Gabriel Kane
Lead AI Engineer
2i
Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities across Scotland's financial services industry, transforming how businesses operate, manage risk and deliver services to customers. But behind this technology is a new generation of talent helping turn its potential into practical solutions.
Gabriel Kane is Lead AI Engineer at Scottish technology and software testing company 2i. Having joined the industry at just 16 as a self-taught software engineer, Gabriel has progressed rapidly over four years to lead the development of AI-driven solutions for businesses, including those in financial services.
His journey demonstrates how the industry is creating exciting opportunities for people with an interest in technology, problem-solving and innovation.
Gabriel joined 2i as a Junior Software Engineer, having developed his programming skills independently. Alongside his work, he completed an HND in Software Development at Edinburgh College.
During his first two years, he helped streamline 2i's Test Data Generator service, making it more efficient and contributing to its success in winning the Data Trailblazer Award at the Digital Technology Awards. He also independently developed Assure2FA, an SMS-based two-factor authentication testing tool designed to meet strict security requirements.
Today, Gabriel leads 2i's AI engineering work, developing solutions that use artificial intelligence to improve software testing and quality assurance. His work has attracted industry recognition, with 2i winning both the AI-Powered Quality Assurance Award and an AI Trailblazer Award in 2026.
One example is his work leading an eight-week project with insurance business Azur, introducing a new AI-powered testing framework for its Salesforce-based insurance platform.
Using 2i's AssureERP tool, the project reduced manual testing effort by 70% and saved 60% of test design effort, while improving testing coverage and giving the business greater confidence in software releases.
The results demonstrate the practical value AI can bring to financial services, helping businesses improve efficiency, consistency and quality.
Alongside his technical achievements, Gabriel is committed to helping others take their first steps into the industry.
He led 2i's Foundational Apprentices Programme, teaching aspiring engineers JavaScript and providing four months of practical work experience. He also maintains close links with Edinburgh College, regularly returning to speak to students taking part in its CodeSpace software bootcamp.
Having followed his own route into the industry, Gabriel is keen to share his experience and help others understand the opportunities available in technology.
Gabriel's journey highlights how quickly careers can develop in an industry being transformed by technological innovation. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape financial services, developing the talent and skills needed to harness its potential will be increasingly important.
During Scottish Careers Week, Scottish Financial Enterprise will also host its Data and AI Summit, bringing together industry leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges these technologies present.
Stories like Gabriel's demonstrate why investing in the next generation of technology talent matters. The people developing these skills today will help shape the future of Scotland's financial services industry.