New program helps financial professionals turn AI into business value

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of financial services. Banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions increasingly use AI for tasks such as risk assessment, credit decisions, pricing, fraud detection, and customer service. At the same time, many organizations face a common challenge: how to translate technological advances into practical solutions that create value while meeting regulatory and governance requirements.

To address this need, IFU, part of SSE Executive Education, is launching a new advanced program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for professionals in banking, finance, and insurance. The program is designed for leaders and specialists who want to strengthen their ability to understand, lead, and implement AI initiatives in complex organizations.

"We see growing demand for education that focuses on how AI can be applied in practice within banking, finance, and insurance," say Program Directors Maria Enger and Marcus Feldt. "Organizations need more than a basic understanding of the technology. They need to understand how AI affects decision-making, processes, and business models."

From AI strategy to implementation

While many organizations have identified areas where AI can add value, implementation remains a challenge.

"Many companies have already mapped out potential AI use cases," says Rickard Sandberg, Head of the Center for Data Analytics at the Stockholm School of Economics and lead faculty member of the program. "The next step is embedding these solutions into everyday operations in ways that improve decisions and contribute to long-term value creation."

The program combines research in AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics with practical applications relevant to financial services. Participants will explore areas including credit decision-making, risk analytics, fraud and anti-money laundering detection, underwriting, market surveillance, pricing, and optimization.

Combining technology and organizational change

Successful AI adoption depends not only on technology, but also on people and organizations. The program therefore brings together expertise from researchers and practitioners working at the intersection of analytics, leadership, and organizational development.

Among the faculty is Frida Pemer, Associate Professor at the Stockholm School of Economics.

"Technology alone does not create value," says Frida Pemer. "Organizations also need the capabilities, processes, and leadership required to adopt new ways of working and manage change effectively."

The program is led by Helena Palmgren, a strategic transformation leader with extensive experience from the pension, insurance, and financial services sectors.

"Many organizations have already developed AI strategies," says Helena Palmgren. "What determines success is often the ability to execute those strategies and integrate them into the business. That requires both technical understanding and effective change leadership."

Learning through real business challenges

A central part of the program is an applied project where participants work on their own AI-related case. The aim is to help participants translate new knowledge into concrete actions and develop a roadmap for implementation within their organizations.

The program is aimed at executives, decision-makers, and senior specialists who want to strengthen their ability to prioritize, initiate, and lead AI initiatives responsibly and with a clear business focus.

Applications are now open.

For more information, please contact:

Maria Enger
maria.enger@hhs.se
+46 76 527 75 45

Marcus Feldt
marcus.feldt@hhs.se
+46 70 954 67 72