Why AI Readiness Is a Leadership Skill Now

Pyramid graphic titled “The New Leadership Stack” by CFTE showing three layers: Workflow + Tool Knowledge, Strategic Application + Risk Awareness, and Vision, Decision-Making, Ethics.

There was a time when AI was seen as the domain of data scientists and innovation teams.

That time is over.

In 2025, AI is embedded into strategy, compliance, operations, and client delivery — and professionals in leadership positions are expected to understand it.

AI isn’t just a technical skill anymore. It’s a leadership one.

Leaders Are Now Expected to Understand AI

According to LinkedIn’s AI at Work 2025 report, 81% of L&D professionals believe leaders must upskill in AI to remain effective.

PwC’s Global AI Jobs Barometer echoes this:

The fastest-growing demand is for managers, directors, and senior professionals who can confidently integrate AI into their teams and decisions.

This shift is especially relevant in financial services, where:

  • Compliance is tightening under regulations like the EU AI Act
  • Operational teams are adopting AI workflows at scale
  • Clients expect trusted guidance — not vague promises

Being AI-blind is no longer acceptable in leadership.

What Does AI Fluency Mean for Leaders?

AI fluency doesn’t mean becoming technical. It means:

  • Understanding what AI can and can’t do
  • Using AI to improve workflows, productivity, and insight
  • Making responsible, compliant decisions about tool use
  • Guiding teams through change with confidence

AI fluency is the new digital fluency.

If you can’t speak the language, you can’t lead the conversation.

The Executive AI Certificate: Designed for Leadership

The Executive AI Certificate was built specifically to help senior professionals develop true fluency — without becoming technical.

In four weeks, leaders:

  • Benchmark their AI capability with the AIQ
  • Learn applied use cases in finance (risk, strategy, compliance, operations)
  • Understand frameworks for ethical and responsible use
  • Build a portfolio of outputs they can use with teams or clients
  • Earn a certification recognised by global institutions

This is structured learning for people who need to act — not just explore.

Learn the skills of Fintech

Learn the skills of Fintech

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Centre for Finance, Technology & Entrepreneurship (CFTE) is a global education platform that aims to equip financial professionals and organisations with the necessary skills to remain competitive in a rapidly changing industry. Our leading training programmes, curated by global industry experts, help talent build skills to join the digital revolution in finance. CFTE’s courses are globally recognised with accreditations from ACT, IBF, CPD, SkillsFuture and ABS.

At CFTE, our mission resonates with every learner’s goals to rapidly advance in their career, to thrive in their next project or even to lead the disruption in finance with their own venture. To help you do this, CFTE gives you the tools you need to master the right skills in digital finance. We bring exclusive insights from leaders that are steering the developments in the financial sphere from global CEOs to disruptive entrepreneurs. With CFTE you don’t just learn what’s in the books, you live the experience by grasping real-world applications.

If you are looking for rich insights into how the Financial Technology arena is transforming from within, we can help you get the latest knowledge that will stir things up in your career. CFTE offers leading online programmes in digital finance, covering an expanse of topics like – Payments, AI, Open Banking, Platforms, Fintech, Intrapreneurship and more, that will help you conquer the financial technology landscape. With this expertise at your disposal, you will be on track to turbocharge your career.

You will be learning from a curated line-up of industry leaders, experts, and entrepreneurs hailing from Fortune 500 companies and Tech Unicorns, among others. They will each be presenting their knowledge and experience in the field of digital finance. No matter if you are embarking on a new journey or fortifying your role, these lecturers and guest experts will guide you through the perspective of established institutions like – Starling Bank, Wells Fargo, tech giants like – Google, IBM, successful startups such as – Kabbage or Plaid, among many more!