ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS NOT NEUTRAL, IT’S UP TO CMOS TO GIVE IT A RESPONSIBLE DIRECTION
INTERVIEW WITH NATHALIE ERDMANIS, PRESIDENT OF THE CMO COUNCIL
In a world undergoing rapid technological transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually making its way into every sector, including financial services. Nathalie Erdmanis, President of the CMO Council, shares her perspective on integrating AI into companies in connection with sustainability challenges.
Q: AI is becoming an essential lever for innovation. How do you see its integration into a sustainable development strategy, a subject you are particularly fond of?
Nathalie Erdmanis: More broadly, since AI does not (yet) think autonomously, it must be guided by humans who value free will and critical thinking in order to challenge it. More specifically regarding sustainability, AI offers a tremendous opportunity to improve efficiency, notably through resource optimization; accuracy, thanks to predictive analytics and impact measurement; and the personalization of services. But responsible companies must go beyond mere technological performance. It is essential to integrate ethical principles right from the design of AI systems: fairness, transparency, data protection, but also social and environmental impact. AI can become a true driver of sustainability if it is conceived and deployed with this in mind.
Q: In your view, what are the greatest responsibilities of a company when it decides to use AI?
Nathalie Erdmanis: AI is not an autonomous entity — it reflects the values of those who design and use it. A company therefore has the responsibility to set a clear framework. This means defining boundaries, anticipating biases, and questioning uses. At the latest CMO Council dinner, Sarah Götz, AI Consultant Director at Serviceplan, reminded us that it is we who define the ethics we embed in AI. This is a strong vision, one that I fully share. AI must be aligned with our purpose.
Q: Do you have concrete examples of best practices or sustainable projects related to AI in the financial sector?
Nathalie Erdmanis: Several avenues exist, particularly in improving risk prevention or using data analysis to refine ESG commitments. The key is always to involve both technology experts and the teams responsible for social responsibility, in order to co-create solutions that make sense in the long term.
Q: Can AI also play a role in customer relations and trust in financial institutions?
Nathalie Erdmanis: Absolutely. In the financial sector, trust is a valuable asset. AI can strengthen this trust by providing more transparent, more personalized, and faster services, while ensuring data protection. But beware: every technological innovation must be explained to and understood by the client. A high-performing AI perceived as opaque can quickly breed mistrust. The challenge is therefore as much educational as it is technological.
Q: Any final thoughts?
Nathalie Erdmanis: AI is not an end in itself. It is a powerful tool that, when well regulated, can contribute to a more inclusive, more resilient, and more sustainable society. But this requires constant dialogue between technology, ethics, and impact.
