M&T Bank Invests in Technology as a Competitive Edge
M&T Bank has significantly increased its in-house IT capabilities and talent since 2018, reducing reliance on external contractors and enhancing its responsiveness to technological changes.
Buffalo, NY – M&T Bank has substantially bolstered its internal information technology capabilities and workforce since 2018. The strategy, initiated under Chief Information Officer Michael Wisler, aims to reduce dependence on external tech vendors, accelerate the bank's response to technological shifts and customer demands, and build more resilient systems.
The bank has grown its in-house tech talent, with over 80% of its IT and data teams now employed directly by M&T. This focus on internal expertise includes recruiting new graduates through university partnerships and attracting talent through alternative pathways. M&T has also established two technology centers in Buffalo to support these efforts.
Michael Wisler, now Senior Executive Vice President for Technology and Operations, emphasizes the importance of scaled efficiency and consistency as the bank expands. He oversees technology supporting approximately 22,000 employees and the core functions enabling service to millions of customers across more than 900 branches and online in 12 Eastern states.
M&T Bank is actively exploring the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance operational and technical efficiency, improve cybersecurity and fraud detection, and proactively meet customer needs. AI copilots have already been deployed to over 15,000 employees for tasks ranging from analyzing call center conversations to generating code and identifying customer risks.