🎙️ In this episode of the London Fintech Podcast, Tony Clark speaks with Dr. Paul Dongha, Head of Responsible AI & AI Strategy at NatWest Group, about the importance of AI governance in financial services.

With decades of experience in AI—from his early PhD research on autonomous agents to leading responsible AI initiatives at major banks—Paul brings both technical depth and practical expertise to the conversation. He shares insights from his new book "Governing the Machine", co-authored with leading global AI advisors Ray Eitel-Porter and Miriam Voge, and promoted by figures such as Andrew Ng, Reid Hoffman, and the CEO of IBM.

They discuss the nine key risk areas of AI—including bias, privacy, security, and hallucinations—the role of regulation such as the EU AI Act, and why effective governance must be an organisation-wide effort led from the boardroom. Paul also explains how firms can implement practical frameworks, governance forums, and training to safely unlock AI’s potential while staying compliant and ethical.

"Governing the Machine" will launch on October 23rd and is available for pre-order now: https://amzn.eu/d/9PSBRAt

Paul shares perspectives from his career in AI research and strategy, including risk areas such as bias, privacy, security, and hallucinations. The discussion explores regulatory frameworks like the EU AI Act, organisational approaches to responsible AI, and practical tools that firms can use to manage AI adoption effectively.

📌 Topics covered:

• Why responsible AI is critical for financial services

• The nine biggest risk areas for AI adoption

• Bias, fairness, and how to mitigate them in practice

• Privacy, security, and the risks of prompt hacking

• Hallucinations and why they can’t be “designed away”

• Regulation: EU AI Act, NIST framework, and global standards

• The rise of Chief AI Officers and responsible AI roles

• How to build governance forums, ethics boards, and AI inventories

• Tools, platforms, and GRC systems for managing AI at scale

• Key takeaways from Governing the Machine

📌 Key takeaway: AI governance isn’t about slowing innovation—it’s about building the guardrails that make responsible, scalable innovation possible.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📚 I would be delighted to welcome you to one of our launch events, where you can purchase a signed copy of the book. 7.30pm on Tuesday, 21st October in Jesus College, Cambridge, CB5 8BL.

RSVP: https://bit.ly/3VD65EV (select “Reserved tickets” – you are a VIP!)

You will need a ticket to gain entry, so you must RSVP. OR 6pm on Wednesday, 22nd October at NatWest Bank, 250 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 4AA.RSVP: https://bit.ly/3IuBiaq

You will need a QR code to gain entry, so you must RSVP.

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🔗 Learn More:

Tony Clark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclark100/

The London Fintech Podcast: https://londonfintechpodcast.com/podcasts/

Paul Dongha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-dongha/

Governing the Machine (pre-order link): https://amzn.eu/d/9PSBRAt

NextWave Consulting: https://www.nxwave.com/

Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coming-Up-Short-Memoir-America/dp/0593803280

Go Beyond The Podcast: https://resources.nxwave.com/hub/london-fintech-podcast?c=cG9zdDo5OTI5NzY%3D&nav=aHViX3BhZ2U6MTA%3D&s=null