Digital transformation depends on the quality of your data and your ability to handle it.

In this interview, Ashwin Sinha – Executive Director & Chief Data Officer at Macquarie Bank discusses the strategic topics at Macquarie Bank, such as engineering delivery acceleration, data governance, data literacy, and artificial intelligence. To stay ahead of the rapid pace of change in their field, Ashwin emphasises the importance of continuous learning. 

Data strategy is crucial in digital transformation. Transformation is an ongoing process and highlights the critical role of data quality and processing speed in digital transformation. There needs to be alignment between digital transformation strategy, data strategy, and technology modernisation strategy to avoid operating in silos.  

By simplifying data interfaces, extracts, and dashboards, data strategy eliminates complexity in the data landscape. Modernise technology and consolidate data warehouses, including transitioning to cloud platforms. To support the bank’s overall simplification and modernisation goals, a streamlined and efficient data infrastructure is needed. 

Ashwin discusses the importance of continuously uplifting risk management processes to meet regulatory requirements proactively. For management and board-level discussions, having accurate metrics to track progress and ensuring their reliability are crucial, especially for stakeholders who might not be data-savvy. 

 

Key Takeaways: 

  • Generative AI fundamentally changes responsible AI. Update your AI and ethics governance framework. Artificial intelligence therefore requires broad ranging considerations. 
  • There has to be a very clear customer benefit in every use case of AI, a level of explainability and a broad range of risk considerations. Make sure you understand the responsible use and impact to customers and employees before using it. 
  • Data is a board level topic from both a risk and disruption perspective. Keep your communication with the Board simple. Describe where the data is now, where it will go in the medium term, and where it could go in the long term. There needs to be a focus on the organisation, the business, the risk you carry, and the innovation you can bring.
Contributors
Matt Boon Senior Research Director at ADAPT
Matt Boon is responsible for directing and developing ADAPT’s research content and positions. He interacts with executives daily, bringing together groups of... More

Matt Boon is responsible for directing and developing ADAPT’s research content and positions. He interacts with executives daily, bringing together groups of C-suite leaders to discuss and prepare for the challenges and opportunities they face.​

For over 30 years, including 18 in senior leadership roles at Gartner, Matt has been a sought after and highly respected authority on the local and global IT landscape.​

ADAPT hosts numerous industry-leading business and technology events, which Matt chairs, that deliver unique ADAPT research positions, and advises executives across the end-user and technology provider landscape to make informed IT decisions.​

When he is not working, Matt enjoys walking the many trails of the NSW Southern Highlands, travelling and listening to music. He is also partial to a good steak and nice glass of red wine.​

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Ashwin Sinha Executive Director & Chief Data Officer at Macquarie Bank
Ashwin is a senior leader with focus on strategy, data and digital transformation. His area of expertise is driving organisational change by... More

Ashwin is a senior leader with focus on strategy, data and digital transformation. His area of expertise is driving organisational change by leveraging data, digital and customer engagement capabilities. He has worked globally across multiple industry sectors and executed a number of significant transformation programs for some of the world’s largest organisations. Ashwin has consistently demonstrated strong leadership in creating high performing teams, commercial outcomes and successful execution.

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Data