DCU Business School Start-Up Introduces Conversational Banking: Narrative Banking, a cutting-edge fintech start-up born out of DCU Business School, is set to redefine the small business banking experience with the launch of its live market pilot this month. Founded by Professor Michael Dowling and Dr. Yulia Plaksina, the company was awarded €500,000 through the Enterprise Ireland Commercialisation Fund in 2023, enabling the development of its flagship AI application: Finley.
Finley represents a breakthrough in banking technology, blending AI-powered financial storytelling with actionable insights tailored for small businesses. The live pilot, run in partnership with a top Irish creative agency, will mark a global first in conversational banking for growth, placing this next-generation tool directly into the hands of SMEs.
At the core of Finley’s innovation is its ability to analyse Open Banking transaction data and transform it into clear, engaging narratives unique to each business. These personalised financial stories help business owners understand their financial health and identify strategies for sustainable growth.
Professor Dowling emphasised the broader impact of the project:
“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 offers a sleek app interface that delivers daily personalised growth ideas, while enabling users to ask complex financial questions in plain language—receiving instant, insightful responses. The app also includes a suite of automated tools to ease administrative pressures, allowing entrepreneurs to focus more on innovation and expansion.
As Narrative Banking enters this exciting new phase, the fintech community and small business sector alike will be watching closely as this AI-powered transformation in banking unfolds.
