#238: How a 700-Person Bank Is Using AI to Build Apps, Agents, and Digital Employees

AI transformation at Peapack Private Bank and Trust centers on evolving from basic generative AI chat tools to deploying proactive "digital employees" that function as extensions of human teams. By leveraging a robust data warehouse and a network of 29 AI champions, the bank successfully shifted its "build versus buy" strategy, creating custom internal solutions that reduce costs and improve efficiency. For instance, an automated account review platform replaced a $375,000 vendor solution, while digital agents like "Alex" and "Penny" now handle routine IT and financial support tasks. This transition requires strong leadership buy-in, clear governance, and a culture that embraces experimentation and failure. Ultimately, the bank treats AI as a tool to augment human expertise, ensuring that technology remains a support mechanism for personalized client relationships rather than a replacement for human oversight.