AI, Digital Identity & the Next Wave of Cyber Risk

Nitesh Kumar explains how generative AI is reshaping cyber and digital identity risk, introducing both efficiency gains and new vulnerabilities. AI models can now bypass traditional controls such as facial recognition, forcing banks to rethink how they secure digital identities and evaluate third-party AI tools. While many institutions are eager to adopt AI for its clear benefits, early missteps have highlighted the need for strong guardrails, careful use-case selection, and a more measured approach to implementation.

He also warns that quantum computing poses a future systemic threat by undermining today’s encryption foundations, making preparation for post-quantum cryptography essential. Looking ahead, Nitesh stresses that the biggest success factor will be talent: risk professionals must develop hybrid expertise in technology, operations, and risk. As organisations around the world face similar challenges, he notes that cross-industry knowledge sharing is critical to accelerating safe adoption and avoiding repeated mistakes.