Tech-Driven, Client-Centric: New Priorities in SME & Corporate Banking Transformation

This report prepared by our Member Asseco examines how European banks serving SMEs and corporate clients are transforming to meet growing demand for seamless, real-time, and data-driven banking experiences. The study, based on responses from 60 senior banking executives, finds that automation, AI, omnichannel integration, and advanced analytics are the primary investment priorities. While digital transformation is progressing, many institutions still struggle with fragmented systems, incomplete customer views, legacy infrastructure, skills shortages, and regulatory uncertainty. AI adoption is expanding, particularly in risk management, credit decisioning, operations, and customer service, but remains largely focused on efficiency rather than growth, innovation, and advisory services. Banks face significant challenges in digital onboarding, KYC, credit decisions, and the digitalization of complex products such as leasing and trade finance. The report concludes that successful banks will evolve from transactional service providers into technology-enabled partners, leveraging AI, data, cloud technologies, APIs, and fintech collaborations to deliver personalized, integrated, and predictive financial services