In a recent meeting hosted by The FENG’s Frankfurt, Germany Chapter, two eminent speakers – Rishi Bhatnagar, Founder at Quaeris, and Rishi Ramano, CFO for Acadia.io – provided emphatic insights into the promising world of AI and its practical applications in business and finance in a meeting titled, “The Use of AI for Accounting, FP&A or Treasury Functions – what is hype and what is reality?“
The discussion revolved around the rise of autonomous agents in AI technology, the consumerization of tech, the potential of AI in transforming unstructured data into structured data, and an interesting reflection on the role of the modern CFO. Both speakers painted a vivid picture of an AI-driven future that could potentially contribute trillions of dollars in benefits, directly and indirectly.
Bhatnagar and Ramano explored various low-complexity, quick-win AI use cases that stand capable of driving significant cost savings, efficiency improvements, and value creation. Discussions extended into the realm of AI risks and ethical considerations, underscoring the importance of a well-thought-out strategy in AI implementation.
The speakers presented thought-provoking insights on the significant investments that organizations are making to deploy AI, urging the need for a focus on value and attention towards compliance, data privacy, and security. Partnering and co-building on AI projects, starting small, and relying on existing AI resources rather than starting from scratch were among the pragmatically pertinent solutions proposed for a successful AI journey.
Rishi Bhatnagar and Rishi Ramano, with their in-depth knowledge and articulative thought leadership, contributed significantly to the discourse. Their discussions on the challenges in the AI market and the strategic considerations for businesses adopting AI technologies were insightful and served as valuable takeaways.
In sum, the meeting was a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone interested in the AI landscape’s practical and strategic aspects, successfully exploring the balance between innovation, effectiveness, and caution.
About the Speakers
Rishi Bhatnagar
With over 25 years of experience in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, I have founded Quaeris, a platform that delivers personalized insights through an intuitive natural language interface. Quaeris helps business users in sales, marketing, supply chain and field/remote users access data and insights and make faster and smarter decisions, saving millions in avoiding repetitive build and maintenance of dashboards.
My mission is to leverage my learning, relationships, and a great team to solve a $100 billion per year problem and change my corner of the world with Quaeris. I have a proven track record of building clear and defendable solutions using data, algorithms, and clearly defined problem statements, as well as leading and growing successful analytics businesses across various industries. I am passionate about creating value for my clients, partners, and stakeholders with innovative and scalable solutions.
Rishi Ramano
Rishi Ramano is a highly qualified accountant, holding both designations from the Association of Chartered & Certified Accountants (ACCA) in the UK and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the USA. Before joining Acadia as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), he was previously the CFO of Ultra Records, the Corporate Controller at Dentsu Advertising, Assistant Controller at Sony Music, and Senior Manager at Ernst and Young.
Rishi worked in Financial Advisory and Audit practices at EY London for 7 years before moving to EY New York in 2013. He has worked with large global media and technology firms including Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Universal Music, Warner Music, 21st Century Fox, WPP, IPG, and Publicis, and brings with him a wealth of experience from IPO experience to technical advisory, and from controllership accounting to strategic growth, including mergers and acquisitions.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Rishi is also an active member of his community. He volunteers his time and expertise to the National Institute of Psychotherapies where he is a Board Member. When out of the office Rishi spends his time with his wife and baby boy, teaching him the importance of choosing his football team wisely or in the gym training for his mixed martial arts badges.
