Financial Services sees Agentic AI gain momentum even as readiness gap widens

By Puja Sharma

New research commissioned by Endava – the technology-driven business transformation group whose AI-native approach combines cutting edge technology with deep industry expertise – reveals a significant readiness gap among global financial services and fintech firms on agentic AI adoption.

The findings suggest that readiness is currently more aspirational than operational, as 92% of global leaders feel prepared to embed the technology, yet just 36% of organisations currently have a fully funded strategy to make that a reality.

Endava’s report, surveying 1,000 senior leaders across major financial markets, does, however, suggest that this gap is likely to close quickly, as many expect agentic AI to play a critical role in reshaping productivity, innovation and customer experiences. In fact, many organisations are aligned on agentic AI’s benefits, its positive influence on growth, and the need for AI governance across the sector. This is particularly the case as firms head towards fully AI-native futures.

The shift from agile to AI-native models

The research indicates that traditional agile processes, while still valued, are no longer keeping pace with the speed and autonomy required in today’s age of AI. This comes as autonomous systems capable of learning, reasoning and acting in real time are becoming more embedded across financial operations.

While 86% maintain that agile approaches remain useful for responding to changing needs, three-quarters of leaders (75%) reported that these are creating bottlenecks that slow innovation. Leaders also highlighted that regulatory complexity (49%) and ecosystem integrations (49%) are major friction points where agile approaches fall short. As a result, most (76%) believe that AI-native ways of working will be essential within the next two to three years, and nearly all (94%) consider them critical for maintaining a competitive edge.

Adoption remains in its early phases though. Only 16% of organisations describe themselves as AI-native today, underscoring the scale of change required to modernise processes, governance and operations. This uneven gap in early adoption is mirrored on the global stage. While 25% of Italian and 24% of American financial services organisations surveyed are already AI-native, just 6% of French and 4% of UAE firms can say the same. Meanwhile, the UK aligns with the average at 16%.

Impact on growth and real-time capabilities

Most leaders view agentic AI as a catalyst for unlocking new commercial and operational opportunities. In fact, over 80%² of financial leaders expect the technology to help them capture new market potential and create new business models.

Agentic AI’s machine-speed analysis is expected to offer the most immediate value. In the near term, leaders predict agentic AI to significantly improve fraud detection, financial-crime prevention and operational continuity. Over the next three years, financial services leaders anticipate a broader transformation, one defined by real-time, 24/7 financial services. Respondents expect agentic AI to accelerate innovation cycles and offer increasingly personalised, even autonomous, customer experiences. Leaders view these capabilities as essential to competing with digital-first challengers and in meeting rising expectations for seamless, on-demand engagement.

Responsible AI adoption remains a top concern

While optimism in AI’s potential is very high, leaders also recognise that responsible adoption will determine long-term success. Data privacy, regulatory uncertainty and transparency in AI-driven decisions remain the most common concerns.

Practical challenges persist too, though organisations appear to be making progress. Nearly half of respondents shared they were embedding ethical guidelines into AI development (47%) and implementing transparency and explainability measures (47%). Similarly, leaders are strengthening their data privacy protections (46%) and establishing clear governance frameworks and policies for AI use (44%).

Shared global efforts to align agentic AI with regulatory requirements (42%) and to train employees on responsible use (37%) demonstrates a commitment by leaders to balance innovation with accountability. When the readiness gap is bridged, this suggests there will be a clear and deliberate global move towards responsible, compliant and well-governed AI adoption.

Matt Cloke, CTO at Endava, commented: “Agentic AI represents a step-change in how financial services organisations operate and innovate. The opportunity is clear, but so is the responsibility. Our research shows that those who build AI-native operating models, backed by strong governance, will be the ones to lead the next era of financial services.  At Endava, we’re already adopting this approach with Dava.Flow, our AI-enabled engagement lifecycle. We know that success lies in adapting quickly, embracing multidisciplinary teams, and balancing innovation with organisational health.”