On 16 October, Mexico City, more precisely the Hacienda de los Morales, set the stage for an exclusive event that brought together financial leaders specializing in risk management and finance. Hosted by Mirai RiskTech, this invitation-only afterwork provided the ideal setting for high-level networking and engaging conversations among industry professionals, all within an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. And the main theme of this gathering was nothing less than: “Innovation in Risk and Finance: Challenges and Opportunities in the Age of AI.”
Under the moderation of Álvaro Cabello, event host and Partner at Mirai Consulting; and featuring perspectives from Silvina Criado, CFO of Santander México and Co-President of the ABM Finance Commission, and Abraham Izquierdo, Deputy General Director of Financial Risks at Banorte and GARP Mexico Chapter Director, the panel covered a broad spectrum of themes, from strategic vision and practical innovation cases to the effects of technology on organizations and talent, ending with a forward-looking exchange on what lies ahead in the medium term.
It is undeniable that Artificial Intelligence has reached the financial sector, and its applicability is accelerating, but there is more to this equation. Throughout the session, Mirai RiskTech’s goal was to highlight the opportunities these innovations bring to the industry.
The discussion was set in motion by a thought-provoking question: "What advice would you give your five-year-younger self if you had to face the modernization of a bank or the implementation of AI?”
This opening inspired participants to consider the importance of having the courage to take the leap, to be bold, stay demanding of oneself, and embrace change with determination, even when mistakes are part of the journey.
The conversation highlighted that genuine innovation requires more than technological adaptation; it calls for courage and a mindset that values learning and continuous improvement.
Building on this idea of courage and adaptability, the dialogue turned to the role of AI as a driver of change, exploring how professionals perceive innovation within their respective fields and the specific challenges that arise when new technologies enter the scene.
As was pointed out, innovation should not be limited to AI alone. While it dominates much of today’s conversation, other well-established technologies, such as automation, data quality improvements, modeling, and machine learning, also hold great potential to drive meaningful progress across the financial sector.
Beyond the technology itself, it became clear that true innovation requires a profound cultural transformation. Shifting mindsets, ensuring teams are aligned, and reorienting new hires toward emerging capabilities are all essential steps in this evolution. Emphasis was placed on inverting traditional hierarchies so that technology can take on repetitive or manual work, allowing professionals to focus on adding value and elevating the role of human expertise.
Equally important is adopting a pragmatic approach, viewing technology as an enabler that helps organizations operate more effectively and respond faster to change. This mindset also involves evaluating the return on investment of innovation projects, identifying their most valuable benefits, and establishing proper controls to prevent errors or unintended automation outcomes.
The conversation delved into the human and strategic dimensions of transformation, highlighting the growing need to cultivate new capabilities and professional profiles to meet the demands of this rapidly changing era. It explored how the roles of finance and risk leaders are being redefined within a new technological environment, and how institutions are increasingly developing or attracting specialized talent.
To illustrate these ideas, the moderator, Álvaro Cabello, presented an innovation use case, briefly introducing key concepts such as big data, cloud computing, and AI, along with a practical application that demonstrated their impact in action.
The evening wrapped up with a cocktail-style networking dinner, an inviting space for exchanging ideas and reflections on how technological innovation continues to reshape the industry.
From Mirai RiskTech, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the speakers and attendees who made this event possible, especially Álvaro Cabello, Silvina Criado, and Abraham M. Izquierdo for their inspiring contributions.
That evening in Mexico City reinforced our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and technological excellence within the financial sector. We remain dedicated to supporting banks as they navigate the transformation of risk and finance in the Age of AI, empowering more agile, intelligent, and future-ready balance sheet management.
Join our upcoming events and be part of a thriving community shaping the future of finance and risk management:
👉 https://mirairisktech.com/events