Banks using AI are better at identifying creditworthy borrowers from afar, new study finds

By Brian Consiglio

May 28, 2025 
Contact: Brian Consiglio, consigliob@missouri.edu

Artificial intelligence could be a game changer for small businesses struggling to secure loans — even in areas without access to a brick-and-mortar bank branch — according to a new study from the University of Missouri.

Since the 2008 Great Recession, more than 13,000 bank branches have closed across the U.S., many in rural…