Lloyds Banking Group has partnered with Cambridge Spark, a prominent education technology firm, to launch an AI training initiative tailored for its senior leaders. This six-month program, “Leading with AI,” is designed to train over 200 executives, comprising 80 hours of intensive instruction.
As banks globally strive to leverage the AI revolution, Lloyds is committed to ensuring its leadership stays ahead of the curve. In August 2024, the bank appointed Dr. Rohit Dhawan, a former executive at AWS, as the Director of AI and Advanced Analytics. He leads a team of around 200 specialists, including more than 30 PhD holders, at the bank’s Centre of AI Excellence.
Recognizing the transformative potential of AI in the financial sector, Lloyds aims to equip its top management with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate this evolving landscape.
The training program will feature a combination of in-person workshops, virtual masterclasses, and hands-on projects. Key objectives include harnessing AI technology to identify new opportunities and implementing solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences.
Ron van Kemenade, Group COO of Lloyds, emphasized the pivotal role of AI in financial services, stating, “We’re investing in advanced technology to elevate our services. The collaboration with Cambridge Spark will enable our leaders to innovate with AI and drive excellence across the business.” He reaffirmed that Lloyds’ strategy focuses on embedding AI throughout the organization, rather than confining it to a centralized technical team, thereby cultivating a leadership team adept in AI.
Cambridge Spark was selected due to its successful previous engagement with Lloyds, where it conducted a bootcamp aimed at equipping aspiring data scientists and engineers with practical industry skills. Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma, CEO of Cambridge Spark, noted, “Enhancing AI capabilities presents both significant challenges and opportunities for businesses today. By fostering these competencies within senior leadership, we can create a powerful ripple effect that promotes innovation throughout the organization.”