Training in AI? That's stating the obvious.

September 30, 2026

Artificial intelligence is now present in our daily lives as well as in professional practices. To say that it is entering the banking sector and that training is becoming necessary is therefore almost stating the obvious. One essential question remains: training is certainly needed, but in what? Understanding these tools, knowing how to use them judiciously, and maintaining mastery of one's expertise are becoming essential skills in their own right.

While the deployment of generative artificial intelligence still varies from one bank to another, the skills needed to use it must already be developed; this is self-evident. Training is therefore essential, but training in what? The advancement of AI and its models is matched only by the sums invested in its development, and we are only just beginning to glimpse its impact on professions, while recognizing that it will be massive.

In some banks, AI solutions are already available to teams, while in others, projects are still in the testing or preparation phase. The uses, however, are beginning to emerge and become established in practice: searching for and summarizing information, preparing documents, translating, comparing content, structuring ideas, and, with the advent of assistants and agents, automating certain tasks or even delegating them.

This ease of access to capabilities that were unthinkable just yesterday deserves to be fully understood. As we know today, an answer can be convincing yet erroneous, a summary can omit an important element, and the use of certain data can raise confidentiality issues. These are just a few examples. In a banking environment, where responsibility lies with those who use the system, these issues take on particular importance.

Skills to develop right now

For several months, the ISFB Observatory of Banking and Financial Skills has been monitoring the impact of AI on work and professions. In a survey conducted among member banks in April 2025 , the ISFB already highlighted the growing importance of skills related to AI, data, and the human aspects of work. These skills can be developed independently of each institution's technological timeline. Understanding how generative AI works, knowing how to formulate a request, verifying a response, protecting sensitive information, and identifying situations where human verification remains essential are already considered professional skills.

Maintaining control of one's work

In his analysis of recent research on generative AI and work , Stéphane Bonzon, a psychologist at ISFB, demonstrates that the observed effects extend far beyond mere productivity gains. AI can improve performance on certain tasks, but it can also alter the relationship to knowledge, professional judgment, and workload. Mathias Baitan, for his part, notes that AI now directly influences language and, consequently, our interactions with others. The more sophisticated these tools become, the more crucial professional expertise and the ability to assess the quality of a result remain.

An AI culture for all

Not all employees are destined to become artificial intelligence specialists; however, a shared understanding is essential: knowing the principles, risks, potential uses, and best practices. With this in mind, ISFB offers generative AI training for specialists in the French-speaking Swiss banking sector. Over three days, participants enhance their AI knowledge by understanding current challenges, discover real-world use cases in the banking environment, share best practices while learning practical tools, and address topics directly related to their work environment: data protection, current regulations, governance, digital sovereignty, and the impact of AI on work.

© Institut Supérieur de Formation Bancaire (ISFB). All rights reserved.
The analyses and content published by the ISFB may be quoted or reproduced in part, provided that the source is clearly mentioned. Any full or substantial reproduction of this article in another medium or format is subject to the prior written authorization of the ISFB. In order to facilitate reading and without any intention of discrimination, the masculine gender is generally used, in accordance with the grammatical rule that allows it to be used as a neutral value to refer to a group of people comprising both men and women. This publication is intended for ISFB members and their employees in Switzerland, as well as anyone interested in finance in Switzerland. It is not intended to be read or distributed in any jurisdiction where its distribution would be prohibited.

Christophe Nicod

Head of Continuing Education ISFB, Member of the Management Team

Not all employees are destined to become artificial intelligence specialists; however, a common culture becomes useful: knowing the principles, the risks, the possible uses, and the right reflexes.

Christophe Nicod, Member of the ISFB Management Team