Riverty launches next Fintech 2040 paper exploring how AI, ethics and accountability can shape the future of credit

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in credit decision-making, the conversation is shifting beyond technological capability to the ethical and governance frameworks needed to build lasting trust.

Today, Riverty publishes the latest paper in its Fintech 2040 thought leadership series: “AI Ethics and Accountability in Hyperindividualized Lending: Pathways to Optimized Consumer Credits.”

Developed with contributions from AI governance expert Anita Klingel, Roland Frank, Jan Richard and Florian Haubold, the paper examines how AI can improve access to credit and create more personalised financial services while ensuring that transparency, accountability and fairness remain central to decision-making.

The publication comes at a time when financial institutions across Europe are implementing new frameworks for AI governance and operational resilience, making responsible AI one of the defining topics for the future of financial services.

Rather than viewing ethics and innovation as competing priorities, the paper argues that responsible AI requires governance models that translate ethical principles into practical, scalable decision-making. It identifies three key enablers for responsible AI-powered lending:

• Data sovereignty that gives consumers meaningful control over how their information is used.
• Interoperability that enables secure and transparent data sharing.
• Robust process design that embeds explainability, accountability and oversight throughout the credit lifecycle.

Together, these elements provide a practical pathway towards credit markets where technological innovation, ethical responsibility and commercial sustainability reinforce one another.

The next frontier: accountable agentic AI

The paper also looks ahead to the emergence of agentic AI, where systems move beyond recommending or analysing to taking actions with greater autonomy. In credit, such agents could potentially compare and negotiate offers, access data or initiate actions on behalf of consumers or providers. This increases the importance of clear mandates, defined limits, human oversight and meaningful recourse. The paper argues for “bounded and contestable autonomy”: AI agents may be given greater freedom to act, but the institutions deploying them must retain clear accountability for their outcomes.

“Artificial intelligence gives us new opportunities to improve credit decisions, broaden financial inclusion and better serve customers. But technology alone is never enough,” said Oliver Kuhaupt, Chief Risk Officer at Riverty.

“As AI becomes more deeply embedded in financial services, ethical principles must be supported by robust governance, transparent decision-making and disciplined risk management. Trust is built when innovation is not only powerful, but also explainable, accountable and resilient.”

The paper is the latest publication within Fintech 2040, Riverty’s long-term thought leadership platform bringing together academics, industry experts and policymakers to explore the technologies, governance models and policy frameworks shaping the future of financial services.

About Riverty Group

Riverty is a driving force in the fintech sector and operates in 10 European countries. With more than 4,000 employees, the Bertelsmann Group company offers payment, collection and factoring solutions that support businesses and consumers in managing financial processes and cash flows. The company brings more than 60 years of financial services experience, dating back to 1960.