By Josh Bates
I recently had the pleasure of attending CBA Live 2026 for the first time. Given evolv’s focus on Data and AI transformation, I gravitated to the Innovation and Spark sessions centered around AI. The conversations were energizing—but also revealing in ways I don’t think the industry is fully grappling with yet.
A few moments stood out:
1. Discipline Before Disruption: Lessons from Anthony Noto
Hearing from SoFi’s CEO reinforced a critical point: even the most digitally native companies don’t skip the fundamentals. SoFi invested early in compliance, risk frameworks, and operational discipline—long before it needed them at scale. That groundwork is what enabled faster expansion into regulated banking and crypto.
Takeaway: AI acceleration without foundational discipline is a liability, not an advantage. The banks that win won’t just move fast—they’ll move prepared.
2. Modernization Isn’t Optional. It’s Table Stakes.
The work being led by Ben Metz and the engineering team at Jack Henry is a strong example of what real modernization looks like. This isn’t incremental improvement—it’s a deliberate effort to re-architect platforms to be AI-ready. That distinction matters. You can’t bolt AI onto legacy systems and expect meaningful transformation.
Takeaway: The real divide in banking won’t be “who is using AI” vs. “who isn’t.” It will be “who rebuilt for AI” vs. “who tried to layer it on.”
3. The Talent Conversation is Lagging Reality
One theme that surfaced repeatedly from the stage was reassurance: AI won’t take jobs.
That message may be comforting—but it’s incomplete. AI will fundamentally reshape roles across banking—especially in operations, risk analysis, servicing, and even parts of relationship management. The nature of work is going to change faster than most organizations are currently planning for.
Takeaway: The biggest risk isn’t job loss—it’s organizational unpreparedness. Banks need to start redesigning roles, reskilling talent, and rethinking operating models now—not after the disruption hits.
Final Thoughts
CBA Live made one thing clear: the industry understands that AI is important. What’s less clear is whether it fully appreciates the speed and depth of the change coming. Having worked closely with the new models that seem to be updated monthly from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google and others…I realized that those who think AI advancement in 2026 will look like it did the past 2 years will be shocked at what is coming.
From my perspective, the next 2–3 years in banking won’t be defined by experimentation—they’ll be defined by separation. The institutions that combine strong foundations, modern platforms, and a willingness to rethink talent will pull ahead quickly.
The rest will be playing catch-up in a market that won’t wait.
Don’t be the rest. evolv helps financial institutions build the foundation to lead—not follow. Reach out today!
Josh Bates leads evolv Consulting’s Financial Services and Insurance practice, bringing over 25 years of consulting and industry experience leading business and technology transformations. He has a proven history of driving strategic initiatives and leading modernization programs for global financial institutions including PayPal, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Invesco, Liberty Mutual, Capital One, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Previously, Josh led the FS&I practice for Slalom Consulting in the Northwest and TOLA regions. Josh earned his B.A. and J.D. from Seattle University.
