Generative AI (Gen AI) is rapidly transforming core banking functions. It has moved from the periphery to become a central part of the banking and financial services sector by automating routine tasks, strengthening the industry against evolving security threats, and changing the way a bank interacts with its customers. The most meaningful progress, however, is being driven not by generic large language models (LLMs) but by domain-specific models that understand the intricacies of banking down to its most minor nuances.
While general-purpose LLMs have dominated headlines, their utility in financial services remains limited. These models are trained on vast volumes of internet text and are best suited for general tasks; however, they are not ideal for navigating the regulatory complexity, transactional language, and risk sensitivity that define the financial domain. That is where domain-specific LLMs come in.
Built for the language of banking
Domain-specific LLMs are trained on curated financial data like transaction logs, internal reports, customer service transcripts, regulatory documentation, and historical fraud patterns. This fine-tuning equips them with an understanding of industry terminology, legal implications, and customer behaviour patterns. The risk of generating a non-compliant report is reduced when using domain-specific LLMs. Fine-tuning also allows financial institutions to securely integrate proprietary data into their AI models and ensure regulatory alignment and data privacy. The result is AI that is not just powerful but practical.
Personalization that performs
Financial institutions today are expected to deliver contextual, real-time advice through chatbots, mobile apps, or relationship manager dashboards. One of the most immediate use cases for domain-specific Gen AI is personalized banking. Domain-specific LLMs can recommend relevant products, optimize investment strategies, and provide timely financial guidance by ingesting customer data, such as transaction history, income trends, and behavioural patterns. Virtual assistants powered by these models are also changing how banks handle customer queries. These assistants provide a precise, human-like response to matters ranging from balance checks to loan queries, thanks to their training on actual banking interactions. Thus, allowing customer service teams to focus on higher-value tasks.
A sharper line of defence against fraud
Fine-tuned Gen AI models offer new capabilities for fraud detection and risk mitigation. As fraud tactics evolve, these models can identify subtle, high-risk patterns that traditional rule-based systems might miss. Another emerging capability is the creation of synthetic fraudulent scenarios. These are artificially generated yet realistic examples of financial fraud. When used to train risk detection systems, they improve resilience and adaptability.
Operational efficiency
Moving beyond customer-facing applications, domain-specific Gen AI can improve internal workflows and compliance functions. Gen AI streamlines essential compliance processes, including Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, complex document analysis, and regulatory reporting. This automation reduces human error and streamlines processes, such as onboarding customers.
Scalable solution
Once developed and fine-tuned, these models provide long-term savings and can be easily expanded across various banking functions, from improving customer service and optimising marketing to strengthening risk management and streamlining operations. Leading financial institutions like JPMorgan, Bloomberg, and Ally Bank are actively investing in building or adopting domain-specific LLMs.
Also read: Smart Defenses – Navigating the New Age of Fraud Risks
Domain-specific GenAI models lay the groundwork for the next wave of banking innovation. Many forward-looking financial institutions are now building or acquiring domain-specific models to stay ahead in a competitive market, as these specialised models help banks provide services that are safer, smarter, and more personalised.
The article has been written by Kishan Sundar, Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Maveric Systems
