Speakers

Ken Schroeder
SVP - Commercial Mortgage Group, KeyBank Real Estate Capital

Satya Pandey
CTO - Investment Banking, William Blair

Doug Bowers
Senior Advisor – Banking, Acuity Knowledge Partners

Jon O’Donnell
COO - Acuity Knowledge Partners
About the Event
As the banking industry stands at the cusp of an AI-driven revolution, only a handful of institutions are truly prepared to capitalize on this transformative opportunity. AI readiness is not just about investing in platforms and toolchains; it involves investments in deploying and implementing technology. To drive AI adoption, banks need to establish a comprehensive data quality & governance framework and ensure robust data security and privacy measures. Banks also have to deal with ambiguity around regulations concerning the use of AI while complying with existing laws.
Join us for a wonderful warm evening of focused discussions and networking as we explore how banks can more seamlessly embrace AI and drive innovation, improve customer experiences, and achieve sustainable growth. Acuity Knowledge Partners is delighted to bring together a panel of industry experts to deliberate on the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for banks and how they can accelerate AI adoption within their organisations.
Schedule at a glance:
- 16:00 – 16:45 – Registration & High Tea
- 16:45 – 17:00 – Welcome keynote
- 17:00 – 17:15 – The Acuity story for banks
- 17:15 – 18:15 – Fireside chat on “AI readiness for banks”:
- 1. Orchestrating data transformation and AI adoption in your bank
- 2. Develop an enterprise strategy for implementing AI across the organization for better business outcomes
- 3. Discuss the regulatory challenges around AI adoption and best practices to comply with policies across geographies – data security and privacy
- 4. Envisioning the bank of tomorrow
- 5. Open house
- 18:15 – 20:00 – Networking drinks & snacks
Speaker Profiles

Ken Schroeder
SVP - Commercial Mortgage Group, KeyBank Real Estate Capital
Ken Schroeder is SVP, responsible for operational effectiveness for the
Commercial Mortgage Group. He is responsible for researching, recommending, and implementing enhancements to business processes and systems through a deep understanding of business functions and strategic goals. Major initiatives that he has handled include implementing an offshore sourcing strategy and deploying a comprehensive technology solution that supports the Origination and Underwriting functions. In 2008, he was awarded with Key’s prestigious Chairman Award for his innovation through the use of technology and dedication to customer service. Prior to joining KeyBank, Ken managed software development for the Real Estate Investments department of Travelers Group in Hartford, CT. He holds degrees in Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration.

Satya Pandey
CTO - Investment Banking, William Blair
Satya is a technology executive specializing in data, AI, and software engineering. With extensive experience in innovation and strategic technology implementation, Satya has successfully led transformative AI initiatives within the financial services industry. He excels in building high-performing, outcome-driven teams and brings a robust background in software engineering and applied artificial intelligence, driving innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and strategic advantage. Satya holds a master’s degree in Applied AI & Data Science from the University of Chicago and an undergraduate degree in engineering from NIT Calicut, India. He is dedicated to advancing the integration of AI technologies within capital markets.

Doug Bowers
Senior Advisor – Banking, Acuity Knowledge Partners
Doug Bowers currently serves as Senior Advisor to Banking clients at Acuity Knowledge Partners, with a primary focus on North American based Banks. Prior to this role, Doug served as President and CEO of Banc of California from 2017 to 2019, where he strategically repositioned the bank, transformed its leadership team, recast its balance sheet, and upgraded its regulatory and legal standing, resulting in a much-improved financial outlook and competitive stance.
Previously, Doug had been President and CEO of Square 1 Bank, where he led the bank’s considerable turnaround, resulting in an IPO and later a sale of the bank at among the highest valuations attained in the banking industry in the last 15 years. For nearly 30 years, Bowers worked at Bank of America (BAC), where he led a series of wholesale banking businesses, including middle-market banking, large corporate banking, leasing, trade finance, and foreign exchange.

Jon O’Donnell
COO - Acuity Knowledge Partners
Jon is a proven business leader passionate about applying technology to business practices. At IBM, he led the Business & Technology Consulting and Cloud Consulting divisions, achieving significant market growth. He was also part of IBM Consulting’s Global Leadership Team, holding key positions in the UK, EMEA, and North America.
Jon has launched and led business units focused on AI and cloud platforms, driving market growth and innovation. He is known for his commercial acumen, client service passion, and positive leadership style. Jon holds a degree in mathematics and operational research from Southampton University and is CIMA-qualified.