Global Debate 2025: AI and FinTech at SIU

The Global Debate on AI and FinTech 2025, held on 31st January 2025 at SIU Lavale, Pune, brought together experts, academicians, and industry leaders to explore the evolving landscape of AI and financial technology. Jointly organized by SSBF, SCIT, SIT, and SCIE in collaboration with Symbiosis International (Deemed University) and Durham University, the event fostered discussions on AI ethics, FinTech regulations, and digital transformation.

The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by an insightful keynote speech from Dr. S. B. Mujumdar, Chancellor of SIU, who highlighted the role of research universities in driving AI and FinTech innovation. Prof. Jorge Lengler from Durham University initiated discussions with real-world examples, while Anita Patankar provided valuable insights on global engagement in these domains.

Prof. Dennis Philip moderated a session focusing on bias in AI models, fairness in decision-making, and transparency. Mr. Sundaraparipurnan Narayanan, an AI ethicist, discussed bias mitigation, while Mr. Yogendra Joshi from Google India introduced the KIA (Knowledge, Intent, and Action) Framework for ethical AI applications.

Dr. Neha Parashar led discussions on balancing innovation and consumer data privacy, with insights from Ms. Sirilatha Ramnath, Mr. Bijaei Jayaraj, and Mr. Shailendra Abhyankar. Their discussion underscored the need for ethical data management to sustain trust in digital finance.

The event concluded with a session on AI governance and transparency led by Prof. Ramakrishnan Raman. Speakers, including Mr. Prakash Sharma, Mr. Pankaj Madhukar, and Mr. Biren Bhatt, emphasized the importance of ethical AI frameworks.

The Global Debate on AI and FinTech 2025 reinforced the necessity for a balanced and forward-thinking approach to AI-driven innovation, ensuring fairness, accountability, and transparency in the digital age.