Lending at AI speed - From code to credit
Marko Jaanu & Tommi Hinkkala — Siili Solutions
AI-driven lending transforms banks' heavy, manual, slow processes by enabling automation and advanced credit scoring using real-time transactions, social patterns, and open banking data. Secure AI development integrates technology, data, and business, shifting roles from human-in-the-loop to human-on-the-loop. Deployment options range from on-premise to cloud and hybrid AI inference, balancing security and performance. Real-world applications include 95% invoice automation and AI-enhanced logistics systems, highlighting the need for enterprise-wide transformation encompassing people, processes, and technology to fully harness AI's potential.
"The shift from manual, slow processes in banking to AI-powered automation is not just about technology; it's about transforming the entire organization—people, processes, and business—to realize faster, more accurate, and innovative value."
Summary
- Banks' lending processes are slow, manual, and heavy, with AI enabling automation and real-time data analysis for credit decisions. - AI transforms software development by automating tedious tasks, with humans acting as supervisors or conductors. - AI-driven development can lead to significant cost savings (e.g., €9M annually) and faster innovation through shorter feedback loops. - Security in AI development varies: on-premise offers high security but limited models; cloud offers flexibility with enterprise-grade protection. - Intelligent automation (IA) is recommended over full AI; AI should be applied selectively where it adds real value, as shown in logistics and invoice processing.
Article
Banking's AI revolution: how algorithms are reshaping lending at unprecedented speed
Financial experts at Nordic Fintech Summit reveal how artificial intelligence is transforming credit decisions and automating manual processes
In a comprehensive presentation that outlined the future landscape of financial services, industry veterans Marko Jaanu and Tommi Hinkkala delivered a compelling vision of AI-powered lending at the Nordic Fintech Summit in May 2025. Their session, titled "Lending at AI speed - From code to credit," detailed how artificial intelligence is fundamentally redesigning traditionally slow and manual banking processes.
"Ten, fifteen years ago cloud was a no-go platform for banking systems. Nowadays it is the default and that will change. We see a shift from human in the loop to human on the loop," Jaanu told the audience, highlighting the rapid evolution in banking technology adoption.
From manual processes to algorithmic decisions
The speakers described current lending practices at most banks as "heavy, manual, and slow," contrasting this with the emerging capabilities of AI-enhanced systems. According to their presentation, modern financial institutions can now leverage real-time transaction data, social patterns, and open banking feeds to evaluate borrowers' financial health—moving beyond traditional credit scoring methods that rely primarily on payment history.
"Automation is redefining credit scoring by analyzing real-time transaction data, social patterns, and open banking feeds to evaluate borrowers' financial health instead of relying solely on payment history," Hinkkala explained during the session.
This technological shift enables near-instantaneous lending decisions that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago, potentially revolutionizing how consumers and businesses access capital.
Balancing security with innovation
A significant portion of the presentation addressed the critical challenge of security in AI-powered banking systems. The speakers outlined multiple deployment options, from highly secure on-premise solutions to cloud-based systems with enterprise-grade protection.
"The whole company must transform—technology, business, and people—to successfully adopt AI," Jaanu noted, emphasizing that technological implementation is only one piece of a larger organizational puzzle.
The speakers stressed that comprehensive transformation requires changes not just in systems but in people's roles, shifting from direct execution to supervision and oversight of AI-driven processes.
Real-world successes and implementation strategy
To illustrate the practical impact of these technologies, the presenters shared several case studies, including a finance company that achieved 95% automation in invoice processing by combining AI with traditional robotics.
"Applying AI where it makes sense—intelligent automation—is the key. It's not about AI everywhere but using it precisely to combine AI with traditional robotics for resilience and compliance," Hinkkala said.
Another example featured an AI-enhanced logistics system that optimized routes and provided real-time data to prevent delays, demonstrating how these technologies can be applied across industries.
The human element in an algorithmic world
Perhaps most insightful was the presenters' discussion of how roles are evolving within financial institutions. Rather than eliminating human involvement, AI appears to be transforming it—shifting from direct execution of tasks to supervision and orchestration of automated systems.
"AI-powered development transforms digital processes by shifting tedious repetitive tasks from humans to AI agents, with humans taking on supervisory roles to increase speed, accuracy, and innovation," explained Jaanu.
This transition is already yielding significant returns, with one case study showing €9 million in annual cost savings from AI implementation in a development organization of 250 people.
As the financial industry continues its digital evolution, the vision presented at the Nordic Fintech Summit suggests that institutions embracing intelligent automation—selectively applying AI where it adds genuine value—will gain significant competitive advantages while maintaining necessary compliance and security standards. The future of lending, it seems, will be measured in milliseconds rather than days.
Part of Nordic Fintech Summit