India’s public sector banks are expanding the use of artificial intelligence and strengthening cybersecurity as part of the EASErise 8.0 reform programme. The initiative aims to modernise banking operations, improve customer services and strengthen protection against financial and technology-related risks.
What Is the EASErise 8.0 Programme?
The EASErise 8.0 Annual Report for FY 2026, released by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), outlines reforms designed to improve the performance and resilience of public sector banks.
The programme identifies 16 action points across four major areas: Risk and Resilience, Innovation, Socio-economic Impact and Excellence. These are supported by more than 50 reform initiatives and over 150 key performance indicators.
The reforms focus on modernising banking systems, improving financial inclusion, strengthening customer services and ensuring that banks can respond effectively to changing technological and financial risks.
How Are Banks Using Artificial Intelligence?
Public sector banks are developing AI policies and implementation plans while testing and deploying generative AI applications across banking operations.
One important area is AI-led credit underwriting, where technology can support the assessment of loan applications. Banks are also working on digitised loan collection and recovery processes to improve operational efficiency.
Integrated operational risk management is another priority. By using technology to identify and assess potential risks, banks aim to improve their ability to respond to operational challenges.
The reforms also encourage banks to use digital tools to simplify internal processes and provide smoother customer experiences.
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What Cybersecurity Changes Are Being Introduced?
Cybersecurity and data protection are central to the reform programme. Public sector banks are modernising their security infrastructure, improving threat monitoring and strengthening data governance and privacy frameworks.
Banks are also developing Resiliency Operations Centres (ROCs) to improve their ability to respond to disruptions and maintain essential services.
These centres are being developed around existing security operations, network operations, IT operations and business continuity systems. Their purpose is to strengthen coordination when banks face technical failures, cyber threats or other operational difficulties.
The programme also emphasises stronger risk management to address financial, technological, operational and data-related vulnerabilities.
How Will Digital Banking Services Improve?
Banks are working to improve digital services across customer-facing platforms while simplifying processes for both employees and customers.
The reforms highlight the use of the Account Aggregator framework, which allows banks acting as Financial Information Users to access financial information with customer consent.
Business process re-engineering is another major focus. Banks are digitising workflows to reduce complexity, improve efficiency and make services easier to access. Centralised systems are also being introduced to monitor software patch compliance and manage technology-related risks.
Who Will Benefit From the Banking Reforms?
The programme places considerable emphasis on inclusive banking and improving access to financial services.
Public sector banks are working to make services more accessible for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. They are also developing banking products and services for young people, women, startups, gig workers, farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises.
Alongside these measures, banks are strengthening environmental, social and governance practices and developing systems to assess climate-related risks.
The Excellence component focuses on sustainable growth, customer experience, cost optimisation, leadership development and better management of capital and liquidity.
Who Is Overseeing the Reform Programme?
The EASErise programme is coordinated by the Indian Banks’ Association and monitored by the Ministry of Finance.
It provides a framework for reviewing the progress of reforms across public sector banks, with performance indicators covering technology adoption, operational resilience, customer service and financial inclusion.
The programme also encourages banks to modernise older technology systems through centralisation, modularisation and microservices, making their infrastructure more flexible.
The420 Insight: Why Does Cyber Resilience Matter?
As public sector banks expand AI-driven services and digital operations, cybersecurity must develop alongside technological innovation.
Stronger threat monitoring, improved data protection, regular software updates and coordinated responses to disruptions can help banks reduce operational risks. The effectiveness of EASErise 8.0 will depend on how successfully banks implement these reforms while protecting customer information and maintaining reliable financial services.
About the author — Ayesha Aayat writes on cybercrime, digital safety, and emerging online threats. Her work focuses on public awareness, legal clarity, and technology-driven risks.
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