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KEY TAKEAWAYS From 2 August 2026, major AI Act obligations apply to many AI systems used by financial institutions. Banks must identify where AI is used and determine whether systems qualify as high-risk. AI governance should be integrated with existing DORA operational resilience programmes. AI systems must be traceable, secure and subject to human oversight.
As European banks rethink the role of their physical networks, the question is no longer whether banking should be physical or digital. The real challenge is how to preserve accessibility, trust and customer proximity in a market where branches are shrinking and digital adoption is accelerating. This was one of the central themes discussed at
What Global Accessibility Awareness Day (21 May) Means for UK Banking With this month marking the 15th Global Accessibility Awareness Day, banks have the opportunity to rethink banking accessibility beyond the traditional branch and focus on inclusive, seamless experiences across digital, physical and self-service channels. Millions of people in the UK live with disabilities and
