Finastra has launched a new AI Center of Excellence and named Chris McClellen to lead the effort as it moves to coordinate and scale artificial intelligence initiatives across the company.

McClellen has been appointed Senior Vice President, Group Head of AI, and will report to Chief Technology Officer Mike Stawchansky.

He brings experience in AI strategy, enterprise software and data platforms, including in regulated environments, and a track record of turning emerging technology platforms into practical, scalable solutions.

The company said the new AI Center of Excellence will draw on expertise across engineering, product and other functions to coordinate AI initiatives, share best practices and support wider development of AI capabilities across the business.

AI projects in the company are already underway in areas including product development, internal operations and customer-facing work.

Chris Walters, Chief Executive Officer of Finastra, said,

“We already have a tremendous amount of AI talent and innovation across Finastra. Establishing the AI Center of Excellence allows us to bring that expertise together while continuing to grow it.

We’re expanding our teams and hiring in key technology hubs including Atlanta and India, combining the strength of our existing teams with new talent. AI has the potential to deliver significant value to our customers, and this structure helps us move faster and scale the work already underway across the company.”

McClellen added,

“AI presents an important opportunity for the financial services industry, and Finastra has already built a strong foundation of work across the company.

I’m excited to help bring these efforts together, build on that progress, and support the continued development of AI capabilities across the organisation.”

Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by smartmalik6384 via Freepik