Canara Bank Elevates its DNA with Data and Analytics Center

Canara Bank has set a new standard in the Indian banking sector with the inauguration of its cutting-edge Data and Analytics Center, DnA, in Bangaluru. This transformative event was marked by the opening of the DnA Center and the unveiling of the DnA logo by K. Satyanarayana Raju, Canara Bank's MD & CEO, along with Executive Directors who expressed their enthusiasm over the possibilities that data and analytics was likely to usher in.

The DnA Center stands as a beacon of innovation, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to drive collaboration and excellence. Embracing AI and Machine Learning, it promises enhanced operational efficiency and an elevated customer experience. Notably, the employee training module employs augmented and virtual reality, creating a metaverse for soft skill training within the bank environment.

The launch signifies a significant milestone in Canara Bank's transformation journey. Through strategic partnerships for data lake house implementation, it establishes an advanced analytics platform that can usher in a cloud-based data lake. Side by side, the introduction of five new products, including Prosper, Insta CIC Biz, Data in a Box, Data Driven Banking, and Converse, showcases Canara Bank's commitment to innovation.

Satyanarayana Raju explained the initiative's vision, emphasizing the importance of data in today's competitive business landscape. He explained, “With the current competitive business scenario, especially in the banking sector, data is our investment and it is our asset. When we realized that data makes us more competitive in the business, we started with analytics on a small scale.” He went on to highlight the bank's journey of refining data through analytics over the past two years and remarked on the DnA Center being a pivotal step toward focusing more on business analytics and changing the DnA of Canara Bank.

Canara Bank is leveraging AI across various operations, from customer-facing activities to employee upskilling and training. The bank uses AI tools for deposit mobilization, especially in Current Account Savings Account (CASA) acquisition. This technology equips branches with valuable information, enabling them to seize business opportunities and enhance customer engagement. With many ‘firsts’ to its credit, in many areas, the bank is now targeting the young customers as it believes that this segment, with its capacity for consumption, cannot be neglected.

AI contributes significantly to enhancing customer experience within Canara Bank. With the help of data and artificial intelligence, the bank has managed to improve the quality and TAT of credit related decisions and non-credit related decisions and all these can now be monitored more effectively too. Now, while the world moved from replacing 'customer satisfaction' with ‘customer experience’ as a key metric, the bank aims to achieve customer 'wowness’.

The event culminated with DACOE-THON, a hackathon platform amplifying Canara Bank's vision for creativity. RBI's Executive Director, P Vasudevan and a host of banking sector stalwarts graced the grand finale, which hosted finalists from across the country.

The DACOE-THON saw approximately 3,000 participants presenting 256 innovative ideas, with the top five teams entering the ultimate showdown. The Hackathon focused on practical solutions to improve customer experience, prevent fraud, and predict defaults. This initiative aims to tap into fintech solutions to address challenges faced by the bank.

The thrilling finale unveiled the champions of DACOE-THON, with three winning teams claiming their certificates and prize money. Vijay Srirangan, Non-Executive Chairman of Canara Bank, aptly concluded the evening by stating, "As a result of the Hackathon, we are all winners."

Canara Bank's DnA launch and DACOE-THON not only symbolize a leap forward in technological advancements but also underscore the bank's commitment to fostering innovation and creating a dynamic future for banking in India.