Preparing for AI: Insights from Resolution IT’s Guernsey and Jersey Seminars on Data and Development

Wayde Finch, Director of Data & Development at Zenzero, Explores the Finance Industry’s Appetite for Transformation and AI

Towards the end of April, I had the pleasure of hosting seminars in Guernsey and Jersey, focused on how data, development and AI are reshaping the financial services sector. We welcomed delegates from leading finance and professional services firms across the Channel Islands, all eager to explore how smart data strategies and thoughtful automation can drive better decisions, streamline operations and elevate client service.

A Shared Challenge: Readiness for Digital Transformation

Across both events, one message came through loud and clear: while business leaders understand the potential of digital transformation, many feel their organisations aren’t yet ready to take the leap.

Some cited budget constraints or competing project priorities. Others pointed to technical debt – legacy systems, fragmented platforms and unreliable data – as major barriers to progress. The reality is that many firms are struggling to lay the groundwork needed to successfully adopt automation or AI.

What the Data Tells Us

To dig deeper, we surveyed attendees before the seminars. The results highlighted the extent of these challenges:

• 54% of respondents reported that their business data is scattered and difficult to access consistently.
• 45% said that while data can be retrieved quickly, its quality varies significantly.
• When it comes to reporting on staff and client profitability, 75% admitted that insights are only accessed occasionally, often delayed and inaccurate.
• Nearly 50% of respondents still rely heavily on manual, repetitive processes in day-to-day operations.

These insights paint a clear picture: although there is a strong appetite for data-led transformation and AI adoption, foundational issues around data quality and system integration are holding firms back.

Laying the Foundations for Future Success

The Channel Island finance industry is eager to embrace innovation, but real transformation demands more than enthusiasm – it requires preparation. Effective AI integration isn’t about layering new tools over outdated infrastructure. It demands a strategic commitment to simplifying systems, consolidating data sources and eliminating manual inefficiencies.

All organisations face competing priorities and it’s understandable that initiatives promising immediate returns often take precedence. However, postponing investment in digital transformation can create significant challenges down the line. Building strong foundations now, by modernising systems, consolidating data and streamlining processes, is essential for long-term success and resilience. By prioritising these projects today, businesses can future-proof their operations, strengthen their competitive advantage and ensure their business models remain sustainable and adaptable in a rapidly evolving financial services sector.

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So, How Does This Work?

Before you dive into the world of cutting-edge tech and AI-powered insights, take a moment to look inward. Too often, businesses rush to invest in the latest digital tools, expecting an immediate return. But here’s the truth: most organisations are sitting on untapped potential – tools, data, and systems already in place but vastly underutilised.

The smartest starting point? A comprehensive review of your current setup. Understanding what technology and data you already have is critical. By consolidating platforms, aligning processes, and ingesting data from across your organisation, you lay the groundwork for true transformation – often without spending a penny on new tools.

From there, it’s about making that data work for you. Cleansing, structuring, and transforming it into an accessible, user-friendly asset ensures every stakeholder can extract value from it. Only once your data estate is in order can you unlock the real power of artificial intelligence.

The magic happens when clean, connected data fuels smart, AI-driven decisions. But the real ROI begins with getting the basics right.

We can kick this off together. Reach out to us for a free data and digital maturity assessment, where we’ll guide you through a structured evaluation of your maturity across six key dimensions – Strategy, Data Management, Technology, Analytics, Culture, and Security – to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for growth, that will help inform your first version of a data and digital roadmap.