👉 Discover how Cambridge Spark helps organisations build the data and AI capabilities needed to deliver responsible, real-world impact: cambridgespark.com

In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma is joined by Edmund Towers, Head of Advanced Analytics & Data Science Units at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), to explore how data science and AI are being used to protect consumers, fight financial crime, and enable safe innovation across financial services.

Ed leads advanced analytics and data science across the FCA, working at the intersection of technology, regulation, and public good. From identifying scams and money laundering to shaping the UK’s regulatory approach to AI, his work demonstrates how responsible use of data and AI can deliver real societal impact at scale.

Together, Raoul and Edmund unpack how regulators can both enable innovation and protect consumers, why outcomes-based regulation matters, and how initiatives like AI Live Testing are helping firms move from proof-of-concept to safe deployment.

This episode is essential listening for data and AI leaders, compliance and risk professionals, policymakers, and executives who want to understand how AI can be used responsibly to deliver trust, safety, and innovation, not just efficiency.

Be sure to follow Data & AI Mastery wherever you listen to your podcasts to never miss an episode.

Chapter Markers

(01:40) — Edmund Towers’ role at the FCA

(04:20) — Why the FCA must both regulate and innovate

(08:40) — Introducing the FCA’s AI Live Testing initiative

(12:40) — FCA strategic priorities: financial crime, consumers, innovation

(16:00) — Synthetic data and collaboration with the Alan Turing Institute

(19:20) — Reducing friction in complex financial decisions

(22:30) — Quick-fire round: favourite language, subjects, and music

(23:30) — Raoul’s reflections on regulation, innovation, and collaboration

Useful Links

Connect with Edmund on LinkedIn

Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn

Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com

👉 Discover how Cambridge Spark helps organisations build the data and AI capabilities leaders need to drive real business impact: cambridgespark.com

In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma is joined by Kevin Cassar, Chief Data & AI Officer at TalkTalk, to explore what it truly takes to lead data and AI transformation from the ground up, and from the boardroom down.

Kevin’s journey is a rare one. Starting as a data scientist, completing a Level 7 Data Science & AI apprenticeship, and rising to the C-suite, he brings a uniquely grounded perspective on leadership, ROI, foundations, and people-centred transformation.

Together, they unpack how high-performing data teams are built, how AI initiatives win executive buy-in, and why getting the foundations right is the difference between sustainable impact and expensive tech debt.

Listeners will learn the three critical skills every Chief Data & AI Officer needs today, what “strong foundations” really mean and why continuous learning and upskilling are non-negotiable in fast-moving AI environments.

This episode is packed with practical guidance for CIOs, CDOs, AI leaders, and aspiring executives who want to scale AI responsibly, deliver ROI, and build teams that can keep learning as the business evolves.

Be sure to follow Data & AI Mastery wherever you listen to your podcasts to never miss an episode.

Chapter Markers:

(01:40) — Kevin Cassar’s career journey from data scientist to C-suite

(04:50) — Getting the foundations right to accelerate later

(09:10) — Translating AI work into business value

(14:00) — Better customer outcomes and operational efficiency

(18:40) — Bringing the business along every sprint

(22:20) — Lessons from Kevin’s Level 7 apprenticeship journey

(28:40) — Measuring maturity: how to show progress to the CEO

(31:40) — Quick-fire round: contrarian views on AI

(36:00) — Raoul’s reflections: pitching AI, foundations, and balance

Useful Links:

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn

Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn

Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com

Discover how Cambridge Spark helps organisations build the data and AI capabilities needed to deliver measurable business impact: cambridgespark.com

In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma is joined by Conny Ploth, VP of Global AI Transformation in the financial services sector, to unpack what it really takes to deliver measurable, people-first AI transformation in complex, regulated organisations.

Conny brings a unique perspective shaped by a career spanning microfinance, consulting, ESG, and large-scale financial institutions. Her message is clear: if you can’t measure it, don’t start it and AI transformation only succeeds when data, people, and processes move together.

Together, they explore how leaders can move beyond AI hype and focus on impact, adoption, and sustainable value creation.

Listeners will learn why measurement and baselines are non-negotiable before starting any AI initiative, how to balance quick wins (task automation) with longer-term transformational bets and how legacy organisations can compete with AI-native startups by creating safe spaces for experimentation.

This episode is packed with practical guidance for CIOs, transformation leaders, and executives who want AI to deliver real outcomes — not just prototypes.

Be sure to follow Data & AI Mastery wherever you listen to your podcasts to never miss an episode.

Chapter Markers:

(01:40) — Conny Ploth’s career journey into AI leadership

(06:00) — The three AI value levers: efficiency, growth, experience

(10:50) — Governance, guardrails, and balancing access with protection

(14:30) — Setting the AI vision and aligning with business strategy

(18:40) — Identifying quick wins vs long-term strategic initiatives

(24:00) — Running AI as a portfolio of initiatives

(28:00) — Upskilling at scale: why experience beats traditional training

(33:50) — Quick-fire round: fitness, routines, and personal habits

(35:40) — Raoul’s closing reflections: people, process, and purpose

Useful Links:

Connect with Conny on LinkedIn

Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn

Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com