Technology and Data Leaders’ Network, Boston, April 2025

AI – an eye on the future
In April 2025, a roundtable discussion convened by WatersTechnology and Chartis at the Technology and Data in Financial Markets (TDFM) event highlighted the evolving landscape of technology and data priorities among financial institutions. As firms navigate market volatility, regulatory pressures, and changing customer expectations, technology leaders are focusing on generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), advanced data analytics, and cloud-based data marketplaces as foundational capabilities that drive strategic value.

Key takeaways:

  • Financial institutions are prioritising GenAI applications, advanced data analytics, and cloud marketplaces as essential components of their strategic agendas.
  • The transition from experimentation to enterprise value requires firms to focus on responsible scaling, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and managing challenges such as transparency, compliance, and operational complexity.
  • Banks face difficulties in justifying the return on investment for GenAI initiatives, often struggling to move beyond pilot projects to large-scale implementations that deliver measurable value.
  • The shift towards predictive and prescriptive analytics allows for real-time decision-making, transforming workflows from reactive to proactive through autonomous, decision-making AI systems.
  • Cloud-based data marketplaces facilitate secure and scalable data sharing, breaking down silos within organizations and enabling collaboration with external partners, though they face challenges in data format harmonisation and governance.
  • The integration of AI systems, advanced analytics, and cloud marketplaces represents a strategic convergence that is reshaping the operational landscape of banks, fostering innovation and competitive advantage.
  • Tech and data leaders are encouraged to build a connected data ecosystem that is cloud-native, AI-augmented, and insight-driven to meet current demands and set standards for future success.