AI, Regulation, and Trust: Using Data Science to Protect Consumers at Scale — Edmund Towers, Head of Advanced Analytics & Data Science Units at the FCA

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In this episode of Data & AI Mastery, host Dr. Raoul-Gabriel Urma is joined by Edmund Towers, Head of Advanced Analytics & Data Science Units at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), to explore how data science and AI are being used to protect consumers, fight financial crime, and enable safe innovation across financial services.

Ed leads advanced analytics and data science across the FCA, working at the intersection of technology, regulation, and public good. From identifying scams and money laundering to shaping the UK’s regulatory approach to AI, his work demonstrates how responsible use of data and AI can deliver real societal impact at scale.

Together, Raoul and Edmund unpack how regulators can both enable innovation and protect consumers, why outcomes-based regulation matters, and how initiatives like AI Live Testing are helping firms move from proof-of-concept to safe deployment.

This episode is essential listening for data and AI leaders, compliance and risk professionals, policymakers, and executives who want to understand how AI can be used responsibly to deliver trust, safety, and innovation, not just efficiency.

Be sure to follow Data & AI Mastery wherever you listen to your podcasts to never miss an episode.

Chapter Markers

(01:40) — Edmund Towers’ role at the FCA

(04:20) — Why the FCA must both regulate and innovate

(08:40) — Introducing the FCA’s AI Live Testing initiative

(12:40) — FCA strategic priorities: financial crime, consumers, innovation

(16:00) — Synthetic data and collaboration with the Alan Turing Institute

(19:20) — Reducing friction in complex financial decisions

(22:30) — Quick-fire round: favourite language, subjects, and music

(23:30) — Raoul’s reflections on regulation, innovation, and collaboration

Useful Links

Connect with Edmund on LinkedIn

Follow Raoul for more AI insights on LinkedIn

Explore Cambridge Spark’s AI upskilling programmes at cambridgespark.com