5 must reads for the weekend

We kept our ear to the ground at World Summit AI for the interesting stats, insights and discussion points you need to feel in the know and shape the future with confidence.

1. Wise up to AI 

AI can be everything but only if it’s used wisely. Fewer costly mistakes, happier employees, and actual profit –– sounds good, doesn’t it? Responsible AI, with clear principles, strong governance, and real-time oversight, is the secret behind better performance. While most companies have already felt the sting of AI-related losses (we’re talking millions), those with solid controls are thriving. And with agentic AI and citizen developers on the rise, the stakes are only getting higher. TLDR: responsible AI isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a business strategy. Leaders who embrace it are turning risk into reward, while those flying blind are racking up losses. So, if you want AI to work for you, it’s time to get serious about responsibility. 

How Responsible AI translates investment into impact     

2. No more guessing games 

Imagine knowing what your clients will do before they do it. That’s the promise of AI simulation. Not the sci-fi kind, but a real, practical tool that helps wealth and asset managers make smarter decisions faster. Instead of relying on surveys or gut feelings, firms can now test strategies in a virtual sandbox that mirrors real-world behavior. Fear not, we put this to the test and recreated a massive global wealth report in just one day instead of the six months it usually takes. Even better, the simulation predicted actual client behavior more accurately than traditional methods. Whether it’s planning a product launch, refining pricing, or anticipating market shifts, this approach turns “hope it works” into “we know it will.” Guessing is out and real-time insights are in...  

How AI simulation accelerates growth in wealth and asset management  

3. At your service 

It’s 8:30 am and your AI agent has already sorted your inbox, drafted replies, reshuffled your calendar, and flagged a client opportunity — all before you’ve even finished your coffee. These digital sidekicks aren’t just smart; they’re changing the game. With the market for AI agents set to leap from $5.1 billion to $47 billion by 2030, they’re quickly becoming the most productive “colleague” in the room. It’s not about replacing people, though. The best setups put humans in charge, with agents handling the grunt work. The real twist? Your most valuable team member might not need a desk… 

Five key takeaways about AI agents and their impact  

4. The AI audit 

AI is everywhere but for many business leaders it still feels like a mystery wrapped in code. That’s where AI assessments come in, offering a way to peek inside and ask the real questions: is it working? Is it fair? Can we trust it? With more than 1,000 policy initiatives across 70 countries and 82% of consumers already using AI, the pressure is real. At the same time, 58% worry companies aren’t owning up to its misuse. Smart assessments like governance, conformity and performance can turn uncertainty into confidence and help businesses make sure their AI is not just powerful but principled. 

How AI assessments can enhance confidence in AI 

5. Return on intelligence 

Banks are betting big on artificial intelligence but few have seen real returns. More than half (52%) have piloted AI, yet only 16% have fully scaled it, leaving most stuck in “proof-of-concept” purgatory. That’s surprising given the sector’s near-perfect fit for the technology: complex, data-heavy, and ripe for efficiency gains. Still, early wins have mostly come from behind-the-scenes tasks while customer-facing uses remain rare and risk-averse. The real upside lies ahead — the moment AI shifts from back office to front line, reshaping everything from credit to client experience. For banks ready to move from pilots to performance, the first-mover advantage is wide open… 

Eight ways banks can move AI from pilot to performance  

If you do one thing: 

Treat AI like a time machine and ask what tomorrow’s clients might want. 

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