LEADERSHIP prevails when times get tough. As debates around the future of artificial intelligence (AI) seemingly took (and just as quickly restored) the job of one of its prominent leaders, the ultimate outcome epitomises a simple truth: AI is a leadership imperative with real impact, and must be managed across the board.

When steering this technological transformation, leaders must first take a look in the mirror. While 72 per cent of financial services leaders agree that a strong understanding of generative AI is a required skill for future C-suite executives, only 37 per cent are confident they have the right skills to help implement AI in their organisation. 

As generative AI (GenA) ushers in a new era of talent, transformation, and culture of ethical human leadership, financial services leaders must deliberately yet delicately balance the associated risks with rewards while shaping the industry’s AI adoption strategies.