At the recent HFM With Intelligence Women's Network Lunch (March 2025), our Founding Partner, Carrie Whamond, alongside a group of industry experts, held a round table workshop covering current affairs shaping both our professional and personal landscapes. Carrie's topic of discussion was the advancement of AI, an incredibly relevant subject for the Finance and Technology industry. As AI increasingly reshapes workplaces, these two sectors must proactively engage with education, policies, and strategies to ensure these innovations are being used effectively and in line with compliance.
Here's what we discussed:
Are we relying on external vendors to guide us?
The sudden AI boom has led many financial sector firms to seek external guidance. Specialist AI and technology outsourced vendors offer expertise that shortens the learning curve, providing companies with ready-made tailored solutions and the most up-to-date technology and compliance insights. While external providers have distinct advantages, such as specialised knowledge and immediate access to sophisticated tools, over-reliance can lead to potential pitfalls, including dependency issues, loss of internal competencies, key man risk and possible escalating costs. Firms, therefore, must maintain a balanced approach by combining external expertise with internal skill-building to ensure sustainable growth and self-reliance in firm-wide AI adoption.
What training are we doing?
Financial organisations are increasingly prioritising internal training and skill development when it comes to AI integration. Structured programmes, workshops, and specialised courses are becoming industry standards to enhance employees' digital literacy, providing teams with foundational knowledge and advanced AI capabilities. The strongest firms embed continuous education into their culture. By encouraging staff to engage in AI-related certifications and hands-on training to bridge knowledge gaps, you will position yourself to be at the forefront of compliant technological advancements. As ever, it remains essential to ensure that, and training initiatives align closely with evolving industry standards and real-world applications to avoid redundancy. Tailored training, reflecting individual organisations' unique operational needs and strategic ambitions, are critical in developing a competitive advantage through AI.
Do we have AI policies, plans or strategies in place?
Strategic foresight is becoming increasingly essential as AI becomes ever more embedded within financial and technological operational frameworks. Organisations have begun formalising comprehensive AI policies, focusing on responsible use, ethics, data privacy, and compliance with emerging regulatory frameworks. Clear, actionable AI strategies provide structured guidelines for organisations, allowing for smoother adoption, risk mitigation, and maximisation of AI benefits. Nonetheless, the reality remains that many firms still lag in formalising these strategies. Without clear policy direction, organisations risk facing regulatory challenges or ethical dilemmas as AI systems become more sophisticated, potentially compromising brand trust and operational integrity.
Are we overwhelmed with where to start?
Given the complexity and rapidity of AI development, it is unsurprising that many financial professionals find themselves overwhelmed and uncertain about where to begin their AI journeys. To combat this inertia, start small by identifying specific business problems where AI can offer you tangible benefits. Gradual, educated adoption combined with an openness to experimentation and learning from early mistakes can significantly ease the initial intimidation factor. Embracing AI need not be daunting; it is about taking methodical steps forward rather than expecting immediate transformation.
As highlighted at the HFM With Intelligence Women's Network Lunch, the proactive navigation of AI advancements through structured education, thoughtful policy formulation, and strategic partnerships is pivotal. Organisations and individuals alike must commit to a continual process of learning and adaptation, turning potential challenges into opportunities for meaningful growth and innovation.
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