The Top 15 AI in Finance Speakers to Hire in 2025

In the rapidly evolving financial sector, artificial intelligence is proving to be a game-changer. The global AI in finance market is projected to grow from $38.36 billion in 2024 to $190.33 billion by 2030, reflecting the massive investment and interest in AI-driven solutions. Financial institutions are already reaping rewards: 70% of banks report at least a 5% increase in revenue thanks to AI initiatives, and over 60% have seen similar cost savings. Moreover, AI technologies are expected to save banks up to $487 billion by 2024 through improved efficiency and automation. An expert AI in Finance speaker can translate these powerful trends into engaging insights for your audience. They will demystify complex concepts, share success stories of innovation, and inspire audiences to embrace AI’s positive impact – from boosting productivity to driving growth – making such a speaker an informative, influential, and motivational addition to any finance-focused event.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Keynote Speaker?

Hiring a keynote speaker can vary in price depending on their profile and experience, with fees ranging from £1,000 to £60,000 for an event. This wide range means there’s a suitable speaker for nearly every budget. The best way to discover which keynote speakers fit your budget is to contact The AI Speakers Agency today! Our dedicated booking agents use their expertise to ensure the perfect speaker, who fits your expenditure, is selected for your event.

Who Are the Best AI in Finance Speakers Trending in the UK?

This official selection of the Best AI in Finance Speakers based in the UK is based on vetted data collected from 242 AI-themed events, exclusive speaker evaluations, and comprehensive audience polls. Each speaker is a trailblazer at the intersection of finance and artificial intelligence. Below is a list of our top 15 AI in Finance keynote speakers, along with what they’re best known for:

1. Jason Bates – Co-founder of Monzo & Starling Bank, digital banking pioneer
2. Paul Dongha – Responsible AI leader in finance, AI ethics champion
3. Clara Durodié – Fintech strategist, author of ‘Decoding AI in Financial Services’
4. Dan Cobley – Former Google UK Managing Director, fintech investor
5. Danilo McGarry – Global AI and automation thought leader, ex-Citi AI head
6. Henrik von Scheel – Originator of Industry 4.0, leading futurist strategist
7. Alok Sama – Former SoftBank International President & CFO, finance expert
8. Anna Maj – FinTech innovation leader, co-author of ‘The PayTech Book’
9. Tom Blomfield OBE – Co-founder of Monzo & GoCardless, digital banking trailblazer
10. Dhiraj Mukherjee – Co-founder of Shazam, tech entrepreneur and investor
11. Tomi Popoola – Founder of Slash Finances, cloud & AI inclusion specialist
12. Cassie Kozyrkov – Google’s former Chief Decision Scientist, Decision Intelligence pioneer
13. Richard Turrin – Fintech author of ‘Cashless’, former IBM financial technology leader
14. Chris Gledhill – Ex-Head of Innovation at Lloyds Bank, digital finance futurist
15. Jason Schenker – Chairman of The Futurist Institute, renowned futurist economist

1.) Jason Bates

Jason Bates is a trailblazing fintech entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of two revolutionary digital banks, Starling Bank and Monzo. As Monzo’s co-founder and former Chief Customer Officer, he played a pivotal role in transforming everyday banking – Monzo’s dedicated user base grew rapidly under his leadership, even breaking crowdfunding records by raising £1 million in 96 seconds. Earlier in his career, Jason honed his expertise at Accenture and launched the digital transformation startup Freeformers, reflecting his passion for making technology accessible (even training disadvantaged young people for tech careers). He later co-founded 11:FS, a fintech consultancy where he helps banks build next-generation financial services, and he co-hosts the popular FinTech Insider podcast to discuss the latest industry innovations.

Jason’s Speaker Topics

• Digital Banking And Fintech Trends
• Product Design
• Next Generation Financial Services
• Building Digital Banks From Scratch

2.) Paul Dongha

Dr Paul Dongha is a pioneering figure in the integration of AI within financial services, renowned for championing responsible AI in banking. With a career spanning over 30 years, Paul has guided major organisations in seizing AI opportunities while upholding ethical principles. He is the Head of Responsible AI and AI Strategy at one of the UK’s largest banks, where he leads a dedicated team to ensure that AI is deployed ethically – enhancing customer experience and augmenting employees rather than simply replacing them. Beyond the boardroom, Paul influences global AI standards by contributing to international forums and policy discussions on AI ethics and governance. As a deep technologist with a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, Paul pairs hands-on technical expertise (building high-performance AI systems since the 1990s) with visionary leadership. He has held roles such as Group Head of Data and AI Ethics at Lloyds Banking Group, giving him first-hand insight into implementing AI at scale in finance.

Paul’s Testimonials

“Paul’s presentations at The AI Summit series have consistently elevated the discourse, deftly balancing innovation with responsible AI frameworks. His peers widely appreciate his perspective, reflecting his standing in the AI community. As a speaker, Paul is exemplary – always prepared, punctual, professional, and, most importantly, inspiring. His blend of expertise, integrity, and affability makes him not just a respected figure in AI ethics but also a genuine pleasure to work with.” – New York AI Summit 2023

3.) Clara Durodié

Clara Durodié is a highly regarded technology strategist and a leading expert in AI for financial services. With over 25 years of experience, she specialises in the business, governance, and geopolitics of AI in finance. Clara is consistently named among the top women in fintech, a testament to her influence in the industry. In 2020, she authored “Decoding AI in Financial Services,” the first guidebook designed for board members and executives to understand AI’s implications – cementing her reputation as a thought leader in AI governance. As the CEO of the Cognitive Finance Group, Clara advises major banks, fintech firms, and startups on AI strategy, helping them navigate challenges like regulatory compliance and ethical AI deployment. She has served as a FinTech Resident Expert at Oxford’s Saïd Business School and as Chair of the UK’s Non-Executive Directors Board special committee on AI adoption, shaping best practices for the industry.

Clara’s Speaker Topics

• AI Strategy & Governance: How Boards Should Lead
• Cybersecurity And AI: Fighting Fire With Fire
• AI Ethics & Trust: Building Responsible, High-Quality AI
• AI In Financial Services: Use Cases And Future Impact
• Automation & Workforce Transformation: Preparing For Change
• Data Privacy, Ethics And Commercialisation In The AI Era
• Selecting AI Vendors: Criteria For Success
• The Macroeconomics Of AI: Business And Regulatory Implications
• Natural Language Processing, Data Strategy And Deep Learning Trends
• What AI Can And Cannot Do: Managing Expectations In Financial Services

4.) Dan Cobley

Dan Cobley is one of the most recognisable names in fintech and technology, known for his tenure as the Managing Director of Google UK and subsequent success as a fintech entrepreneur. During eight years at Google, Dan oversaw astounding growth, generating over $5 billion in revenue and managing the company’s largest overseas market. He then co-founded credit-score platform ClearScore (now serving over 20 million users worldwide) and the financial wellbeing startup Salary Finance, which won awards like “Company of the Year 2021” for its innovative approach. Dan’s earlier career in marketing (VP at Capital One and Ask Jeeves) and his leadership at Google equipped him with deep insights into digital consumer behaviour and innovation. As a speaker, Dan Cobley leverages his unique blend of big-tech experience and startup acumen to educate and inspire.

Dan’s Testimonials

“Everyone is talking about it today! You had a tough act to follow after a long day, but to bring 372 people back into the ballroom, uplift and inspire them was a job very well done.” – Deloitte

5.) Danilo McGarry

Danilo McGarry is a world-leading authority on AI and automation, celebrated for his ability to translate advanced technology concepts into captivating business strategies. With over 15 years of experience, Danilo has driven innovation at top-tier organisations – from serving as Head of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Citi Group to leading digital transformation at Alter Domus as Global Head. He has advised Fortune 500 and FTSE 250 companies and even helped one enterprise skyrocket in valuation from €900 million to €4.9 billion in just four years. Danilo’s extensive background spans finance (he was the youngest Associate Director at RBC Capital Markets), consulting (Board Member of the AI Forum and European Commission’s AI Alliance), and tech firms like JPMorgan and Motorola, making him a highly versatile expert. Ranked among the “50 Most Powerful People in AI” globally and recognised as a top influencer in automation, Danilo brings unparalleled insight to his speaking engagements.

Danilo’s Testimonials

“Danilo served as an advisor to a leading bank in their digital transformation strategy planning and quickly became a respected and valuable member, gaining the respect of C-level participants. He helped shape the bank’s strategy and operating model which became paramount to their continued success.” – GXG

6.) Henrik von Scheel

Henrik von Scheel is an unshakable optimist and futurist renowned as the originator (the “Godfather”) of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. A leading authority on strategy and competitiveness (as cited by the Financial Times), Henrik has over 20 years of experience helping organisations navigate the toughest challenges in business and technology. He first made waves in 2008 by initiating the European Digital Agenda for Germany, and in 2013 he co-authored Germany’s Industry 4.0 strategy, literally coining the term “Fourth Industrial Revolution.” His visionary work has influenced the economies of 24 nations and guided innovation for nearly a quarter of Fortune 500 high-growth companies. From advising the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act and Climate Change initiatives to co-founding Strategic Intelligence (which sets agendas for the World Economic Forum and national governments), Henrik has consistently been at the forefront of shaping the future. As a speaker, Henrik von Scheel captivates audiences with his foresight and thought leadership.

Henrik’s Testimonials

“One of the most pre-eminent strategists and advisors of his generation.” – Eric, Chairman of Alphabet

7.) Alok Sama

Alok Sama is a distinguished finance expert with a decorated career in banking, capital markets, and investment. He is best known for his tenure as a Senior Managing Director at Morgan Stanley and as the former President and CFO of SoftBank Group International. Over 16 years at Morgan Stanley, Alok spearheaded major ventures across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and India, honing expertise in communications, technology, and media finance. He then founded Baer Capital Partners, managing over $300 million in assets focused on Indian markets. At SoftBank, Alok played a pivotal role in some of the largest tech deals of the decade – notably leading the $59 billion merger of Sprint and T-Mobile, the $34 billion acquisition of ARM Holdings, and multi-billion-dollar investments and divestitures (such as SoftBank’s stake in Alibaba and the sale of Supercell). His ability to execute such high-stakes transactions has earned him a reputation as a visionary strategist in the finance world.

Alok’s Speaker Topics

• AI & Global Finance
• Economics of AI
• AI Investment Strategy
• ARM & AI Semiconductors
• Future of Tech Investing
• AI & Economic Growth
• Strategic AI Forecasting
• AI & Business Innovation

8.) Anna Maj

Anna Maj is a fintech trailblazer with two decades of experience driving innovation in payments and banking. Recognised as one of the Top 25 Women Leaders in Financial Technology (2019) and a Top 10 Woman in FinTech (2020), Anna has built a career helping organisations develop cutting-edge financial products and digital solutions. She has held influential roles at major institutions – from Citibank (where she worked in sales and internet banking in her early career) to T-Mobile, where she led the launch of one of the first mobile banking services in partnership with multiple banks. Anna later applied her expertise as a FinTech Consultant at mBank and PwC, among others, shaping strategies that bridge traditional finance and new tech. She is also the CEO & Founder of CreativeLink, an Expert at the European Innovation Council, and co-author of industry handbooks “The PayTech Book” and “The AI Book”, further cementing her status as a thought leader.

Anna’s Speaker Topics

• Being a Women in Tech
• Using Digital Disruption for Good
• How to Grow with the Help of Technology

9.) Tom Blomfield OBE

Tom Blomfield OBE is a fintech visionary who has reshaped the UK banking landscape as co-founder of Monzo Bank. A serial entrepreneur, Tom also co-founded the payments platform GoCardless and, remarkably, started his first company while still at university. Under his leadership as CEO, Monzo grew into a banking phenomenon – attracting over 5 million users (around 10% of the UK population) and becoming the nation’s most recommended bank two years running. His innovative approach, focused on user-friendly technology and financial inclusion, earned Tom an OBE in 2019 for services to the banking sector. Prior to Monzo, he demonstrated entrepreneurial flair by launching a student marketplace that sold for millions, and later helped build GoCardless into a fintech unicorn now valued over £1 billion. In recent years, Tom Blomfield has turned his focus to mentoring the next generation of startups as a Group Partner at Y Combinator, sharing the wisdom he gained from his own ventures.

10.) Dhiraj Mukherjee

Dhiraj Mukherjee is a technology pioneer and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Shazam, the world’s first mobile song-recognition app. He turned a clever idea – identifying music via a mobile phone – into a global service used over 100 billion times, culminating in Shazam’s acquisition by Apple for a reported $400 million in 2018. Dhiraj’s journey from an innovative startup concept to a household-name app showcases his ability to drive innovation and adapt to emerging tech trends. After Shazam, Dhiraj transitioned into venture investing, backing over 250 high-growth startups and scale-ups across AI, climate tech, and social impact (including an early investment in OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT). His success and influence have earned him numerous accolades, such as being named one of Europe’s Top 50 technology entrepreneurs by the Financial Times and appearing on the Digital Banking Club’s Power 50 list. As a speaker, Dhiraj Mukherjee excels at communicating how to foster innovation and navigate the future.

Dhiraj’s Testimonials

“We invited Dhiraj as a keynote speaker for the Google App Academy. Dhiraj shared his story of building Shazam – it was truly inspiring and motivating for the app developers in our program. His session was very well received and generated lots of questions. On a personal note, Dhiraj was so easy to work with and flexible on short notice. Definitely recommend him as a keynote speaker for any big conference or event!” – Orest

11.) Tomi Popoola

Tomi Popoola is an acclaimed technology leader and fintech innovator who specialises in AI, cloud computing, and financial inclusion. As the Founder and CEO of Slash Finances, Tomi leverages artificial intelligence to promote financial inclusion, helping underserved communities access banking services through technology. Her expertise is built on a solid foundation: she began her career at JP Morgan, where she quickly stood out for her command of cloud-native tech and DevOps in finance, and later became a Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS) supporting Fortune 500 companies. Tomi’s unique combination of deep technical knowledge (Computer Science) and finance acumen means she understands how to implement AI and cloud solutions that truly meet business needs. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech, Tomi Popoola has been recognised for her impact – in 2023, she was honoured at UK Black Business Week for championing DEI in the technology sector.

Tomi’s Testimonials

“Tomi, thank you for a brilliant GenAI session at Re-Invent – demonstrated bias for action.” – Natasha, Senior Solutions Architect, AWS

12.) Cassie Kozyrkov

Cassie Kozyrkov is a globally renowned AI leader and the pioneer of the field of Decision Intelligence. Best known for her time at Google as the company’s first Chief Decision Scientist, Cassie helped transform Google into an “AI-first” organisation – she personally trained over 20,000 Googlers in data-driven decision-making and influenced more than 500 AI projects. Now the CEO of her own consultancy, Kozyr, she advises Fortune 500 companies on AI strategy. Cassie’s background is uniquely diverse: she holds degrees in economics, statistics, psychology, and neuroscience (having started university at age 15 in South Africa), which enables her to blend technical expertise with human behavioural insight. She’s been featured on the cover of Forbes AI and in Harvard Business Review, and has been recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice and Medium’s #1 writer in AI – solidifying her status as one of the most influential voices in artificial intelligence. When Cassie Kozyrkov speaks, audiences are in for a treat. Combining theatrical charisma (honed from her early theatre training) with deep technical know-how, she has a rare talent for making AI understandable and exciting for non-technical audiences.

Cassie’s Testimonials

“Recently, Cassie Kozyrkov spoke to the CFO Leadership Council with a captivating discussion on Generative AI, engaging over 200 finance chiefs. What struck us wasn’t just her undeniable prowess as a top-tier data scientist, but her knack for distilling complex, often intimidating AI concepts into practical, digestible insights tailored for a financial audience that doesn’t live in the tech weeds. Her eloquence in demystifying AI and framing it as a game-changer for competitive edge was a revelation. If you’re seeking a speaker who can navigate and illuminate the AI labyrinth for your team – turning what feels like science fiction into a business strategy – look no further. Cassie is your person. Her session isn’t just a presentation; it’s a lightbulb moment waiting to happen.” – Jack, Founder & President, CFO Leadership Council

13.) Richard Turrin

Richard Turrin is a fintech luminary and innovation author who brings a wealth of real-world experience to his talks on finance and technology. Ranked as the #4 global fintech influencer by Onalytica, Richard spent over 20 years in investment banking before leading fintech teams at IBM, where he won awards for his work in AI and cognitive technology solutions. He has the unique distinction of having lived in Shanghai for a decade, witnessing and contributing to China’s groundbreaking shift to a cashless society – an experience that informs his global perspective on digital finance. Richard distilled his insights in best-selling books like “Cashless: China’s Digital Currency Revolution,” which explores how China’s fintech is reshaping money, and “Innovation Lab Excellence,” a guide to fostering innovation in financial institutions.

Richard’s Testimonials

“I had the pleasure of presenting with Rich at client and industry events and saw him in front of audiences many times. On every occasion, Rich showed his expertise in fintech and AI not just as a subject matter expert, but as a real practitioner. He engages his audience and overcomes their uncertainty about technology by giving practical, realistic insights to ensure they understand how it works and how to use it. The event circuit can be full of self-promoters, but Rich puts his audience first and delivers real insights every time. Attending Rich’s presentations is always time well spent – very few speakers are so relevant or authoritative.” – Steven, Regional Vice President ASEAN, Palo Alto Networks

14.) Chris Gledhill

Chris Gledhill is a globally recognised fintech authority and a passionate advocate for the future of banking. Formerly the Head of Innovation at Lloyds Banking Group, Chris has been at the frontline of digital transformation within a major UK bank. He later became CEO of the fintech startup Secco Bank, pushing the boundaries of what a digital bank could be. With a career rooted in technology (spanning big data, cybersecurity, and software development), Chris has a deep understanding of how emerging tech can disrupt financial services. He has co-authored influential works like “The Fintech Book” and frequently appears on lists of top fintech influencers worldwide, thanks to his prolific blogging and social media presence discussing cryptocurrency, AI, and open banking. Audiences flock to Chris Gledhill’s talks to hear what’s next in finance.

Chris’s Speaker Topics

• Artificial Intelligence
• API
• Big Data
• Biometrics
• Blockchain
• Cryptocurrencies
• Deep Learning
• Mobiles
• Virtual Reality
• Wearables

15.) Jason Schenker

Jason Schenker is widely hailed as one of the most accurate futurists and economists of our time. As the Chairman of The Futurist Institute, he trains executives to anticipate and navigate future trends in economics, finance, and technology. Jason’s expertise is backed by an illustrious career: he has been ranked the #1 forecaster by Bloomberg in dozens of categories, served as an advisor to the U.S. Department of State, and authored over 37 books on emerging technologies, finance, and leadership. His thought leadership spans subjects like automation (“The Robot & Automation Almanac”), the future of industries (“The Future of Travel”), and post-pandemic economics (“After the COVID Vaccine”), many of which have become Amazon #1 bestsellers. Beyond publishing, Jason is the President of Prestige Economics and a regular guest on financial news networks, where he’s interviewed for his insights on markets and tech (over 1,000 media appearances to date). With this rich background, Jason Schenker’s presentations offer a comprehensive outlook on the future of finance and AI.

Jason’s Testimonials

“The Texas Association of Community College Business Officers had the honour of hosting Jason Schenker for our 2024 annual conference. Mr. Schenker’s presentation was insightful and thought-provoking, covering a range of topics highly relevant to our audience. His ability to blend economic analysis with practical applications and future-oriented thinking was invaluable. He was exceptionally intelligent, energetic, and passionate about his work. We highly recommend him as a speaker for any organisation seeking a knowledgeable and dynamic presenter.” – Texas Association of Community College Business Officers

Book an AI in Finance Speaker Today

Hiring an AI in Finance speaker for your event is an investment in inspiration – these experts offer invaluable insights into how artificial intelligence is transforming the financial world, and they motivate audiences to embrace innovation. From trailblazing fintech founders to AI strategy leaders, the speakers on our list will educate and empower your audience to stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry. To explore more AI in Finance speakers, visit our full listings today. For bespoke recommendations and to secure the perfect speaker for your event, visit our online contact form or call The AI Speakers Agency on +44 203 4109897.