The Fourth Industrial Revolution and private commercial banks: the good, bad and ugly

Purpose This study aims to assess how new and emerging technologies can contribute to achieving the financial goals of the private commercial banking sector in Bangladesh. It considers the perception among the top management about the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and further measures the readiness of private commercial banks (PCBs) to become resilient. Design/methodology/approach This study attempts to measure the perception and readiness of the commercial banking sector because of the 4IR based on the stratified sampling method. The research is qualitative and selected PCBs listed in the Dhaka Stock Exchange. 4IR in the context of the banking sector in Bangladesh is a problem that has not been studied more clearly, intended to establish priorities, develop operational definitions and improve the final research design. Findings This research has identified a significant gap of study in the preparedness among the private commercial banking sector in Bangladesh to confront the 4IR while indicating the most significant risks and managerial insights. The findings show technologies will dramatically change the nature of work. Traditional system of banking from the branch will be shifting into banking from everywhere. Hence, digital products and services will foster value-driven business. The result of the study also states the readiness of the banking sector is in the preliminary stage and endorses some of the coping approaches. Research limitations/implications Different schools of thought regarding the role of the 4IR and its future consequences have been observed. The corporate sector in Bangladesh has an inclusive lack of understanding regarding the 4IR. Practical implications The insights may provide directions to banking financial institutions of Bangladesh to thrive during the 4IR. This study is intended to assist policymakers, decision-makers and employees of PCBs to increase awareness and preparedness for future challenges that may appear from the 4IR where the 41 competitive PCBs play vital role in turning the fast emerging Bangladesh economy. Originality/value The contribution of this paper associates with academics and bankers to increase understanding of coping in the context of the escalating use of emerging technology-driven banking services within the PCBs in Bangladesh by determining perception and testing different forms of readiness including a variety of important outcomes such as risks.