Capco and WIBF: Spotlight on Data Science and Diversity

Alongside advanced analytics – currently among the hottest areas in financial services – the event also explored the roles of data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence in transforming the industry. The evening’s agenda also focused on diversity and the role of women in the data space, and the challenges and opportunities that exist to support and enhance workplace inclusivity.

Following an introduction from Nicky King, WIBF’s Head of Corporate Sponsorships, panel facilitator Lucinda Szebrat, Executive Director at Capco, introduced the evening’s three external expert panellists: Helen Krause, EMEA Head of Global Data Science Insights at Citi; Asad Butt, Senior ESG Analyst at HBSC Asset Management; and Ines Teixiera, Head of DS, London Innovation Lab at Citi.

The fourth member of the panel, Maria Leventopoulou, Principal Consultant in UK Data Analytics at Capco, kicked off the evening’s programme with an interactive presentation. Topics covered spanned the fundamentals of data science, AI and ML through to the need for tailored data analytics solutions, the implications of ethics and bias in ML and concluded with reflections on the lesson’s Capco has learned as it has focused on boosting female representation in the data science space.

The subsequent panel and audience Q&A sessions examined a breadth of data science related topics, including the challenges associated with attracting diverse talent in this area, the role of diversity in driving innovation and enhancing leadership teams, and the use of data to empower organizations to meet their diversity goals.

Commenting after the event, Lucinda Szebrat said: “There will be a wealth of need and demand in the data science area going forward, and we must ensure that women and indeed all individuals from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups can play a key role in the journey that lies ahead for our industry. As well as bringing their expertise and experience to bear in shaping future innovation, their engagement and contributions in this field will be key to ensuring that future – not least around AI and ML – will address and eliminate any and all forms of bias that might arise.”