OCC urges banks to boost AI defenses amid rising cyber risks and innovation opportunities.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) highlighted artificial intelligence as both a significant cyber risk and an innovation opportunity for banks in its 2026 Semiannual Risk Perspective. The OCC recommends banks strengthen AI-related security measures like multifactor authentication and patch management, while also using AI tools to defend against cyber threats. The report notes banks are exploring generative and agentic AI to enhance productivity and customer service, emphasizing the need for strong governance and risk management. Additionally, the OCC pointed to steady bank earnings and manageable credit risks but warned of increased compliance challenges due to geopolitical tensions.