A collective of bankers is actively engaging with generative AI models, such as ChatGPT and Claude, to enhance public understanding of values-based banking. The initiative, led by the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), involves employees from its 72 member banks across 45 countries posing questions to these AI systems. Their goal is to ensure that the contributions and missions of values-based banks are included in AI responses.
Employees are instructed to ask AI platforms fundamental questions like, “What is a bank for?” and “What are the top banks in my city?” If the chatbots fail to acknowledge values-driven institutions, the employees gently correct them. David Reiling, CEO of Sunrise Banks in St. Paul, Minnesota, highlighted the initiative’s purpose: “One thing that dawned on us is that within data used to train the large language models, values-based banking may not be represented.”
Reiling utilizes Claude in his daily routine, consistently querying about community-focused banks. By providing feedback, he has seen a shift in responses, with Sunrise now frequently appearing at the top of the chatbot’s suggestions. “You can see the power of putting the data out there and influencing the model to a certain extent,” he remarked.
The initiative aims to broaden the representation of values-based banking in AI-generated information. Currently, chatbot responses often favor larger financial institutions. For instance, when American Banker queried Claude about the best community bank in the Twin Cities, the response highlighted Sunrise Banks, while a similar question posed to ChatGPT ranked Sunrise fourth among regional banks. This discrepancy illustrates the vulnerability of AI models to influence, for better or worse.
The GABV’s exercise emphasizes the importance of integrating purpose-driven banking into AI discourse. Martin Roher, executive director of GABV, stated, “AI is rewriting how the world understands banking and, right now, it’s leaving purpose and impact out of the picture. If we want a financial system that truly serves people and planet, we must make sure AI learns that, too.”
As AI technology advances faster than regulations can keep pace, the feedback from GABV’s member banks is crucial for guiding its development. Surjit Chana, a Harvard fellow and board director at Beneficial State Bank, emphasized the potential for values-based banks to leverage AI for social good. “The choice is ours whether it reshapes it for the better,” he said, urging active participation rather than passive observation.
The implications of this initiative extend beyond individual banks. John Ratzan, senior managing director and financial services U.S. AI lead at Accenture, noted that value-based large language models could alter public perceptions of banking. “In the context of responsible AI, value-based LLMs could provide a good perspective into various impacts that AI is having,” he stated.
Members of GABV include prominent institutions such as Triodos Bank in the U.K., The First MicroFinance Bank in Afghanistan, and Centenary Bank in Uganda. Sunrise Banks, a certified B Corp and community development financial institution, was established with the mission of serving low-income individuals, particularly immigrants in urban areas of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
This collaborative effort represents a proactive approach to shaping the future of banking in the age of AI, ensuring that the values of community and sustainability are not overlooked in an increasingly automated world.
