Swiss banking giant UBS is accelerating its investments in artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational efficiency and client experience. CEO Sergio Ermotti outlined the firm’s plans to redesign both front and back-office processes during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call.
AI adoption grows across UBS
Ermotti emphasized the importance of applying a “one-bank approach” to UBS’s operations as the bank continues integrating AI across its services. The strategy aims to improve productivity and resilience within the organization while also enhancing the client experience.
“We are investing in a portfolio of large-scale transformational AI programs designed to increase our operational resilience, enhance the client experience, and unlock higher levels of efficiency,” Ermotti stated.
UBS integrates AI amid Credit Suisse acquisition
The AI initiatives will be rolled out alongside UBS’s ongoing integration of Credit Suisse, which it acquired in 2023. UBS plans to complete the integration by the end of 2026, with the final client migration being the most complex phase. This migration is crucial for winding down legacy infrastructure by year-end.
Executive changes amid AI rollout
Alongside the AI efforts, UBS has seen some leadership changes. The bank recently appointed its first Chief AI Officer, Daniele Magazzeni, formerly the analytics chief at JPMorgan Chase. However, UBS also experienced the departure of several AI executives, including Ronald Jansen, who left to take on a new role at JPMorgan Chase.
These changes reflect a broader trend in the financial sector as more banks adopt AI technologies. For instance, Wells Fargo has reshuffled its leadership to focus on AI, appointing Saul Van Beurden as head of AI and co-CEO of consumer banking and lending.
UBS AI adoption continues to grow
In 2025, UBS launched more than 300 AI use cases across its operations. Ermotti pointed to the strong adoption of AI tools, saying that the bank’s next-generation platforms are improving efficiency and productivity throughout the firm.
As UBS continues to leverage AI to reshape its operations, the bank’s ongoing integration of Credit Suisse and its strategic use of AI aim to unlock significant efficiencies in the coming years.
