Live Webinar

AI Readiness vs. Reality: Moving Beyond the Hype in Banking and Insurance

Learn how banking and insurance organizations can move past AI hype and focus on practical, responsible strategies for business impact.

Oct. 16, 2026 • Time: 10 a.m. ET

Register now

About the webinar

Banking and insurance organizations have used advanced analytics, predictive models and machine learning for years. But today’s AI conversation brings new urgency, new expectations and new pressure to show measurable results.

In this session, SAS experts and a customer leader will explore what it takes for financial services organizations to move beyond AI hype and focus on meaningful business outcomes. You’ll hear how organizations are identifying the right business problems for AI, building trusted foundations for responsible innovation – driving business impact while managing both risk and compliance. 

Whether you’re evaluating new AI opportunities or looking to expand existing efforts, you’ll gain practical insights for identifying high-value use cases. The net result: Create trusted AI strategies that drive meaningful business impact.

You’ll learn more about:

  • Why AI hype can create unrealistic expectations, and how to focus on specific, measurable outcomes.
  • How to start with the business problem, not the technology. 
  • Why trust, explainability, governance and data readiness are critical for AI adoption in financial services.
  • How to think beyond personal productivity and focus on enterprise-level business value.
  • Why AI should be used to rethink processes, not simply automate inefficient work.

Have a SAS profile? To complete this form automatically Sign In

*
*
*
*
 
 
*
*

All personal information will be handled in accordance with the SAS Privacy Statement.

 
  Yes, I would like to receive occasional emails from SAS and SAS business partners about their products and services. I understand I can withdraw my consent at any time by clicking the opt-out link in the emails.
 
 

About the experts


Michelle Wells

Director of Marketing for Global Industry and Vertical Solutions, SAS (Host)

Michelle Wells leads portfolio marketers responsible for industry market strategy, messaging and content, and sales enablement. With deep experience helping organizations translate advanced analytics and AI into real business value, Michelle brings a practical, customer-centric perspective to market conversations. She has spent her career connecting strategy to execution and is passionate about showcasing real-world customer stories that turn innovation into impact.


Dácil Hernández

Credit Analytics Director, Resurs Bank

Dácil Hernández leads credit risk analytics, modeling and the IFRS 9 framework. With more than 25 years of experience in analytics, AI and data-driven decision-making, Dácil drives business transformation through data and AI, helping organizations create value by combining strategy, governance and innovation. As an international speaker and moderator, Dácil is passionate about making data and AI practical, accessible and impactful for business leaders.


David Shannon

Senior Manager, EMEA Channels Pre-Sales, SAS

David Shannon has been a director and consultant in data and AI for over 20 years. He provides strategic advice and tactical delivery, returning cost benefits, productivity and innovation. With an in-depth technical knowledge, he has a reputation for leading and delivering. Today, David leads the SAS Channel Customer Advisory practice for EMEA.  

Outside of SAS, David is a director of the MG Car Club. Formed in 1930, it is one of the world's oldest car clubs with around 55,000 members worldwide.

Register now