FTT Lending once again showed that lending is evolving fast and AI is still right at the centre of the conversation. Luckily, we had the opportunity to have a chat with Ben Ussher-Stanley, Regional Vice President at nCino, who shared his thoughts on where the market is heading in 2026.

Ben described a sector that is in the middle of an important transformation. While regulation and compliance still matter deeply, AI is opening the door to faster, smarter, and more connected ways of working. That creates a real opportunity for lenders to evolve, improve the customer experience, and build more efficient processes without losing the human judgment that remains so important.

He also highlighted how the role of partners is changing for the better. Lenders are looking for more than technical solutions, they want trusted guidance, industry insight, and support to help them navigate the AI landscape with confidence. That shift is creating stronger, more collaborative relationships across the market.

A big part of that optimism comes down to data. As Ben explained, AI is only as powerful as the data behind it, which means the lenders who get their foundations right will be best placed to benefit from what comes next. With the right data, strong governance, and a clear vision, there is real potential to future-proof lending in a meaningful way.

It is an exciting moment for the industry, and one that points to plenty of growth ahead. To hear Ben’s full perspective on where lending is going – and what the next few years could look like – watch the full video