On this episode of The Lending Link, host Rich Alterman sits down with Agus Sudjianto, Senior Vice President of Risk and Technology at h2o.ai, for a candid conversation about the evolution of AI and machine learning in finance. Agus discusses his mission to make advanced AI tools, like generative AI, accessible to more people—especially in high-stakes sectors like finance. He breaks down why it’s crucial for financial institutions to use machine learning models that are not only powerful but also transparent and easy to explain.
With decades of experience, Agus reflects on the lessons he’s learned from financial crises, including the 2008 crash and the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to credit risk management. He also highlights the growing role of alternative data in smarter credit decisions and talks about the importance of rigorously testing AI models before they’re put to use.
Tune in for a compelling conversation on the future of AI in finance, the lessons learned from past crises, and how to prepare for the challenges ahead.
Catch the full episode now!
About Agus Sudjianto
Agus Sudjianto is SVP Risk & Technology of H2O.ai. He has a span of 20+ years of experience in banking where he was an executive vice president, head of Model Risk Management at Wells Fargo, director of enterprise analytics at Lloyds Banking Group in the United Kingdom. Before joining Lloyds, he was an executive and head of Quantitative Risk at Bank of America.
Prior to his career in banking, he was an engineer and product design manager in the Powertrain Division of Ford Motor Company for more than a decade.
Agus is the creator of PiML (Python Interpretable Machine Learning), a widely used integrated tool for developing and validating high risk machine learning models. He holds numerous U.S. patents in both finance and engineering. He has published extensively technical papers in machine learning and statistics and is a co-author of Design and Modeling for Computer Experiments. His technical expertise and interests include machine learning/AI applications, risk management, and computational statistics.
He holds masters and doctorate degrees in engineering and management from Wayne State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
About GDS Link:
GDS Link empowers financial institutions to navigate the complexities of modern lending with precision and confidence. Our advanced data integration and automated decision-making tools enable smarter, faster decisions that drive growth and optimize risk management across the entire credit lifecycle.
With a platform that connects over 200 data sources, GDS Link streamlines complex decision-making by incorporating delivers the insights needed to stay ahead in a competitive market, ensuring you seize every opportunity.
Our comprehensive solution isn’t just about keeping up with the industry’s demands—it’s about getting ahead. By leveraging real-time data and advanced analytics, we help lenders make informed decisions that uncover new opportunities, enhance operational efficiency, and improve customer outcomes. GDS Link is the partner you need to transform your credit risk management processes with agility and precision.
About The Lending Link Podcast: The Lending Link, powered by GDS Link, is a podcast hosted by Rich Alterman and designed for the modern-day lender. Each episode dives deep into innovation within the financial services industry and transformation efforts, including AI/ML integration, modeling, risk management tactics, and redefining customer experiences.
GDS Link launched The Lending Link to explore unique strategies for the modern-day lender, dive into the innovative advancements GDS Link and our partners are currently developing and delivering, and gain insights from captivating guests within the fintech, banking, and credit union worlds.
We feature a wide range of guests from various lending institutions and diverse organizations who share their strategies, technology insights, and everything in between.
