AI: Our Saviour or Destroyer?

On Wednesday, 19 July 2023, the FS Club, in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment (CISI), held a captivating summer mixer in London, delving into the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its potential consequences for business and humanity. Titled "Artificial Intelligence: Our Saviour or Destroyer?" The event aimed to explore the vast advancements in AI and the ramifications this may hold for our future, and as dispel some of the dystopian narratives that surround the controversial topic.

The occasion commenced with an atmosphere of excitement as attendees gathered at the elegant America Square Conference Centre, with a backdrop of the remains of the historic Roman London Wall, an apt representation of humanity’s journey from stone walls to the metaverse!

George Littlejohn, Senior Advisor at CISI, kicked off the event with a warm welcome to the audience. Acknowledging the importance of AI in shaping the financial and technological landscape, he set the stage for the evening's main speaker.

The Keynote Speech was delivered by none other than our very own Professor Alderman Michael Mainelli, Chairman of Z/Yen Group, and a highly esteemed authority in the field of AI.

Professor Mainelli shared his wealth of knowledge, tracing the history of AI and its development since the late 1970s. As an expert who has been actively involved in building and deploying AI systems in the UK for decades, his perspective offered a rare glimpse into the possibilities and potential challenges posed by AI technologies.

The subsequent Q&A session saw a flurry of engaging questions from the audience, delving into various aspects of AI, including its applications in finance, ethical considerations, and its impact on the job market. The mixture of finance professionals, tech enthusiasts, and scholars added depth to the discussion, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the topic.

One of the highlights of the evening was the informal networking that followed the keynote speech and Q&A session. Attendees mingled over canapés and refreshments, sparking lively conversations, and fostering an environment for shared knowledge and perspectives. We would like to gratefully thank George Littlejohn and our good friends at CISI for their sponsorship and hard work to make the event the success it was.

For those who missed this enlightening event, keep an eye out for future FS Club events, as there is little doubt that AI will remain a pivotal topic for years to come.

As the world continues to be shaped by AI's advancements, the future remains uncertain, but with events like these, we can collectively work towards a better understanding of this transformative technology. It is only through open conversations and informed decisions that we can ensure AI's positive impact on our society and maintain a hopeful outlook for the future.