AI agents drive structural changes in finance and corporate automation

Developments in artificial intelligence are reshaping both the financial services sector and corporate automation processes. In the consumer credit market, AI agents and digital networks are expected to fundamentally change how financing is accessed. A report by consultancy Cofinpro suggests that credit needs may soon be identified proactively by personal AI assistants that evaluate information and compare options before a customer even submits an application. This shift could move the core business of traditional banks toward digital decision-making networks.

In the energy sector, EnBW is implementing a centralized ‘Agentic Factory’ to develop AI agents using a skill-based approach. According to IT and Digital Chief René Deist, these agents are designed with reusable ‘skills’ to drive automation across various departments. For example, agents are used in requirements engineering to process documentation before developers begin programming. To ensure security, a governance board oversees that all agents adhere to the company’s specific access rights and regulations.