AI at scale: Balancing innovation, risk and value
For our August luncheon briefing series we invited FEAL members to join an interactive discussion addressing how funds can move from AI experimentation to scaled AI implementation to drive impact and value, while ensuring the right tools and skills are safely embedded at individual and organisational levels.
Our guest speaker, Amber Auld, Head of Insurance, Capital Markets & Banking at Microsoft, brought tech, risk and business perspectives to a conversation on AI implementation with Cameron Pelling, Chief Risk Officer at TAL. Together they discussed how the various elements interact with each other, within the context of scaling AI against a landscape of governance and regulatory complexity.
Amber and Cameron were joined by fund executives in each state to relate the conversation to how AI is being implemented in their funds. The conversation was moderated in Melbourne & Sydney by Jenny Nguyen, TAL’s General Manager - Growth & Digital Experience & in Brisbane by Saj Arachchillage, General Manager - Platform Delivery & Engineering, TAL.
Guest speakers
Amber Auld, Head of Insurance, Capital Markets & Banking, Microsoft Australia
For over twenty years, Amber has been helping clients use technology as a tool to serve their business and quite simply - make it better. Inspired to improve the lives of people at their most vulnerable moments, today as the Leader of Insurance for Microsoft Australia, Amber is working across the industry to drive AI transformation.
Prior to Microsoft, Amber spent 10 years at IBM building strategic partnerships across the property, real estate investment trust and media and entertainment sectors.
In 2011, Amber made the move to Microsoft working with the public sector and for the past decade, dedicated to financial services in Australia creating strategic partnerships for broad reaching impact across Australia.
Cameron Pelling, Chief Risk Officer, TAL
Cameron is Chief Risk Officer of TAL Life Limited, with responsibility for enterprise risk management, compliance, regulatory engagement, remediation, resilience, fraud and security. He brings more than 25 years of experience in risk management.
Prior to joining TAL, Cameron held a range of risk and compliance roles across insurance, superannuation, structured products, retail banking, business banking and professional services in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Moderator (Melbourne & Sydney)
Jenny Nguyen, General Manager - Growth & Digital, TAL
Jenny has worked in the superannuation and life insurance industries across administration, digital, marketing, client management and business development, with a strong focus on helping superannuation funds deliver better member outcomes.
In her current role, Jen is responsible for the partnerships, digital platforms and member engagement capabilities that sit at the heart of TAL’s group insurance proposition.
Moderator (Brisbane)
Saj Arachchillage, General Manager - Platform Delivery & Engineering, TAL
Panelists
MELBOURNE - Rakesh Kalyankar, Head of Data Services, AustralianSuper
Rakesh is the Head of Data Services at AustralianSuper, Australia’s largest superannuation fund. Having established the Fund's Data Services function in 2023, he holds Fund-wide accountability for data, analytics, and data governance capabilities.
Rakesh is leading the deployment of Agentic AI to enable the strategic use of data to drive Fund-wide transformation, enhance decision-making, manage risk, and deliver long-term value for members.
Prior to AustralianSuper, Rakesh held several leadership roles at AusNet, Deloitte, and SAP, leading large-scale business and data analytics transformation programs across multiple industries and geographies.
SYDNEY - Sadeer Maghak, Chief Technology Officer, NGS Super
Sadeer is the Chief Technology Officer at NGS Super, where he leads the Fund’s technology, data, information security, AI and innovation strategies. With about 30 years of experience driving technology transformation, Sadeer has led large-scale digital and data transformation initiatives across Australia and internationally, including with the United Nations. He is passionate about harnessing emerging technologies and establishing data-informed cultures to create practical business value. Sadeer is a strong advocate for responsible AI adoption, modern technology platforms, and building high-performing technology teams
BRISBANE - Randike Gajanayake, Chief Technology Officer, Brighter Super
Randike joined Brighter Super’s Executive Leadership Team as Chief Technology Officer in August 2022. Prior to this, he served as Head of Data Analytics and Performance at LGIAsuper.
Randike is responsible for the development and execution of Brighter Super’s technology strategy, including IT, AI, data analytics, software engineering and cyber security. He provides strategic direction to the technology leadership team and oversees the delivery of solutions that enhance operations and create value for members.
Before joining LGIAsuper, Randike worked as a technology consultant and researcher across healthcare, government, utilities and higher education. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Queensland University of Technology and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science from the University of Peradeniya. Randike is also a Responsible Person under Brighter Super’s Registrable Superannuation Entity Licence.
Melbourne
Date: Thursday 20 August
Venue: The Westin
Address: 205 Collins Street
Sydney
Date: Tuesday 25 October
Venue: Thomsons
Address: Level 14, 60 Martin Place
Brisbane
Date: Thursday 27 August
Venue: Thomsons
Address: Level 28, 1 Eagle Street
Time
12.15pm (for a 12.30pm start) - 2.00pm (AEST)
Cost
FEAL members - $0 & non-members $145 (inc GST)
*If you are a non member & would like to attend please contact FEAL.
Sponsored in partnership with
