BBVA recently hosted an internal initiative known as the ‘DataRally’ focused on generative artificial intelligence, aimed at identifying and nurturing talent within its workforce in the use of large language models (LLMs) similar to those behind notable applications like ChatGPT.
Approximately 440 employees from various regions where the bank operates participated in this innovative event, tackling a total of 12 challenges designed to evaluate their skills with LLMs. These tasks required participants to analyze quantitative data, detect anomalies in financial reports, and assess customer sentiment by interpreting fictitious customer feedback. After each challenge, participants received constructive feedback detailing the optimal prompts or commands they could have used to succeed.
Curro Maturana, the global head of Generative AI at BBVA, highlighted that the bank has initiated several exploratory projects recently to assess the potential of generative AI in enhancing operational efficiency and adding value for its clientele. “Generative AI is here to stay,” he stated. “Its immense potential for businesses lies in its ability to transform internal processes while enabling simultaneous product and service launches in diverse markets.”
Maturana also indicated that insights gained from the DataRally will inform the development of generative AI courses integrated into BBVA’s Data University staff training program.
The competition yielded impressive results, with winners emerging from BBVA’s international team. Notable top performers included Carlos Gutiérrez, a data specialist in Global Talent & Culture, Joel de la Cruz, a data scientist on the Advanced Analytics Engineering team at BBVA Spain, and Hans Hidalgo, a data scientist in Client Solutions at BBVA Peru. These individuals achieved the highest scores by completing the challenges with minimal prompts and within the shortest time frames.
Josep Amorós, data manager at BBVA and the organizer of the DataRally, expressed enthusiasm about the event’s success. “We are delighted with the overwhelming interest in the competition, which fostered a spirited atmosphere. Seventy-five percent of participants reported high satisfaction levels, and over 95 percent expressed willingness to participate again. Many appreciated the bank’s commitment to providing training and activities focused on generative AI.”