As artificial intelligence agents gain traction across enterprise workflows, leading innovators at Bynder, a global leader in digital asset management, are urging a more balanced mindset: AI isn’t here to take over - it’s here to work with you.
In the past year, searches for “what are ai agents” have increased by 827%, showing an increasing interest in how this new technology can be used.
Murat Akyol, Senior Vice President Strategy at Bynder, explains how AI agents guide, create, support, and automate, but stresses that the human is still in control of the journey.
Warning against autonomy
Murat Akyol explains, “People often hear ‘agent’ and immediately think of full autonomy, which can create unease. But our philosophy is to keep humans in the loop and our customers in control.”
Bynder recently announced the launch of Bynder AI Agents — a suite of new AI innovations designed to support the full lifecycle of brand assets. But its leadership is clear: the future of AI isn’t about replacing marketers. It’s about empowering them.
Murat continues, “I often use the analogy of autonomous driving. Stage five is full autonomy, stage one is you driving manually, and the in-between stages include things like cruise control or lane assist. AI agents are similar, they’re designed to support users and gradually evolve in sophistication, always keeping people involved in the process.”
AI that learns with you, not for you
Unlike traditional AI systems, which handle narrow, specific tasks, AI agents serve as smart assistants. They are able to understand natural language and interact with systems on a user’s behalf. But this evolution also amplifies the need for real-life decision making.
Murat adds, “An AI agent becomes a layer between the user and the system. It can orchestrate or execute tasks on your behalf. However, while it can provide reliable execution, it will still require imagination and originality to capture the true essence of your brand and provide that irreplaceable human touch.”
Brand integrity, creative strategy, and cultural nuance are still firmly in the domain of the client - and Bynder believes they should stay there, as Murat explains:
“Ultimately, an AI agent relies on your guidance and input to perform tasks and understand your brand. The agent can be controlled to maintain consistency. However, it will still require human creativity.”
Control, accountability & global governance
As agents grow more autonomous, so do the legal and ethical questions surrounding them, as Murat details:
“A key legal question is: if an autonomous agent makes a mistake, who is responsible? Is it the user or the company that built the agent? These are questions still being debated.
Operating globally adds further complexity. Compliance always trails innovation, and for companies operating globally, navigating legal landscapes across Europe, the US, and beyond is increasingly complex.”
While the regulatory framework catches up, Bynder continues to take a principled stance: people must stay at the center of decision-making.
Embracing AI, but staying critical
Looking to the future, Bynder sees AI not just as a business tool, but as a cultural shift that demands reflection and responsibility.
“Staying curious and embracing AI is key because it’s here to stay. We need to stay curious and explore the opportunities AI offers, while also fostering a healthy skepticism and being critical of the information we get.”
While the pace of development suggests more advanced forms of AI are on the horizon, including discussions around AGI, the company remains focused on building trustworthy systems.
“Right now, we are in control of how AI behaves, and it's crucial that we maintain that control. As long as we continue to responsibly write the code and set the guidelines, we are still in control.”
Copilot, not autopilot
Bynder’s message is clear and future-facing: AI agents are here to enhance, not replace. To support, not substitute. To learn with us and not for us.
Murat concludes, “In marketing and branding, the human touch is not optional, it’s essential. The agent is the copilot. The brand owner, the marketer, the strategist - they’re still in the driver’s seat.”
Bynder’s AI Agents will be revealed at Bynder Connect in New York on May 21, the company’s global customer conference, bringing together industry leaders from renowned global brands to learn more about the next evolution of AI-powered DAM and Bynder’s latest innovations.