministic models, but we must be cautious in our approach to gen AI,” she said. “Given the industry’s regulatory nature and the high stakes involved, we are adopting AI carefully, ensuring governance and risk control at every stage.”
How AI-powered decision intelligence is transforming finance
AI in financial services is rapidly evolving beyond basic automation and predictive analytics, according to Putatunda. Financial institutions increasingly focus on AI-powered decision intelligence to shape strategy and drive results.
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“We need to solve use cases that actually drive the most value to our clients, users and even our internal teams,” Putatunda said. “If we can help with operational efficiency, reduce manual workload or enhance deep research, we will win in a significant way.”
Ensuring transparency and explainability is a key challenge in implementing AI in finance, according to Putatunda. Traditional AI models often function as “black boxes,” making it difficult for financial leaders to trace how decisions are made. As a result, many institutions are turning to AI-powered decision intelligence to improve visibility into the decision-making process.
“One of the biggest areas of concern is explainability,” Putatunda said. “In predictive models, we had processes to trace back decisions, conduct weight analysis and determine which inputs had the most impact. With AI, it becomes harder to establish that level of transparency.”
Building trust and governance in AI-driven finance
Trust remains critical in AI adoption within financial services, especially given the industry’s stringent regulatory requirements. The integration of knowledge graphs and causal AI can help enhance transparency, explainability and governance, according to Putatunda.
“Causal knowledge graphs create a dynamically adaptable data lineage that allows LLMs to ground their outputs in factual, explainable relationships,” she said. “This improves AI transparency and enhances compliance and governance frameworks.”
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Additionally, AI models need to ensure they are free from biases and provide consistent, reproducible outputs. Unlike other industries, financial institutions require AI models that adhere to strict auditability and regulatory compliance measures, according to Putatunda.
“Financial firms need models that are not only accurate, but also auditable and traceable,” she said. “We must build a safe, sustainable AI pipeline that integrates human oversight at every stage.”
Looking ahead: The future of AI in financial services
The next wave of AI adoption in finance will focus on creating integrated AI ecosystems that combine multiple intelligent agents. These agents will collaborate on complex problem-solving, according to Putatunda.
“We need to move beyond single-task solutions and create goal-based AI agents that can dynamically retrieve and analyze information from multiple sources,” she said.
As RAG, causal AI and decision intelligence evolve, financial institutions can innovate while ensuring compliance and risk control. As AI technologies develop, they will redefine how financial services operate and set the stage for broader applications across industries.
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For a deeper dive into this discussion, part of “The Next Frontiers of AI” podcast series, check out the full conversation:
Photo: SiliconANGLE
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My spreadsheet reviewed a WalletHub ranking of financial distress for the residents of 100 U.S. cities, including 17 in California. The analysis compared local credit scores, late bill payments, bankruptcy filings and online searches for debt or loans to quantify where individuals had the largest money challenges.
When California cities were divided into three geographic regions – Southern California, the Bay Area, and anything inland – the most challenges were often found far from the coast.
The average national ranking of the six inland cities was 39th worst for distress, the most troubled grade among the state’s slices.
Bakersfield received the inland region’s worst score, ranking No. 24 highest nationally for financial distress. That was followed by Sacramento (30th), San Bernardino (39th), Stockton (43rd), Fresno (45th), and Riverside (52nd).
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Southern California’s seven cities overall fared better, with an average national ranking of 56th largest financial problems.
However, Los Angeles had the state’s ugliest grade, ranking fifth-worst nationally for monetary distress. Then came San Diego at 22nd-worst, then Long Beach (48th), Irvine (70th), Anaheim (71st), Santa Ana (85th), and Chula Vista (89th).
Monetary challenges were limited in the Bay Area. Its four cities average rank was 69th worst nationally.
San Jose had the region’s most distressed finances, with a No. 50 worst ranking. That was followed by Oakland (69th), San Francisco (72nd), and Fremont (83rd).
The results remind us that inland California’s affordability – it’s home to the state’s cheapest housing, for example – doesn’t fully compensate for wages that typically decline the farther one works from the Pacific Ocean.
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A peek inside the scorecard’s grades shows where trouble exists within California.
Credit scores were the lowest inland, with little difference elsewhere. Late payments were also more common inland. Tardy bills were most difficult to find in Northern California.
Bankruptcy problems also were bubbling inland, but grew the slowest in Southern California. And worrisome online searches were more frequent inland, while varying only slightly closer to the Pacific.
Note: Across the state’s 17 cities in the study, the No. 53 average rank is a middle-of-the-pack grade on the 100-city national scale for monetary woes.
Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at jlansner@scng.com
The up-and-coming fintech scored a pair of fourth-quarter beats.
Diversified fintech Chime Financial(CHYM +12.88%) was playing a satisfying tune to investors on Thursday. The company’s stock flew almost 14% higher that trading session, thanks mostly to a fourth quarter that featured notably higher-than-expected revenue guidance.
Sweet music
Chime published its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results just after market close on Wednesday. For the former period, the company’s revenue was $596 million, bettering the same quarter of 2024 by 25%. The company’s strongest revenue stream, payments, rose 17% to $396 million. Its take from platform-related activity rose more precipitously, advancing 47% to $200 million.
Image source: Getty Images.
Meanwhile, Chime’s net loss under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) more than doubled. It was $45 million, or $0.12 per share, compared with a fourth-quarter 2024 deficit of $19.6 million.
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On average, analysts tracking the stock were modeling revenue below $578 million and a deeper bottom-line loss of $0.20 per share.
In its earnings release, Chime pointed to the take-up of its Chime Card as a particular catalyst for growth. Regarding the product, the company said, “Among new member cohorts, over half are adopting Chime Card, and those members are putting over 70% of their Chime spend on the product, which earns materially higher take rates compared to debit.”
Today’s Change
(12.88%) $2.72
Current Price
$23.83
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Key Data Points
Market Cap
$7.9B
Day’s Range
$22.30 – $24.63
52wk Range
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$16.17 – $44.94
Volume
562K
Avg Vol
3.3M
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Gross Margin
86.34%
Double-digit growth expected
Chime management proffered revenue and non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) guidance for full-year 2026. The company expects to post a top line of $627 million to $637 million, which would represent at least 21% growth over the 2024 result. Adjusted EBITDA should be $380 million to $400 million. No net income forecasts were provided in the earnings release.
It isn’t easy to find a niche in the financial industry, which is crowded with companies offering every imaginable type of service to clients. Yet Chime seems to be achieving that, as the Chime Card is clearly a hit among the company’s target demographic of clientele underserved by mainstream banks. This growth stock is definitely worth considering as a buy.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Student athletes are now earning real money thanks to name, image, likeness deals — but with that opportunity comes the need for financial preparation.
Noah Collins Howard and Dayshawn Preston are two high school juniors with Division I offers on the table. Both are chasing their dreams on the field, and both are navigating something brand new off of it — their finances.
“When it comes to NIL, some people just want the money, and they just spend it immediately. Well, you’ve got to know how to take care of your money. And again, you need to know how to grow it because you don’t want to just spend it,” said Collins Howard.
What You Need To Know
High school athletes with Division I prospects are learning to manage NIL money before they even reach college
Glory2Glory Sports Agency and Advantage Federal Credit Union have partnered to give young athletes access to financial literacy tools and credit-building resources
Financial experts warn that starting money habits early is key to long-term stability for student athletes entering the NIL era
Preston said the experience has already been eye-opening.
“It’s very important. Especially my first time having my own card and bank account — so that’s super exciting,” Preston said.
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For many young athletes, the money comes before the knowledge. That’s where Glory2Glory Sports Agency in Rochester comes in — helping athletes prepare for life outside of sports.
“College sports is now pro sports. These kids are going from one extreme to the other financially, and it’s important for them to have the tools necessary to navigate that massive shift,” said Antoine Hyman, CEO of Glory2Glory Sports Agency.
Through their Students for Change program, athletes get access to student checking accounts, financial literacy courses and credit-building tools — all through a partnership with Advantage Federal Credit Union.
“It’s never too early to start. We have youth accounts, student checking accounts — they were all designed specifically for students and the youth,” said Diane Miller, VP of marketing and PR at Advantage Federal Credit Union.
The goal goes beyond what’s in their pocket today. It’s about building habits that will protect them for life.
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“If you don’t start young, you’re always catching up. The younger you start them, the better off they’re going to be on that financial path,” added Nihada Donohew, executive vice president of Advantage Federal Credit Union.
For these athletes, having the right support system makes all the difference.
“It’s really great to have a support system around you. Help you get local deals with the local shops,” Preston added.
Collins-Howard said the program has given him a broader perspective beyond just the game.
“It gives me a better understanding of how to take care of myself and prepare myself for the future of giving back to the community,” Collins-Howard said.
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“These high school kids need someone to legitimately advocate their skills, their character and help them pick the right space. Everything has changed now,” Hyman added.
NIL opened the door. Programs like this one make sure these athletes walk through it — with a plan.
