BNK Financial Group selects Samsung SDS to build group-wide generative AI platform

BNK Financial Group announced Thursday that it has selected Samsung SDS as the preferred negotiating partner for its group-wide generative AI platform project, marking the start of full-scale development aimed at driving digital innovation and improving operational productivity across the conglomerate.

BNK Financial evaluated candidates in September on technical capability, platform stability and project execution ability before selecting Samsung SDS. The two sides are currently in technical negotiations to finalize the project scope and system configuration.

The group plans to roll out generative AI services in stages across a range of operations — including compliance and regulatory inquiries, lending, foreign exchange, groupware and internal knowledge search — using the new platform as its foundation. Individual affiliates will also be able to draw on shared AI services through the platform, with the aim of maximizing synergies in AI adoption at the group level.

A key priority is building a "Responsible AI" governance framework to ensure that the group's financial subsidiaries use AI safely and accountably.

BNK Financial plans to extend the AI governance structure it has developed around the holding company, Busan Bank and Kyongnam Bank to all affiliates. Working with Kim & Chang, the group will also upgrade its AI management standards to reflect financial regulators' guidelines and evolving regulatory trends.

The group will also build an AI governance portal to embed the procedures and management systems needed for responsible AI use into day-to-day operations. The portal will systematically oversee the entire lifecycle of AI services — from planning and development through evaluation, verification and operation — allowing the group to identify potential risks in advance and strengthen safety and transparency.

"This project goes beyond introducing AI services for individual tasks — its significance lies in establishing a shared AI foundation and management framework that the entire group can use together," a BNK Financial Group official said. "We will continue to enhance the group's digital competitiveness by improving employee productivity while building a safe AI environment that financial consumers can trust."