Overview

The Director of AI & Innovation for Finastra's Universal Banking Group is a strategic leadership role focused on AI strategy development. This role requires defining and working with the teams to implement the AI strategy aligned with business objectives, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, customer experience and revenue streams. It will require embedding AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies into the next generation of core banking, lending, and payments solutions. Define and execute the AI innovation roadmap, leading cross-functional initiatives that transform traditional banking products into intelligent, data-driven, and customer-centric platforms. Working at the intersection of product strategy, data science, and regulatory technology, the Director will spearhead the development of scalable AI capabilities—ranging from intelligent automation to predictive insights—while ensuring responsible and ethical AI adoption. This role will also serve as a key evangelist, partnering with internal stakeholders, clients, and fintech partners to drive Finastra's vision of open, intelligent finance.

Key Responsibilities

AI Strategy & Innovation Leadership

• Define and lead the AI & innovation roadmap for Universal Banking products, including Essence, Digital, Analytics, and Payments platforms.
• Champion the adoption of AI/ML across product lines to deliver intelligent automation, predictive analytics, smart decisioning, risk modeling, and customer personalization.
• Drive adoption of AI initiatives in the business unit.
• Work closely with the Finastra Data team, Innovation Office, and cloud teams to scale use of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) in core banking applications.

Product Development & Experimentation

• Collaborate with product managers, data scientists, and engineers to conceptualize, prototype, and commercialize AI-powered features
• Lead agile innovation cycles (ideation, proof of concept, MVP, go-to-market) with measurable business outcomes.
• Architect scalable AI/ML platforms and infrastructure, working on the pricing and regulatory aspects of AI solutions.

Data Strategy & Responsible AI

• Establish a scalable, ethical data framework for training and deploying AI models, aligned with data privacy, explainability, and model governance standards.
• Ensure AI deployments meet industry and regulatory requirements, particularly in high-stakes areas such as credit scoring, KYC, AML, and customer interactions.

Stakeholder Engagement & Thought Leadership

• Serve as an internal evangelist for AI innovation-engaging with senior leaders, clients, and partners to promote understanding of emerging technologies and their practical application in universal banking.
• Represent Finastra in external forums, conferences, and consortiums related to AI in financial services.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years in product innovation, data science, or technology strategy roles, with at least 3-5 years focused on AI/ML in financial services.
• Proven experience delivering AI solutions in banking or fintech, ideally across core banking, lending, or payments.
• Strong understanding of modern AI/ML architectures, cloud platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS), and generative AI frameworks.
• Ability to lead cross-functional innovation teams and manage AI product development lifecycle—from ideation to launch.
• Experience working in or with regulated financial environments; understanding of responsible AI principles.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, data science, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Core Banking platforms.
• Understanding of tools like TensorFlow, PyTorch, Azure AI Studio, and familiarity with cloud platforms and big data technologies.
• Knowledge of MLOps, predictive modeling, and high performance computing infrastructures
• Experience leading strategic partnerships with fintechs, academic institutions, or AI startups.
• Strategic thinking and problem solving to drive innovation and practical business and customer needs
• Understanding of regulatory requirements like GDPR, EU AI Act, California AI Act etc.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including executive-level presentations

We are proud to offer a range of incentives to our employees worldwide. These benefits are available to everyone, regardless of grade, and reflect the values we uphold:

• Flexibility: Enjoy unlimited vacation, based on your location and business priorities. Hybrid working arrangements, and inclusive policies such as paid time off for voting, bereavement, and sick leave.
• Well-being: Access confidential one-on-one therapy through our Employee Assistance Program, unlimited personalized coaching via our coaching app, and access to our Gather Groups for emotional and mental support.
• Medical, life & disability insurance, retirement plan, lifestyle and other benefits*
• ESG: Benefit from paid time off for volunteering and donation matching.
• DEI: Participate in multiple DE&I groups for open involvement (e.g., Count Me In, Culture@Finastra, Proud@Finastra, Disabilities@Finastra, Women@Finastra).
• Career Development: Access online learning and accredited courses through our Skills & Career Navigator tool.
• Recognition: Be part of our global recognition program, Finastra Celebrates, and contribute to regular employee surveys to help shape Finastra and foster a culture where everyone is engaged and empowered to perform at their best.

*Specific benefits may vary by location.

At Finastra, each individual is unique, bringing their own ideas, thoughts, cultural beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences together. We learn from one another, embrace and celebrate our differences, and create an environment where everyone feels safe to be themselves.

Be unique, be exceptional, and help us make a difference at Finastra!