Future Connect Members Explore the AI Revolution in Finance

10 April 2025

AI adoption is as much about culture as it is about technology. AI readiness is 10% technology, 20% data and 70% people and processes. Firms need to invest in upskilling staff in prompt engineering - the art of getting the most out of AI tools.
James FaureFounder & CEO, Clairo AI

Looking Beyond the Hype: The Second Bounce of the Ball

Key Takeaways on AI’s Impact in Finance

From Vision to Innovation

James shared insights from his career journey – from building AI systems in South African hospitals to launching Clairo AI in the UK.

The Rapid Evolution of Generative AI

Attendees were walked through a brief timeline of Generative AI, charting the rise of large language models (LLMs) in 2018 to the launch of accessible tools like ChatGPT in 2022 and now the emergence of AI agents in 2025.

Unlocking Business Value with Agentic AI

James explained the concept of Agentic AI, which combines knowledge, intelligence, personas and actions to create systems that act independently. These AI agents can access data, make decisions and communicate with users.

Data Privacy and Compliance at the Core

With many firms hesitant to embrace AI due to data privacy concerns, James stressed the importance of secure, private AI systems. He advocated for compliance with international standards that align with global best practices.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Think Big

James wrapped up with a call to action: ‘Start your AI journey. It won’t happen overnight.’ He encouraged attendees to experiment with tools, build prototypes and involve teams in the AI conversation. Those who do will be best positioned to thrive.