FST Media

The Future of Insurance Sydney returns in 2025 for its 14th annual edition. Join us on Friday, 21 March 2025, at the Hilton Sydney as we explore topics shaping the industry, including: 🔹 Climate risk & sustainability 🔹 APRA's 2025 regulatory changes 🔹 AI and emerging technologies Connect with 350+ insurance innovators, hear from 20+ visionary speakers, and discover cutting-edge solutions driving transformation. Register your interest today at https://lnkd.in/gNsh788H 🎟️ Attendance is complimentary for insurance professionals, so don't miss out! #FOISYD #InsuranceInnovation #FSTMedia

Last week, Kate Carruthers from UNSW shared game-changing insights into AI’s role in the future workforce. Tracing AI’s evolution from early machine learning to today’s generative models, Kate highlighted how these tools are driving new efficiencies and redefining customer interactions. As she explained, the combination of structured and unstructured data enables companies to uncover patterns and make smarter decisions. AI is moving beyond reports to automate processes like document recognition and Know Your Customer (KYC), transforming business operations. Kate also stressed the need for ethical and reliable AI frameworks as companies prepare to embed AI across their operations. This strategic shift promises greater operational efficiency but requires a thoughtful approach to maintain trust and accountability. Thank you, Kate, for these forward-looking insights into AI's transformative potential! #FSTMedia #FOFSSyd

I salute those who have the courage and dedication to start their own business.    Small businesses are the engine room of Australia’s economy and play such an important role in our local and regional communities.    Yet their failure rate remains astonishingly high – around 45% considered closing their doors in the past year.    Small businesses rely on banks – we are their primary and highest touch service provider, both through our technology and payment systems, and financing arrangements. But are we doing enough to support them?   I was fortunate to address this important topic at the FST Media Future of Financial Services conference last week in Sydney.   There is definitely more we can be doing – from offering more tailored and flexible financing, to providing technology solutions that ease what is often an overwhelming administrative burden.   This is the lens through which we’re building our new digital bank, on track to launch early in the new year. Find out more about our new digital banking experience: https://lnkd.in/gqVAahiV AMP AMP Bank #fofssyd

Sydney's Future of Financial Services: Innovation Insights from Asia Following my keynote speech at the "Future of Financial Services Conference" in Sydney, I participated in a panel discussion exploring the dynamic landscape of banking and key technological trends shaping the industry. I shared insights from Asia's experience with innovation, specifically focusing on DBS's journey of transformation and digital-first approach. Key takeaways for Australia’s financial sector: • Ecosystem Collaboration: Partner with fintechs and tech startups to build a broader ecosystem. • Digital Wealth: Leverage AI to deliver personalized financial guidance and seamless digital experiences. • Financial Inclusion: Use digital tools to reach underserved communities, driving financial literacy and tailored support. With a focus on innovation, Australian banks can strengthen their position in global financial service inclusion: #innovation #australia

In today's insightful panel at Future of Financial Services Sydney, Conor Brady, Rabobank Australia, Vinay Sharma, Commonwealth Bank, and Manzur Ali, EdgeVerve discussed driving operational excellence by leveraging AI.   Vinay highlighted AI's problem-solving potential but stressed the importance of rethinking digitisation and automation to better serve customers. He stressed the importance of data quality, compliance, and establishing frameworks for disruptive technologies.   Conor discussed that while AI is transforming industries, banks must turn hype into tangible business outcomes, embedding AI into processes with a structured, use case-based approach.   Manzur emphasised responsible AI adoption, underscoring the need for transparency in decision-making and careful human oversight as AI rapidly evolves. He pointed out the varying digital capabilities across the industry and the importance of explaining AI-driven decisions.   AI is set to transform industries, but its success depends on strong governance, frameworks, and responsible data use. A big thank you to Dulcie Agrawal for moderating this thought-provoking session! #FOFSSyd #FSTMedia #AIinFinance #ResponsibleAI

James Twiss and Kasey Kaplan ★★★★★ from Beforepay Group kicked off Stream C at Future of Financial Services Sydney with A Practical Guide to Deploying AI at Scale!   They shared actionable steps from Beforepay’s AI journey:   1. Choose Your Use Case – Focus on real, high-impact business problems. 2. Assemble Your Team – Bring together cross-functional experts with clear ownership. 3. Run Your Pilot – Move fast, test quickly, and expand what works. 4. Scale – Start small, track outcomes, and build from there. Jamie and Kasey didn’t shy away from discussing challenges like managing "Generative AI hallucination" and navigating legacy systems, all while emphasising the importance of human oversight in AI-driven processes.   Their key lesson learnt? AI success is about more than just the tech—it’s about aligning your strategy, teams, and goals. With the right foundation, AI can reshape industries and create exceptional customer experiences. Thank you, James Twiss and Kasey Kaplan ★★★★★ for sharing your Beforepay Group journey. #FOFSSYD #FSTMedia

Ed Santow's keynote on Artificial Intelligence: What Will New Regulation Mean for Financial Services? provided powerful insights into the evolving landscape of AI and its regulatory challenges for the financial industry. Key takeaways from his session: 🔹 Trust in AI: Despite the growing presence of AI, trust remains a major hurdle. With 61% of Australians ambivalent or unwilling to trust AI, fostering transparency and trustworthy AI practices is crucial. 🔹 New AI Regulations: The upcoming AI Act in the EU marks a significant shift. The challenge remains defining what truly constitutes AI, but the standards being set will shape how AI is deployed responsibly. 🔹 Balancing Opportunity and Risk: While AI offers huge potential, it also brings risks like malicious or reckless use. Ed emphasised the importance of collaboration between financial institutions and regulators to categorise and mitigate harm. Thank you, Ed, for highlighting how critical compliance and building trust are in unlocking AI’s full potential in financial services. #FOFSSYD #FSTMedia

What an incredible start to the event! Yesterday, we witnessed a day packed with valuable insights, engaging panel discussions, and plenty of networking opportunities. Our expert speakers delved into topics ranging from customer experience transformation to digital innovation, offering actionable strategies that are driving the financial services industry forward. The networking buzz was electric, with industry leaders connecting and sharing ideas that are sure to shape the future. 🎥 Catch the excitement of Day 1 in this short video, and get ready—Day 2 is off to a fantastic start, with AI implementation and cutting-edge insights taking centre stage! #FOFSSYD #FSTMedia Luke Hannan MBA Papercranes Productions

Today at the Future of Financial Services Sydney, Dan Jermyn, Chief Decision Scientist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia, shared how CBA is becoming an AI-driven, customer-obsessed organisation. CBA is leading the global AI revolution, currently ranked #5 in AI usage worldwide. Australia has cemented its place as a world leader in AI, and CBA is capitalising on this by attracting top global talent and upskilling its workforce, ensuring AI literacy across all leadership levels. Dan emphasised that CBA’s approach is about more than just embracing AI for AI's sake; it's about creating real, impactful outcomes. Through thoughtful partnerships, ecosystem engagement, and open-source AI research, CBA is building a responsible, scalable AI future. With humans at the helm, guiding AI through ethical controls and accountability, the bank is fostering a culture of collaboration and purpose. Thank you, Dan, for your insightful session on the future of AI at CBA and for highlighting that it isn’t just about technology—it’s about ensuring AI empowers better decision-making and business outcomes while remaining accountable and purpose-driven. #FOFSSyd #FSTMedia #Commonwealthbank