IA talks AI

In the inaugural live episode of the “IA Talks AI” podcast, we hear from Matt Warman, UKAI Board Member and a former Digital Minister, on the future of AI in the UK, potential legislation on frontier models, the appropriate balance between regulating AI producers vs. deployers and the sustainability of AI.

James King interviews John Allan and Khim Peow, Optimai, on tech innovation in Singapore and the wider region, focusing on the approach to AI usage and adoption in within asset management locally and prospects for the future, including how the DeepSeek intervention may impact future developments.Optimai - https://www.optimai.com/ - is a Singapore-based fintech providing AI services for asset managers, traders and brokers locally as well as in Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Join us in this episode as we speak to Jessica Rusu, the Chief Data, Information and Intelligence Officer at the FCA. Hear about the opportunities AI is creating for the financial services industry, the FCA’s regulatory approach to AI and how the regulator is supporting innovation among firms.

Sid Jayakumar, Founder and CEO of FinsterAI, and Rufus Saunders, Business Development Lead, bring their expertise to discuss how AI is revolutionizing investment processes. They tackle the challenges of integrating AI in equity research and emphasize AI's role in enhancing analyst productivity. The duo highlights the importance of managing change and securing leadership support. They also delve into measuring AI’s ROI and how it can refine investment strategies, ultimately combining human insight with AI tech to improve decision-making.

Lord Holmes of Richmond, author of the AI Regulation Bill, shares his insights on the urgent need for AI legislation in the UK. He discusses the balance between regulating developers and users of AI while advocating for a dedicated AI authority. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of public engagement and trust, suggesting meaningful consultations to foster acceptance. Additionally, they explore the societal impacts of AI in areas like health and education, highlighting the crucial role of responsible regulation to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

Rebecca Healey, Managing Partner at Red Lap Consulting and an expert in AI's impact on capital markets, dives into her latest research on AI in trading. She discusses the evolution from basic machine learning to advanced algorithms, emphasizing how Generative AI can transform data analysis. The conversation also highlights the shift toward personalized trading strategies and the importance of overcoming implementation challenges, including compliance and robust data management, while navigating the hype surrounding AI.

Derrick Hastie, Chief Technology Officer at Legal & General Investment Management, shares insights on AI's transformative role in the investment sector. He discusses the challenges of integrating generative AI and overcoming cultural resistance in organizations. The importance of pilot programs and effective communication to foster innovation is emphasized. Additionally, Hastie highlights the pressing need for AI skills in the job market and the collaboration necessary to bridge the skills gap, ensuring future growth in investment management.

Joel Miller, AI Consultant and Co-Founder at ExoBrain, shares his insights on the vital role of AI in transforming asset management. The discussion highlights a 10-step plan that firms can adopt to stay competitive, stressing continuous innovation and sound governance. Miller emphasizes the importance of data quality and the establishment of a Center of Excellence to enhance collaboration within financial institutions. They also explore recent AI advancements, including OpenAI and Microsoft’s innovations, shaping the future landscape of the industry.

Labour has formed a new government with a strong mandate for ‘change’. After 14 years out of office Labour are back and have the opportunity to shape things for the foreseeable future. What do we know of their plans for AI regulation, and how will they look to balance the opportunities for the UK economy with managing the risks for individuals and consumers? Turning a page and starting the second series of the podcast, James King provides a summary of what we can expect from the first days of the new government.

The final episode of series one discusses financial stability and systemic risks from the use of AI in asset management. Merlin Stein, AI governance researcher at the University of Oxford and co-author of recent BIS Working Paper on AI (available at https://www.bis.org/publ/work1194.htm), joins John Allan to outline the paper’s findings on the potential of an ‘Intelligent financial system’ transformed by AI, and what it means for future regulatory policy – and asset manager’s roles.