Lloyds Bank partners with Cambridge University for executive AI training

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Lloyds Bank has partnered with the University of Cambridge to provide artificial intelligence (AI) training to around 300 senior staff.

The bank, one of the biggest in the UK and Europe, is aiming to upskill its staff with the help of edtech firm Cambridge Spark, as part of its tech transformation. The programme focuses on AI regulation, ethics, generative AI mechanics, its challenges, and emerging concepts like agentic AI, which operates independently of human input.

According to Bloomberg News, the first cohort of leaders from the British bank began an 80-hour course last month aimed at fostering an “AI-first” mindset.

Lloyds Chief Operating Officer, Ron van Kemenade, said the programme aims to “empower business leaders to innovate with AI and drive commercial excellence”.

“AI is a game-changer for financial services, and we’re investing to enhance our services with cutting-edge technology,” Van Kemenade said. “The programme with Cambridge Spark will empower our business leaders to further innovate with AI and drive commercial excellence using this transformative technology.”

Cambridge Spark was founded by former Cambridge PhD student Dr Raoul-Gabriel Urma. It helps companies upskill their workforces in AI and data science. The company was celebrated in The Sunday Times’ 2024 list of the UK’s top 100 fastest-growing companies.

Dr Urma said: “Advancing AI capabilities represents both the greatest challenge and opportunity for today’s businesses. Enhancing these capabilities within senior leadership creates a powerful multiplier effect that drives innovation throughout the organisation. We’re excited to support Lloyds Banking Group in this strategic investment.”

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