SINGAPORE - Despite concerns about an artificial intelligence (AI) bubble, companies are debating the financial returns of AI investments. However, DBS Group Holdings Ltd., Southeast Asia's largest bank, is witnessing profitable outcomes from its AI initiatives, according to CEO Tan Su Shan.
Speaking at the Singapore Fintech Festival on November 12, 2025, Tan emphasized the tangible benefits of AI adoption, asserting, "It's not hope. It's now. It's already happening. And it will get even better." Her statements came during an interview with CNBC at Singapore Fintech Week.
DBS has integrated artificial intelligence across its operations for over a decade, preparing its data analytics for emerging generative and agentic AI technologies. Agentic AI independently makes decisions and executes tasks with minimal human intervention.
Tan predicts that AI will increase DBS's revenue by over 1 billion Singapore dollars (approximately $768 million USD) in 2025, up from 750 million SGD in 2024. This estimate is based on 370 AI applications powered by over 1,500 models within the company.
The CEO remarked, "The proliferation of generative AI has been transformative for us," noting a "snowballing effect" of benefits due to machine learning. A significant area of AI application for DBS is its financial services to institutional clients, using AI to enhance data collection and personalize offerings.
Tan highlighted that these advancements have led to "faster and more resilient" teams and contributed to recent growth in the bank's deposit rates, surpassing competitors.
Additionally, DBS recently launched an enhanced AI-powered assistant, "DBS Joy," for corporate clients. This service provides 24/7 assistance for unique corporate banking queries.