DGS and Cetif: strategic agreement for research on AI and cybersecurity in the financial services sector

DGS and Cetif have signed a strategic agreement to develop research on Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity in support of banks and insurance companies. The agreement, announced on 11/03/2026, aims to strengthen the digital resilience of the financial services sector with a focus on AI adoption, collective intelligence and security, at a time of growing transformation in operational, decision-making and risk management models.

What is the partnership based on?

The collaboration between DGS S.p.A. and Cetif was created to support banks and insurance companies in adopting AI and protecting digital processes. Cetif is the Research Center on Technologies, Innovation and Financial Services of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. The stated goal is to address the impact of innovation on business models and identify possible areas for experimentation, with particular attention to security.

In the press release, DGS presents itself as an Italian leader in Cybersecurity, Digital Transformation and Advisory Consulting for businesses and Public Administration. The partnership is therefore designed to connect technological innovation and protection, with an approach that sees security as an enabler of digital transformation.

What activities does the agreement include?

The agreement includes DGS’s participation in the Cetif Research Hubs and the creation of an AI Lab. The Cetif Research Hubs are research programs dedicated to Advanced Analytics & AI and Cybersecurity, created to identify changes in the financial sector and analyze the impact of innovation on business models. The goal is also to define possible areas for experimentation.

In addition, the agreement aims to establish an AI Lab to explore in a concrete way the applicability and impact of AI-based collective intelligence solutions. These are advanced artificial intelligence solutions that enable a full integration between systems and human teams for solving complex tasks.

Why are AI and cybersecurity central for banks and insurance companies?

For DGS and Cetif, Artificial Intelligence can express its full potential only if supported by security, process control and risk prevention. In the current context, the discussion between the two organizations focuses on the need to ensure high security standards in support of innovation. AI is therefore considered a driver of growth, but only within a solid data protection framework.

The agreement is part of DGS’s “Prevention First” strategy, an approach that places security as an enabling factor for digital transformation and as a key lever to structurally reduce exposure to threats in highly complex technological environments.

What did Vincenzo Fiengo and Federico Rajola say?

The official statements reiterate that innovation and cybersecurity must grow together. Vincenzo Fiengo, CEO of DGS, said: “AI adoption in the financial sector is set to accelerate and have an increasingly significant impact on business models. Our commitment is to ensure that this evolution takes place on solid foundations, with high security standards and a structured approach to prevention. Innovation and cybersecurity must grow together, to ensure trust, resilience and protection of critical assets”.

Federico Rajola, Full Professor at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Director of Cetif, said: “AI and security are the areas of greatest investment for Italian banks and insurance companies. This is a fact that emerges from Cetif’s annual Digital Trends report and, not by chance, these are the topics at the center of the partnership we have signed with DGS. We are delighted to be able to support such a relevant Italian company in its growth journey”.

What is the final goal of the agreement?

With this partnership, DGS strengthens its position in the Banking & Insurance market and supports a safer, more responsible financial ecosystem. The agreement confirms the company’s commitment to contributing to the development of a sector capable of enhancing the impact of Artificial Intelligence in a responsible way, keeping the protection of critical assets and digital resilience at the center.

Is the press release available for download?

Yes, the press release is available in PDF format. It is listed as “download the press release” and the associated file is CS-Accordo-DGS-CETIF-11032026-def.pdf.