Who are we leaving behind?

When I read the Afterword written by my good friend, Brian Lee , in my latest book, "Banking on (Artificial) Intelligence", one sentence in particular stood out.

When making important decisions in an ever-evolving financial services landscape, we need to ask ourselves, “Who are we leaving behind?”

This is a question I often ask myself when I look at the dizzying technological development in our society. What we measure and focus on matters. Artificial intelligence for instance, can offer so much potential to level the playing field and solve some of the most complex challenges facing humanity; yet it can also deepen existing inequalities if we are not careful.

What then must we do to ensure the benefits of AI reach the far corners in our society instead of just the privileged few?

_____

What I am reading

[1] A new "personalized intelligence network" emerges from stealth.

According to Venture Beat, the new PIN AI mobile app lets a user select an underlying open-source AI model (including small versions of DeepSeek and Meta’s Llama) that runs directly on their smartphone; they can connect apps such as Gmail, social media platforms and financial services to their personal AI, training it to better serve them without exposing data to third parties.

[2] The original data scientist: Why Ida B. Wells is still a boss

In the midst of everything that is happening in our world today, this article by Reggie Townsend on Ida Wells and data ethics is a much needed thoughtful read.

"Her legacy reminds us that the true measure of technical innovation isn't its sophistication but its capacity for justice and human well-being. Her work demonstrates how data science principles can be applied to create meaningful social change, making her a pioneer in civil rights activism and data-driven research."

[3] The rise of shadow IT

Do companies know what tools their employees are using at work? Do we have too much faith in these generative AI tools?

"While there are hopes AI can improve productivity, it will come at a cost if an absence of training and oversight means inaccurate information is communicated between staff or to clients. Confidential details could also be at risk if workers use unsanctioned tools that do not adhere to security and privacy standards."

_____

Super excited to share that my third and latest book, "Banking on (Artificial) Intelligence: Navigating the Realities of AI in Financial Services" will be released soon!

As a technology, AI is essential to advancing innovation, to creating efficiencies, and enhancing productivity while capturing opportunities by both incumbent financial institutions as well as fintechs. But it also comes with risks and potential for biases and disinformation, that can deepen inequalities and erode trust in our society. Responsible innovation must be part of our DNA and not as an afterthought.

I can't wait to share the paper book with everyone!!

In the meantime, the eBook is available here and stay tuned for book signing announcements on the newly launched book website.

_____

I am looking forward to returning to London for Finovate Europe in less than 2 weeks!

Join us for two days of demos and insightful conversations from artificial intelligence and customer experience to payments, regtech, and beyond. On 26th February, I'll be chairing the AI track, hosting two panels with real conversations on strategies, risk management, and responsible innovation.

See you there! ??

_____

In this episode of One Vision — The FinTech Fuse, we welcome Tracy Lagasse, VP Sales and Customer Engagement at Dye & Durham Corporation, to discuss the evolving landscape of traditional banks and fintechs.?

Tracy delves into the competitive advantages of traditional banks, the challenges they face in modernizing infrastructure, and the ways they can adapt through partnerships and collaborations. The conversation also explores the impacts of AI, the changing role of big banks, and the future of financial institutions in North America.

Where is the banking industry heading and what it means for consumers and businesses? Listen now to gain insights into the role of trust, innovation, and collaboration in reshaping financial services.?

?? Available wherever you get your podcasts.

_____

As always, thank you for reading. If you enjoy my posts ...

?? Ring it on my profile so you don't miss the next one.

? Subscribe to this LinkedIn newsletter "The FinTech Prose" and share it with your network.

?? Hit like and comment to let me know your thoughts.

? Drop me a review on Beyond Good and The Metaverse Economy on Amazon.

?? Pre-order my upcoming book: Banking on (Artificial) Intelligence.

_____