Digital, Innovation, Payments
AI for Finance: a new cohort graduates from the ABBL, House of Training and ESSEC programme
Published on 01 July 2026
A new cohort has graduated from the AI for Finance programme, co-developed by ABBL, House of Training and ESSEC Business School, helping financial professionals build the AI skills needed for the future of banking.
Summary
Developing the AI skills that will shape the future of financial services
A new cohort of finance professionals has successfully completed the AI for Finance academic programme, delivered by the House of Training, in partnership with ESSEC Business School and co-developed by the ABBL.
The graduation ceremony, attended by Ananda Kautz, Member of the Management Board of the ABBL, celebrated participants who have strengthened their understanding of artificial intelligence and its practical applications across the financial sector.
As AI continues to transform banking, investment management, compliance and risk management, initiatives such as this programme are helping financial professionals develop the skills needed to navigate one of the most significant technological shifts facing the industry.
Registrations are now open
Following the successful completion of this latest edition, registrations are now open for the next AI for Finance programme, which begins on 26 November 2026.
Designed for finance professionals, compliance and risk specialists, innovation managers, IT professionals and business leaders, the programme requires no coding background and focuses on the practical application of AI in financial services.
AI can be bought. Talent must be built.
In her closing address, Ananda Kautz highlighted that while AI technologies are becoming increasingly accessible, long-term competitiveness will ultimately depend on people. “Algorithms can be imported. Technology can be purchased. Infrastructure can be built. But talent must be developed.”
She noted that recent ABBL surveys and the joint CSSF–BCL study show that 92% of banks operating in Luxembourg see AI as an opportunity. Yet despite this strong consensus, only a minority of institutions have moved beyond pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives.
Bridging this gap between ambition and implementation requires more than technology. It requires leadership, governance, data quality and, above all, professionals equipped with the right skills.
92%
of banks operating in Luxembourg see AI as an opportunity.
The future will not belong to those who know everything about AI. The future will belong to those who know how to work with AI.
Ananda Kautz
Member of the Management Board of the ABBL
A programme designed for financial professionals
Co-developed by the ABBL together with ESSEC Business School and the House of Training, the programme has been specifically designed for professionals working across Luxembourg’s financial sector.
Rather than teaching participants how to code, it provides a strategic and practical understanding of artificial intelligence, enabling decision-makers to identify relevant use cases, assess risks and integrate AI responsibly within their organisations.
Across 28 hours of in-person learning, participants explore:
- AI and machine learning fundamentals;
- Large Language Models (LLMs) and prompt engineering;
- AI applications in investment management and commercial banking;
- Risk management, AML and customer service;
- The implications of the EU AI Act;
- Practical AI implementation strategies;
- Leading AI platforms and tools;
- A capstone project applying learning to real-world business challenges.
The programme combines academic excellence from ESSEC Business School, under the direction of Professor Luciano Somoza, with practical insights from guest speakers actively implementing AI solutions within leading financial institutions.
Supporting Luxembourg’s financial centre
For the ABBL, this programme forms part of a broader commitment to supporting the digital transformation of Luxembourg’s financial centre.
Through its AI Working Group and Innovation & Competitiveness Lab (ICL), the ABBL works with member institutions, technology providers, researchers and public authorities to monitor market developments, contribute to regulatory discussions and promote the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across the banking sector.
Supporting initiatives such as AI for Finance is another way of helping financial professionals build the capabilities that will shape tomorrow’s financial services industry.
Coming soon
We’ll speak with one of this year’s participants from Creand Wealth & Securities to explore how the programme is already helping financial professionals turn AI into practical business value.
Ananda Kautz
Member of the Management Board of the ABBL
Published on 01 July 2026