What does it take to master the art of modern banking? In this interview, Christoph Prellwitz shares why creativity, courage, and a shift in mindset are becoming essential in an increasingly complex financial world. Discover why thinking beyond risks – and embracing new possibilities – is key to shaping the future of banking.
We spoke with Christoph Prellwitz, Member of the Executive Board at msg for banking, about the art of modern banking and why art and banking are such a natural fit.
The service portfolio of msg for banking includes modern consulting and IT solutions, as well as deep expertise in areas such as finance, risk, regulatory, compliance, artificial intelligence, cloud, payments, customer journey, and pricing. Art is not one of them. So why does the slogan “The art of modern banking” fit msg for banking so well?
Creativity will become increasingly important in the future – it is what sets us humans apart from AI.
Christoph Prellwitz Member of the Executive Board, msg for banking ag
(Christoph Prellwitz) CP: For me, art is synonymous with creativity, with new ways of thinking, and with the courage to break away from established paths. Admittedly, when people think of a software, IT, and consulting company, they tend to associate it with something quite different – more along the lines of structured processes and standardised approaches.
However, from my perspective, creativity is the most important capability, particularly at the beginning of any task. Anyone who has ever planned and implemented a comprehensive IT architecture for a bank knows that problem-solving is inherently a creative process. And this will become even more important in the future – because it is precisely what distinguishes us humans from AI.
There is always a great deal of emotion involved when I see how our people develop solutions.
Christoph Prellwitz Member of the Executive Board, msg for banking ag
Banking is generally associated with regulation, calculation, and risk management, while art evokes creativity, emotion, and spontaneity. At first glance, this may not seem like a natural match. Why, in your view, do art and banking work so well together?
CP: At first glance, I would agree… However, there is always a great deal of emotion involved when I see how our people develop solutions. There is a strong sense of passion and personal commitment – in the best possible way.
Christoph Prellwitz, Member of the Executive Board at msg for banking ag
As someone with a background in computer science, I see the process of finding solutions to specific problems – designing architectures, developing concepts, and programming – as deeply creative. Anyone who has worked with mathematical proofs or algorithms will also recognise that they often require a high degree of creative thinking. And ultimately, the combination of creativity and regulation makes perfect sense – if regulation is seen not merely as an obligation, but as an enabler for other developments.
In conversations with bankers, I often notice that they tend to think in terms of risks rather than opportunities.
Christoph Prellwitz Member of the Executive Board, msg for banking ag
What skills could bankers learn from artists?
CP: Courage. In conversations with bankers, I often notice that they tend to focus on risks rather than opportunities. It starts with calculating the probability of default of a counterparty, rather than looking at its potential. Artists tend to be bolder – they experiment more and are more willing to try new things.
What kind of shift in mindset is required at leadership level to truly embrace the art of modern banking?
CP: Within the msg Group, we are structured by industry. From my perspective, other industries are often more curious, more courageous, and more open to innovation than the financial services sector. What is sometimes missing here is the mindset of: “Let’s just get started together.”
the art of modern banking
Just as art translates complex ideas into a powerful visual language, banks must redesign their systems, processes and customer journeys — making them intuitive, transparent and consistently user-centric. Whether AI, the digital euro, cross-border payments or regulatory requirements — the real challenge does not lie in the technology itself, but in how it is designed, communicated and experienced.
Our conviction is clear: Creative minds. Powerful banking.
Those who combine the thinking principles of art and banking — and translate them into creative solutions — will not only manage disruption, but actively shape the future of banking.
is a member of the Management Board of msg for banking ag and is responsible for the Banking Digital Services division, which includes the Savings Banks Finance Group, Cooperative Financial Group and Commercial Banks business divisions. He is also responsible for Business Development Cloud.
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