How are tokenization, stablecoins, and artificial intelligence transforming the future of commercial banking?

n this NYSE Live interview from Money20/20 USA, Eric Girard, Co-Head of Commercial Product at KeyBank, discusses the growing opportunities surrounding tokenization, digital assets, AI-powered banking solutions, and the evolution of commercial financial services.

JD Durkin spoke with Girard about digital asset adoption, tokenized deposits, commercial treasury management, artificial intelligence, and how financial institutions are preparing for the next generation of banking innovation.

A major theme throughout the conversation is the increasing convergence between traditional finance and digital assets. Girard explains that growing regulatory clarity, expanding blockchain infrastructure, and emerging tokenized deposit networks are creating new opportunities for banks and commercial clients alike.

The interview also explores the potential of tokenization in commercial banking. Girard believes tokenized deposits, programmable money, and blockchain-based financial systems could help businesses automate processes, improve liquidity management, and streamline treasury operations.

Another key topic is the role of commercial treasury departments. Many treasury functions involve managing cash positions, executing payments, and coordinating financial activity across multiple systems and jurisdictions. According to Girard, tokenized financial infrastructure could simplify many of these workflows while increasing efficiency and flexibility.

The conversation further examines the concept of programmable money. By embedding rules and conditions directly into digital assets, businesses could potentially automate a wide range of financial processes that currently require significant manual oversight and coordination.

A significant focus of the discussion is artificial intelligence. Girard highlights opportunities to use AI to improve decision-making, detect fraud, forecast cash flow, automate reconciliation processes, and enhance operational efficiency for both banks and clients.

The interview also addresses practical applications for stablecoins and digital assets. Girard expects commercial customers to increasingly interact with tokenized financial products and blockchain-based payment systems as adoption expands throughout the financial ecosystem.

Another major theme is how banks can support clients during this transition. KeyBank is focused on developing capabilities that help businesses navigate emerging technologies while maintaining the reliability, security, and service standards expected from established financial institutions.

The discussion also highlights Key Expense IQ, a new expense management and corporate card platform designed to help businesses automate administrative processes, streamline expense tracking, improve reporting, and reduce
manual workloads through technology-driven solutions.

Additionally, Girard explains how AI can be integrated into financial workflows to create more intuitive user experiences while helping organizations reduce operational friction and improve productivity.

The interview further explores the broader convergence of banking, payments, software, and artificial intelligence. Girard believes financial services are increasingly becoming embedded within digital platforms and workflows, creating opportunities for more seamless customer experiences.

Looking ahead, Girard expects innovation in tokenization, AI, stablecoins, embedded banking, and programmable financial services to continue accelerating across the banking industry over the next several years.

Throughout the discussion, Girard shares insights on tokenization, stablecoins, digital assets, commercial banking, treasury management, artificial intelligence, payments innovation, embedded finance, blockchain technology, and financial services modernization.

Disclaimer: Informational content only. NYSE does not endorse or recommend investments, strategies, companies, products, or services discussed.

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