DCU Business School Start-Up Introduces Conversational Banking

Narrative Banking, an innovative AI-driven fintech start-up originating from DCU Business School, is set to transform small business banking experiences – starting this month! Founded by Professor Michael Dowling and Dr. Yulia Plaksina, Narrative Banking was awarded €500,000 from the Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund last year. The funding facilitated the development of their first AI application, Finley, which uniquely blends financial storytelling with actionable insights, empowering small businesses to achieve meaningful growth.

Now Narrative Banking is launching its landmark live market pilot for Finley – a world-first initiative in conversational banking for growth. The pilot, conducted by a leading Irish creative agency, places their innovative generative and agentic AI-driven banking application directly into the hands of small business owners.

Finley interprets Open Banking transaction data, converting complex financial information into personalized, clear, and compelling narratives unique to each user. This innovative approach enables small businesses to craft strategic growth stories, enhancing their ability to plan and execute future growth initiatives.

Professor Dowling highlighted the broader significance, stating,

“Across Europe, small businesses have endured more than a decade of stagnant growth, primarily due to limited access to fresh growth opportunities and ideas. Finley changes that dynamic. We’re empowering small businesses with the tools to reignite their growth potential. This initiative is not only beneficial for small businesses but also for banks, as growing businesses naturally require increased financial products and support – making this a truly mutually beneficial solution.”

Finley’s app interface provides hyper-personalised daily growth ideas and allows users to ask detailed financial queries naturally, receiving immediate and actionable responses. Furthermore, Finley’s AI-driven automation store offers tools specifically designed to reduce administrative burdens, allowing small businesses to refocus their efforts toward growth.

Learn more about Narrative and Finley, and feel free to reach out, at: narrativebanking.com.