The convergence of artificial intelligence and financial technology is poised to revolutionize the way financial institutions operate, from enhancing personalized banking experiences to bolstering risk assessment and fraud detection capabilities.
On February 19, a distinguished panel of experts will gather at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center’s Grand Ballroom on The University of Texas at Austin campus to delve into the transformative power of AI in fintech. Moderated by Ethan Burris, senior associate dean for academic affairs at Texas McCombs, the discussion will feature insights from Ally Hoffman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Raul Rodriguez, a seasoned product management expert, and Cesare Fracassi, associate professor of finance and director of the McCombs School of Business’ Blockchain Initiative.
As part of the 2025 Business Outlook event, this critical conversation aims to educate and empower businesses to navigate the evolving fintech landscape with informed confidence, exploring the potential impact of AI on the financial sector and what the future may hold for this rapidly advancing field.
Introduction to Fintech and the Upcoming Event
The University of Texas McCombs School of Business is set to host a panel discussion on financial technology (fintech) as part of its annual Business Outlook event, scheduled to take place on February 19 in Austin. This event aims to bring together experts in the field to discuss the future of fintech, with a particular focus on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the financial landscape. The panel discussion, titled “The Rise of AI in Fintech: Transforming the Financial Landscape,” will be moderated by Ethan Burris, senior associate dean for academic affairs at Texas McCombs.
The event is expected to attract a diverse range of attendees, including McCombs alumni and members of the Austin business community. The morning will begin with breakfast and networking opportunities, followed by the panel discussion at 8:30 a.m. The panelists include Ally Hoffman, assistant vice president in banking supervision for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; Raul Rodriguez, head of product management at frog, part of Capgemini Invent; and Cesare Fracassi, associate professor of finance and director of the McCombs School of Business’ Blockchain Initiative. These experts will share their insights on the potential of AI to reshape various aspects of finance, including personalized banking, risk assessment, and fraud detection.
The Austin event is the final installment in a three-part series for this year’s McCombs Business Outlook, which has already featured events in Houston on energy and Dallas on real estate. According to Burris, the goal of these events is to “inspire, educate, and empower” businesses by providing them with informed confidence to navigate industry uncertainties. With space limited, interested attendees are encouraged to register promptly.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Fintech
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being recognized as a key driver of innovation in the fintech sector. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and natural language processing, AI can help financial institutions improve their operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience. One area where AI is expected to have a significant impact is personalized banking, where it can be used to analyze customer data and provide tailored recommendations for investment and financial planning.
Another area where AI is being applied in fintech is risk assessment and fraud detection. By analyzing large datasets and identifying patterns, AI-powered systems can help detect potential risks and prevent fraudulent activities. For instance, machine learning algorithms can be trained to recognize suspicious transaction patterns, allowing financial institutions to take proactive measures to prevent losses. The panel discussion at the McCombs Business Outlook event will delve into these topics in more detail, exploring the current state of AI adoption in fintech and its potential future applications.
The use of AI in fintech also raises important questions about data privacy and security. As financial institutions increasingly rely on AI-powered systems to process sensitive customer data, they must ensure that these systems are designed with robust security measures to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access. The panelists at the event will likely discuss these challenges and potential solutions, providing valuable insights for businesses and individuals interested in the future of fintech.
Expert Insights and Panel Discussion
The panel discussion at the McCombs Business Outlook event will feature a diverse range of experts with backgrounds in finance, technology, and academia. Ally Hoffman, assistant vice president in banking supervision for the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, will bring her expertise in regulatory affairs and banking supervision to the discussion. Raul Rodriguez, head of product management at frog, part of Capgemini Invent, will provide insights on the intersection of technology and finance, drawing on his experience as a digital and physical engineer across multiple industries.
Cesare Fracassi, associate professor of finance and director of the McCombs School of Business’ Blockchain Initiative, will offer a unique perspective on the potential applications of blockchain technology in fintech. As the chief economist of the Coinbase Institute, Fracassi has extensive knowledge of the cryptocurrency market and its relationship to traditional financial systems. The panel discussion will provide a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage with these experts and gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues shaping the future of fintech.
The event will also provide a platform for networking and building connections within the Austin business community. With breakfast and networking opportunities available from 7:30 a.m., attendees will have ample time to meet and greet with fellow professionals and thought leaders in the field. The McCombs School of Business is committed to fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation, and this event promises to be an exciting and informative experience for all who attend.
Fintech and the Future of Finance
The fintech sector is rapidly evolving, driven by advances in technology and changing consumer behaviors. As AI and other digital technologies continue to transform the financial landscape, businesses and individuals must adapt to stay ahead of the curve. The McCombs Business Outlook event will provide a timely and informative exploration of these trends, offering valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of finance.
One key area of focus for the event will be the potential impact of AI on traditional financial institutions. As fintech companies continue to disrupt the market with innovative products and services, incumbent banks and financial institutions must respond by investing in digital transformation and embracing new technologies. The panel discussion will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by this shift, including the need for increased collaboration between fintech startups and established financial institutions.
The event will also touch on the regulatory environment surrounding fintech, including the role of government agencies in shaping the industry’s development. As fintech companies push the boundaries of innovation, regulators must balance the need to protect consumers with the need to foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurship and growth. The panelists will likely discuss these issues in detail, providing attendees with a nuanced understanding of the complex regulatory landscape surrounding fintech.
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