Employee Stories

David Hardoon
Global Head of AI Enablement

My career journey into the world of AI

I like to joke that in summary I’m an AI academic-software-consultant-founder-regulator-investor-executive. Over the last over 20 years I’ve had the privilege to experience AI from distinctive and unique perspectives.

My career journey began in academia as a Research Associate at the University of Southampton and thereafter at University College London. A natural continuation of my PhD where I dove deep into the world of Machine Learning, specifically semantic multi-models for learning algorithms.

Following ‘the calling’ of the ‘real-world’ I proceed to join SAS and Ernest & Young where I had the opportunity to sharpen my ability to bridge the world of research and business respectively from both a software and consultancy perspective. In the latter I had the opportunity to lay the foundations for DBS’s digital journey through their AI initiative for ATM and cash optimisation. It was this engagement that truly showed me the real-world impact of AI. Fundamentally changing what was seen as an ‘immutable’ concept such as cash and cheques.

Following the founding of a Data and AI consultancy firm, Azendian Solutions, I took on the role of Chief Data Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore where, amongst other initiatives, I had established the Fairness, Ethics, Accountability, and Transparency (FEAT) principles setting a global standard for responsible AI in finance. Thereafter, joining the Aboitiz Group, I had taken on the role of Chief Data & AI Officer at UnionBank of the Philippines and concurrently CEO of Aboitiz Data Innovation.

At UnionBank I enjoyed reversing the roles from ‘regulator’ to ‘banker’ now needing to “walk-the-talk” and implement governed enterprise data and AI across the bank. Moving from end-user-computer development and deployment to true enterprise platforms and full production deployment with MLOps. Concurrently, Aboitiz Data Innovation, was established as a multi-million-dollar revenue consultancy firm servicing both the Aboitiz Group and external clients.

What inspired your interest in technology and AI?

The desire to understand ‘us’ better. What makes us tick, and why do we do what we do. The origins of AI are an interlace of Psychology and Neurology.

Describe your transition into AI in banking.

My voyage into the world of finance commenced during my years in SAS, where I had the pleasure of supporting prospective clients in translating their business aspirations to technical solutions. My immersion in the banking, and finance, world fully took place when I joined the Monetary Authority of Singapore as their Chief Data Officer and Head of Data Analytics Group with internal regulatory and external industry mandate.

Which technical skills from previous roles proved valuable in AI?

Behavioural science. One could argue that this is technically not a technical skill, nonetheless I had found it to be the skill that had proved moved valuable.

What business skills do you use daily?

Active listening.

If not in your current role, what would be your alternate career choice?

My alternate field of study was Astrophysics.

How do you keep updated with AI developments in a regulated industry?

Read, attend conferences, have as many conversations as possible, and always open to learning.

What advice do you have for those considering a tech career?

Take your time to understand your reasons for exploring a career in technology.

About Standard Chartered

How is Standard Chartered leveraging AI and technology to stay ahead?

SC had set forward a strategic initiative to accelerate AI adoption to meet evolving client needs and deliver against strategic objectives of Cross Border, Affluent and Sustainability. Through this, and the Fit-For-Growth, investment is being done in infrastructure, platform, people and exploration of opportunities.

What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on at the Bank?

There are many exciting initiatives that I have am involved with. I am looking forward to working on the many exciting projects in the pipeline.

What is the impact of your AI work (internally and externally)?

Internally as-of-yet, looking to the opportunity to collaborate in establishing a strong AI foundation to build on and quantify benefit. Externally – sharing best practices, frameworks, guidelines, and collaborations.

How does SC balance innovation with regulatory requirements?

The core in the ‘balance’ is the relationship is that these are not opposing ends, but that regulatory requirements are a guideline for accelerated innovation. As a financial institution our core focus is identify, measure and mitigate risk.

What learning resources and communities have helped advance your team’s AI skills?

Workshops, Sharing Sessions and Townhalls, amongst others.

What AI capabilities are you excited to implement soon?

AI Factory. Enterprise environment to enable others to build.

What tools and technologies assist you in your role?

Teams, Outlook, GPT (and versions), Online Search (and other Research Tools)

AI Market Trends

How will AI change the workplace in the next 5-10 years?

Any answer will be wrong. If one thing we have witnessed over the last 20 years, is that the change is happening more frequently and unexpectedly. Perhaps an alternative question would be ‘How would existing AI enabled tool change ‘you’ tomorrow?’. This is exactly how AI will both change us and the workplace. The ability to ask the “right” or more pertinent questions, or the ones we simply did not have the time to ask, or the ability to answer.

How is SC ensuring responsible AI with fairness, transparency, and accountability in decisions affecting colleagues and customers?

SC had established early on the Responsible AI Council that reviews all AI use cases across the bank for adherences to bank policy and updating regulatory guidelines and policy. Such, and other, activities demonstrate the importance placed and collaborative nature across the different governance, risk, and policy verticals. The bank has now further expanded the team previously focusing on Responsible AI team to address AI Safety, taking the next level of understanding and recommending the mitigation approach for potential harms amplified through AI.