Thursday 30 October 2025
12:30
Rick Haythornthwaite
The Future of Banking: AI, data and the new consumer
From his vantage point as Chair of one of the UK’s biggest banking groups, Rick will discuss how artificial intelligence and big data are redefining mainstream banking, and what changing consumer behaviour could mean for banking globally. Drawing on his experience as Chair of Mastercard, which went through a technological transformation in the 2010s and his work now at NatWest Group, Rick will explore how large organisations can respond strategically to rapid market developments.
Rick was appointed Chair of NatWest Group in 2024. He is a highly experienced Chair who combines a successful commercial career with a deep knowledge of financial services markets and technology, as well as a strong track record of delivery at significant customer-facing organisations. Rick’s Chair experience extends across industry sectors, including Ocado Group plc, which provides technology and automation solutions for grocery retailers; Embedded Finance, a fintech company; QiO Technologies Limited, the industrial AI company that Rick co-founded; Xynteo, a Norway-based sustainability consultancy; and Mastercard Inc, a global technology company.
Chair of NatWest Group
Rick was appointed Chair of NatWest Group in 2024. He is a highly experienced Chair who combines a successful commercial career with a deep knowledge of financial services markets and technology, as well as a strong track record of delivery at significant customer-facing organisations. Rick’s Chair experience extends across industry sectors, including Ocado Group plc, which provides technology and automation solutions for grocery retailers; Embedded Finance, a fintech company; QiO Technologies Limited, the industrial AI company that Rick co-founded; Xynteo, a Norway-based sustainability consultancy; and Mastercard Inc, a global technology company.