Artificial intelligence offers enormous opportunities for the financial sector. However, responsible AI use requires more than just new technology. The use of AI at Aktia is guided by a systematic governance model, aimed at enabling innovation in a safe, transparent and sustainable way.
As AI becomes more widespread, organisations need to be able to manage the risks as systematically as they manage the opportunities. AI governance is now more important than ever.
Built on trust
In the financial sector, trust is at the core of what we do. Customers, investors and other stakeholders must be able to trust that their data and funds are handled responsibly. The same is true for AI. It must be used safely, responsibly and in a way that builds trust.
"At Aktia, responsible AI means that we know where AI is used, who is responsible for it and how Ai-related risks are managed. That is why we have an AI governance model that helps us identify and address AI-related risks in a systematic and consistent manner," says Oskari Kurki, Chief Information Officer at Aktia.
Aktia’s AI governance model is based on both the company’s own responsible AI objective and the EU AI Act, which was adopted in 2024 and aims to foster trustworthy AI in Europe.
A strong foundation enables scaling
At Aktia, the implementation of the AI governance model is managed by the cross-functional AI Management Team comprising representatives from all business areas, risk functions, and other key functions. The team ensures that AI is used in Aktia in a business-oriented, controlled and responsible manner, while supporting strategic growth targets.
”The governance model provides clear rules and responsibilities for the use of artificial intelligence. Once the foundations are in place, AI can be used more widely, faster and more safely. Good governance does not slow down innovation, but enables it,” says Kurki.
Aktia’s AI governance model has been developed in collaboration with the consulting firm Ernst & Young.
”Aktia’s AI journey is a great example of how to build a strong foundation for the use of AI by relying on the company’s own values, business, key industry standards, and regulation. The EY Responsible AI governance model has been adapted to meet Aktia’s needs with the help of EY’s local experts, together with Aktia,” says Petri Vuorinen, partner at EY.
According to Oskari Kurki, the next phase of AI does not necessarily mean more AI, but rather more responsible AI.
”Our goal is not just to use AI. We want to do it in a way that earns the trust of our customers, our employees and our stakeholders also in the future.”
