SurfSpot Communication, a leading internet provider in Benin hosted its Tech Grid 4.2 conference, where finance leaders, industry experts, executives, and innovators convened for a landmark discussion on the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the financial sector. The event examined the opportunities and challenges of AI in banking and fintech.
Engr. Ako Agenmonmen, founder & CEO of SurfSpot Communications Ltd and host, gave the opening address where he said, “Money may make the world go round, but with AI in the mix, it will definitely spin faster, smarter, and sometimes in ways that make regulators sweat. It won’t be just about algorithms crunching numbers; it will be about how the fusion of human insight and artificial intelligence reshapes how trust, value, and opportunities flow in our world.”
The keynote presentation, “The rise of Artificial Intelligence in finance: innovation, intimidation, and inclusion,” was delivered by Mr. Tomiwa Akinbile, Senior Finance Executive and Branch Manager at Globus Bank, Benin City.
Drawing from international and local instances such as the 2010 U.S. Flash Crash to Nigerian fintech innovations like PiggyVest and Tala/Branch, Tomiwa highlighted that AI should be considered an enabler, not a replacement for finance professionals. He also added that “AI in finance empowers better decisions, but trust remains the ultimate currency, and humans are its guardians.”
The event came to a close with Engr. Ako emphasizing the critical role of collaboration between humans and AI. He said, “AI will not replace bankers, but it will replace bankers who refuse to work with AI.” He further added that “the winners will be professionals and institutions that learn to collaborate with the technology, turning it from a threat into a formidable partner.
He concluded by saying, “The real disruption in finance is not machines replacing people, but people who learn to work smarter with machines.”
Tech Grid series is a forward-thinking knowledge exchange platform initiated by SurfSpot Communications Limited to explore the intersection of technology, innovation, and human development across Africa and beyond. The series engages experts, industry leaders, and policymakers to have bold conversations around the most transformative technologies shaping the world, from AI and cybersecurity to digital healthcare, education, broadband access, and the future of work.
