The new paper, as discussed in July at the Stratos India Forum in Mumbai under the umbrella of the Stratos Global CEO Forum and Executive Symposium, follows a first White Paper from Cambridge Judge and Bain issued in July: Power, Capital and Governance: Leadership in a Fragmented World.
This second paper, entitled Technology, Transformation and Governance: Leadership in an Emerging Order, will be discussed in London on 29 September at the 2026 Stratos EMEA Leadership Summit along with other key topics such as algorithmic systems and capital allocation, why the concept of growth has structurally changed in financial services, and the effect of sanctions and capital controls on global markets.
Key steps range from AI transformation to exportable solutions
The new White Paper lays out these 5 immediately actionable imperatives for leaders in financial services:
1. Leaders need to own the AI transformation
Leaders need to own the AI transformation by treating it as a business transformation and not an IT project, with explicit CEO and board sponsorship.
2. Workflows during this transformation should be redesigned sequentially
Workflows during this transformation should be redesigned sequentially, prioritising a few end-to-end processes (lending, for example) rather than “massive change programmes”.
3. Build adaptable and modular operating models now
Build adaptable and modular operating models now, rather than waiting until technology stabilises. This modular approach allows adaptation as tech evolves.
4. Build for adaptability by prioritising organisational flexibility
Build for adaptability by prioritising organisational flexibility rather than focusing on any one technology stack, using a hub-and-spoke model for common platforms.
5. Think globally from an India base
“In this paper, we challenge financial services leaders to engage with technology and governance transformation with the conviction the moment demands,” says Feryal Erhun, lead author and Professor of Operations and Technology Management and Academic Director of the Wo+Men’s Leadership Centre at Cambridge Judge Business School. “Leaders must make choices in AI workflows, operating models and governance structures that can learn, adapt and act at speed, alongside regular, explicit reviews of the assumptions underpinning their strategic judgements on capital and technology.”
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To download the new White Paper
