This SFE panel event will explore how financial institutions are evolving toward product-led delivery models in an environment increasingly shaped by AI, data, and rapid technological change - balancing the need for faster execution with the realities of culture, governance, and legacy complexity.
Drawing on perspectives from Mark Watson, Scott Wilson, Alain Courbebaisse and Michael Robertson, the discussion will combine hands-on delivery experience with a broader view of how the industry is evolving.
A central theme will be the growing role of AI as a core capability across financial services, and how its adoption is fundamentally reshaping both delivery models and organisational design. The panel will explore why AI is no longer a standalone innovation, but an integral part of every product journey - and what organisations must do to adopt it effectively and responsibly.
Alongside this, the session will examine asset management as an industry undergoing significant disruption, driven by both technological advancement and shifting market dynamics. This is creating demand for new skill sets - particularly in data, AI, and the associated security considerations, including governance, controls, and enabling technologies.
The discussion will also explore how organisations are responding to these pressures - building capabilities that allow them to remain competitive while managing risk in increasingly complex environments. Product-led approaches and incremental delivery will be positioned as key enablers in helping firms adapt at pace.
Overall, the session will provide practical, experience-led insight, combining delivery perspectives with a forward-looking view of the skills, structures, and strategies required to future-proof financial institutions.
Key audience takeaways:
Attendees will gain practical insights into:
• How AI is reshaping product delivery and operating models across financial services
• The critical skills needed to succeed in an AI- and data-driven asset management landscape
• How to embed AI capabilities while maintaining strong governance, security, and control
• How market disruption is influencing strategy, structures, and ways of working
• Practical approaches to evolving toward product-led delivery in complex, regulated environments
• How to future-proof organisations through a combination of skills, technology, and operating model evolution
Speakers:
Mark Watson
Mark is a Product Owner Consultant at Albany Beck, currently supporting HSBC Commercial Banking on Customer Query Management across voice channels. He brings over 15 years of experience leading digital transformation and client platform strategy within UK regulated financial services. His expertise covers product strategy, service design, AI enablement and Agile ways of working, with a focus on measurable client outcomes and digital adoption.
Scott Wilson
Scott is a Product Owner at BNY, working across all Trustee & Depositary Services locations on product development. He brings 27 years of Depositary industry experience and 15 years at BNY, with the past 7 years focused on driving change ahead of the firm’s transformation to a product led organisation. His expertise covers product development, regulation, mutual funds, data, applied AI, and Agile ways of working.
Alain Courbebaisse
Alain is the COO at Aberdeen, bringing extensive leadership experience across technology and financial services. He is recognised for his strategic approach to digital transformation and operational excellence, drawing from a career that has consistently bridged innovation with organisational performance. With a background as a Chief Information Technology Officer, Alain has led complex initiatives across IT strategy, data centre management, trading systems, and risk management. His expertise has enabled him to deliver robust, scalable solutions within fastmoving financial environments. Alain is known for combining deep technical insight with strong executive leadership, ensuring that operational frameworks support long-term business growth. He holds a degree from the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, further grounding his work in rigorous technical and analytical foundations. Throughout his career, Alain has demonstrated a commitment to building resilient systems, efficient processes, and high performing teams.
Michael Robertson
Michael is a Managing Partner and Head of Consulting at Albany Beck. He brings nearly 20 years of financial services consulting experience, partnering with global institutions on strategy, change and business transformation. His work focuses on helping firms modernise operating models and build lasting internal capability. Michael brings a pragmatic professional services viewpoint on how the industry continues to adapt to shifting regulatory, customer and technology demands.
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