Finance in the Age of AI: A System in Transition with Kirsten Rulf and Dr. Akram Awad

In just a few years, artificial intelligence has gone from novelty to necessity. Boardrooms are racing to adopt it. Teams are learning to work alongside it. And across financial services, the rules are being rewritten. In this episode of Fintech Files from BCG Platinion, Kirsten Rulf, Partner and Associate Director at BCG and former Senior Digital Policy Advisor involved in shaping the European AI Act, and Dr. Akram Awad, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, take us inside that shift. From the moment AI hit the mainstream to the reality of deploying it at scale, they explore how expectations are evolving and where the gaps still remain. Discussion Highlights: AI’s Inflection Point: How the launch of generative AI triggered a rapid shift in priorities across the industry. What the Data Says: BCG’s AI Radar Report highlights the gap between ambition and value. Shifting Team Dynamics: How AI is changing decision-making, collaboration, and leadership. World, Identity, and Meaning: Why the impact of AI goes beyond productivity. What Comes Next: From democratized financial advice to AI-native institutions, what the next phase could mean for the future of fintech. About Fintech Files: Join us on Fintech Files from BCG Platinion as we explore the cutting-edge trends disrupting Fintech today. From NeoBanks to cryptocurrency, we delve into the dynamic landscape of financial technology through insightful conversations with global disruptors. We’ll uncover the most groundbreaking trends shaping the future of Fintech and examine their impact on the financial world. We focus on real-world examples, making financial technology relatable and accessible to both Fintech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Hosted by Annika Melchert , a Principal currently based at BCG Platinion in the Middle East, and Nora Hocke , a Principal currently based at BCG Platinion in Sydney, our hosts bring expertise in tech transformations, platform architecture, and digital innovation. Annika and Nora work with Fintechs and incumbent banks, and together they offer unique insights into the evolving financial landscape, drawing on their wealth of experience with leading organizations. Bianca Lopes is an entrepreneur and economist from Brazil with a background in digital identity and biometrics. Having supported over 40 financial institutions and eight governments, Bianca’s work reshapes technology, reimagines identity, and drives innovation.