Gap between traditional banks and digital-first fintechs is growing: Brett King
Staff Reporter :
Brett King – a top-10 globally ranked futurist, international bestselling author, and media personality – has said the divide between traditional banks and digital-first fintechs is widening rapidly.
Speaking at Bankers’ Meet 2025 in Dhaka on Thursday, hosted by UAE-based fintech firm Filps Limited, King addressed banking leaders and senior executives from Bangladesh’s leading financial institutions.
The event served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and future-focused insights on the digital banking landscape.
Known for his work on the future of banking, payments, and financial technology, King stressed that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are reshaping financial services worldwide – and that Bangladesh must move beyond outdated legacy systems to build the banks of tomorrow.
He also underscored the rising importance of climate and sustainability in shaping the sector’s future. Introducing his concept of Bank 5.0, King described an era where digital infrastructure, real-time engagement, and customer-centric innovation define competitiveness.
“Bangladesh has a tremendous opportunity to integrate AI into its banking system. Banking today is no longer just about finance – it’s a technology-driven industry,” he said.
Citing air quality issues in Bangladesh’s top cities, King noted that current technologies could address such problems. “Today, there are two types of people: those who are using AI and learning to master it, and those waiting to be replaced by them,” he remarked. He predicted that by 2035 there will be more robots than humans, with AI capable of generating news content indistinguishable from the original.
King also pointed out China’s rapid automation and renewable energy adoption as a reason for its economic ascent, contrasting it with the slower pace of the US. He highlighted that the world’s fastest-growing banks are technology-driven, with about 80% of Gen Z preferring mobile wallets or phone-based payments over physical cards.
“Some bankers in Bangladesh tell me their customers still prefer cash. But in 30 years, humans won’t be running banks – they will be technology companies,” he said.
The Next Era of Banking in Bangladesh The event, organised in association with City Bank, Prime Bank, and AB Bank, explored innovations and strategic partnerships to shape the future of Bangladesh’s banking industry.
Filps showcased its latest digital lending and customer onboarding technologies, illustrating how customer-focused solutions can transform the sector. The company also announced partnerships with City Bank and AB Bank.
For City Bank, the collaboration will overhaul its City Touch digital banking platform, delivering a smarter and more seamless customer experience. AB Bank’s partnership will introduce digital nano loans, expanding financial access.
Mashrur Arefin, chairman of the Association of Bankers Bangladesh Limited (ABB), said, “We thank Filps for bringing Brett King to Bangladesh at such a crucial time. His insights highlight the urgent need for tech-driven innovation and deeper financial inclusion.”
