3 AI training courses to boost your efficiency
Written by Elke Maes | ACV Puls, Wien De Geyter | Febelfin, Perrine Lowette | Febelfin Academy, 05/07/2024 • Legislation
Artificial intelligence is the next game changer for the financial sector. 'The efficient use of artificial intelligence is the skill of the future.'
Courses in artificial intelligence are becoming very important. Both the development of artificial intelligence and its application are crucial. Especially in our sector, where we work with technical profiles and people who provide advice, artificial intelligence is certainly going to impact the job,’ says Wien De Geyter, Secretary-General of Febelfin.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the next game changer in the financial sector. It is going to apply to all sectors but, in the financial world, the pace is clearly faster. A recent study by the European Banking Federation shows that 83 percent of financial service providers intend to implement AI technology in the next five years. For the remainder of Belgian companies, it is only 40 percent. In terms of AI, the financial sector is therefore at the forefront.
Ubiquitous
AI is already making its presence felt in the financial world. Currently, the main use of the technology is for the detection of fraud and anti-money laundering practices, improving payment transactions, and for 'know your customer' processes,' according to De Geyter. AI applications are already being cautiously experimented with in other areas as well, e.g. HR.
Although AI is playing an increasing role in underlying business processes, its use in the workplace is still limited. A survey conducted by Febelfin of 1,300 employees shows that 70 percent of them are not currently using AI in their daily tasks.
And yet, AI offers significant benefits. 'You can work faster and have an assistant constantly by your side. Many tasks can be taken over by AI automatically. In addition, AI allows you to work in a more personalised fashion with customers by utilising the various data that are available. In the future, AI will enable you to become even more productive,' says De Geyter.
Need for training
Clearly, employees still need to learn how to work with AI. 'In collaboration with the trade unions, we recently agreed, therefore, to include training on AI in the range of courses we offer. This is recorded in the collective bargaining agreement (CAO). These courses have now been added to our portfolio,' says Wien De Geyter.
Currently, Febelfin Academy is offering 3 courses:
- A course on the use of AI in commonly used Microsoft programs, such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook, to enhance performance.
- A course on the safe and efficient use of ChatGPT.
- The 'Data Essentials for Managers' course to help managers utilise data efficiently in their organisation.
'These courses are designed to explain to employees how they can gradually implement artificial intelligence in their daily work. It is a valuable addition to their daily tasks. In addition, they are learning a new skill that can only become more important in the future,' says Perrine Lowette, training expert at Febelfin Academy.
Limits to productivity
AI offers many opportunities but there are also things that need to be considered. 'AI is a good tool for increasing productivity. At the same time, it also means that employees are continually spurred on to be more productive and work harder. We need to pause and consider how much further we are able, or indeed want to go in this regard, because people also need rest. An elite athlete cannot perform well in a competition if they never build in rest periods,' warns Elke Maes, General Coordinator of the Financial Sector at ACV Puls.
'AI offers lots of opportunities. It makes no sense to pretend that it doesn't exist or to resist it. Let's explore AI's possibilities and see how to incorporate it into our work, without losing sight of how it may impact employees in terms of work pressure. Moreover, we also need to consider ethical issues, such as where AI tools get their data from and what those data are then used for. There is often a lack of transparency and that makes employees cautious at times.'
