Exploring the Future of Business with AI | Executive Leaders in Finance – Live Series Session 2
We’re delighted to share highlights from our most recent Executive Leaders in Finance event, which took place on Tuesday 13th May. The session brought together an engaged community of senior finance professionals for an eye-opening discussion on one of the most disruptive forces shaping our industry today: Artificial Intelligence.
Our guest speaker, Matt Wicks from the VirtualForge, delivered a compelling session that went beyond the buzzwords to uncover the real-world implications—and opportunities—of AI in the financial sector.
Browse through our event photo library for a glimpse into the event:
A Strategic Look at AI in Business
Matt’s session began with a clear, concise overview of what AI actually is, cutting through the noise to focus on practical applications. He explored why finance leaders should be not only paying attention but actively excited about the potential AI holds—from enhancing forecasting and automating processes, to uncovering new insights through data.
One of the key takeaways was the urgent need for financial organisations to engage with AI proactively, not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a strategic asset.
Governance, Risk & Regulation
With AI evolving faster than regulation can keep pace, Matt offered timely insight into the emerging governance frameworks and legislative considerations finance leaders must understand. He also addressed critical security concerns, helping attendees navigate the fine balance between innovation and compliance.
Real-World Applications and First Steps
Matt shared tangible examples of how forward-thinking organisations are already leveraging AI to drive value. For many attendees, this brought clarity to what AI implementation can look like in real terms—whether through risk modelling, customer behaviour analytics, or process automation.
He closed with practical guidance on how finance leaders can take meaningful first steps toward AI adoption in their own organisations, regardless of size, structure, or current tech maturity.
Engaged Minds, Meaningful Conversations
As always, the event also created space for peer networking, collaborative discussion, and professional connections. The enthusiasm and curiosity in the room reflected just how relevant—and urgent—AI is as a topic for finance leaders navigating change.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees noting how valuable it was to hear from someone with both technical expertise and commercial understanding.
Looking Ahead
We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Matt Wicks for his insightful and thought-provoking session, and to all who attended for contributing to such a dynamic and engaging evening.
At White Horse Employment, we remain committed to facilitating impactful conversations through our Executive Leaders in Finance series—conversations that help shape the future of leadership in our sector.
Make sure to follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay informed about future sessions, insights, and professional development opportunities. We look forward to welcoming you to our next event.