Future Trends in AI Banking: Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and Beyond

Future Trends in AI Banking: Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and Beyond offers an in-depth, forward-looking exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping the financial sector—from retail and private banking to global markets and digital currencies. As technology accelerates faster than regulation and tradition can keep pace, this book provides a clear, structured analysis of where finance is headed and how AI can help create a smarter, more inclusive system for all.

Organized into four sections, the book begins with a deep dive into the key technologies driving transformation, including machine learning, blockchain, and data analytics. It explains how these innovations are redefining customer behaviour, automating decision-making, and influencing behavioural finance—particularly in areas such as retirement planning and financial literacy.

The second section turns to the real world, presenting case studies and data-driven insights from private banking and other financial institutions. Readers will gain a realistic understanding of AI’s potential and its current limitations, from the challenges of integration to issues of transparency, trust, and governance.

The third section explores the evolving nature of money itself, highlighting the rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and how AI can support responsible innovation, ESG-aligned investment strategies, and sustainable growth. Privacy, regulation, and the social responsibilities of AI-driven finance are examined in depth.

Finally, the book closes with ethical and strategic reflections on the future of intelligent banking—addressing not just what AI can do, but what it should do. By blending technical insight with ethical foresight, Future Trends in AI Banking: Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and Beyond equips professionals, policymakers, and academics with the understanding needed to navigate the next wave of financial innovation.

Dr. Jyoti Verma is a faculty member at Chitkara Business School, Chitkara University, Punjab, India. With more than 30 research papers to her credit published in various journals and conferences at national and international levels, Dr. Verma has developed her core expertise in the area of service quality, blockchain, and behavioral finance. She has authored one book titled ‘Accelerating the Development of Quality of IT-Enabled Banking Services’ for international publishers. She has published many book chapters in edited books at the international level and published two edited books. She is a Subject Matter Expert and Course Planner for MOOC courses of SWAYAM and UGC CEC. She is an Associate Editor (Finance & International Business) for Journal of Technology Management for Growing Economies, Chitkara University Publications.

Dr. Sarvjeet Kaur Chatrath is a high caliber professional with sharp academic acumen and proven leadership skills with a global perspective. Dr. Sarvjeet Kaur Chatrath is a scholar of management and leadership, which was acknowledged by her receipt of India’s Mahila Rattan Gold and Bharat Vidya Shiromani Awards. She has over 25 years of extensive and diverse work experience in academic and industry research including financial planning, marketing, and establishing institutions from start-up to sustainability, including projects with India’s Yamuna Group. She has a doctorate in management (Ph.D.) and graduate and post graduate degrees in sociology and a second post graduate degree in business administration. She has pursued research, teaching, and consultation with passion and guided and supervised PG and doctoral students. Her research agenda focuses on leadership, management, social and gender psychology, behavioral change, and consumers experiencing vulnerability and social marketing, and service technology. Her industry translation research harnesses academia–industry linkages she has sustained through her involvement with industry as a scholar/practitioner. This rich experience informs Dr. Chatrath’s impact driven approach to research by focusing on sound methodologies to deliver tangible societal change at the individual and institutional levels. Dr. Chatrath has an extensive record of community and professional engagement with industry and non-government organizations. Dr. Chatrath’s research is internationally recognized through her publications in leading Scopus ranked Q1 journals and a track record of success in obtaining and successfully completing competitively funded research projects, and extensive involvement as an industry keynote speaker and invited assessor.

Dr. Gagandeep, a highly accomplished academic with a Ph.D. in management, brings over 15 years of teaching experience to the table. He earned his M.B.A. in marketing and completed his Ph.D. in marketing and international business at Panjab University's University Business School. With a strong background in marketing and a track record of publications in reputable journals, including Scopus indexed ones, Dr. Gagandeep's expertise spans research methodology, marketing research, and strategic management. Holding notable positions at prominent institutions like Chitkara University, Dr. Gagandeep has excelled as both a dedicated educator and a researcher. Additionally, his involvement in faculty development programs, mentoring of students, and contributions to various webinars and conferences underscore his commitment to the academic community.