Emerging Technologies (AI) Lead

Location: London/ Hybrid

Length: 6 Months 

PAYE only

Overall purpose of the role

We are seeking an experienced Emerging Technologies AI Lead to guide and upskill our team in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), specifically focusing on the intersection of these technologies with regulatory compliance. This subject matter expert will work directly with senior leadership to ensure our compliance function aligns with evolving AI regulations, customer protection, and risk management protocols.

You will help implement and refine our AI/ML training programme, provide strategic guidance on regulatory frameworks, and help the team navigate compliance risks associated with the use of AI in financial services. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of AI technologies and their associated regulatory landscapes, such as the EU AI Act, UK Information Bill, and other emerging legislation.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide in-depth knowledge of generative AI, large language models, and other AI technologies, including how firms leverage these models. Understand their risks, challenges, and potential applications in financial services.

• Lead the team’s understanding of key legislation, including the EU AI Act, UK Information Bill, and BoE guidelines on AI and ML. Align AI applications with data privacy and customer protection regulations.

• Training & Upskilling: Design and deliver targeted AI/ML training programs for compliance teams, focusing on risk assessment, customer protection, and regulatory compliance.

• Collaborate with senior compliance leaders to ensure that AI and ML technologies are implemented in a way that protects both the bank and its customers, following the latest regulatory guidance.

• Identify and address AI risks, ensuring AI applications align with the bank's risk management frameworks and policies.

• Keep the team updated on emerging regulations and policy shifts, especially in areas like the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill.

Required Skills & Experience:

• AI/ML Expertise: A deep technical background in AI, particularly with generative AI, large language models, and machine learning technologies. Ability to articulate the models firms use and their associated risks.

• Strong familiarity with key AI-related legislation, such as the EU AI Act and the UK Experience in applying these regulations within a compliance or financial services environment.

• Experience working in a regulatory environment, either at a financial institution or a governing body. Ability to align AI/ML technologies with compliance, customer protection, and data privacy regulations.

• Proven experience leading teams or upskilling staff on AI/ML technologies and their associated risks and regulations.

• Understanding of the financial services sector, particularly in the context of regulatory compliance and risk management related to emerging technologies.

Key Legislation & Regulations:

• EU AI Act (formally in law, with additional regulation guidance pending)

• UK Information Bill (emerging legislation in AI and data privacy)

• Bank of England Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Discussion Paper

• Digital Information and Smart Data Bill (emerging UK legislation)

About Barclays

Barclays is a British universal bank. It is diversified by business, by different types of customers and clients, and by geography. Barclays businesses include consumer banking and payments operations around the world, as well as a top-tier, full service, global corporate and investment bank, all of which are supported by its service company which provides technology, operations and functional services across the Group.

Values

Everything Barclays does is shaped by its five values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship. The Barclays values inform the foundations of its relationships with customers and clients, but they also shape how Barclays measures and rewards the performance of colleagues. Simply put, success is not just about what you achieve, but about how you achieve it.

Diversity

Barclays aims to foster a culture where individuals of all backgrounds feel confident in bringing their whole selves to work, feel included and their talents are nurtured, empowering them to contribute fully to Barclays vision and goals.

Hybrid Working

Barclays is currently in the early stages of implementing a hybrid working environment, which means that many colleagues spend part of their working hours at home and part in the office, depending on the nature of the role they are in. Barclays is flexible on how this works and it may continue to change and evolve. Depending on your team, typically this means that colleagues spend a minimum of between 20% to 60% of their time in the office, which could be over a week, a month or a quarter. However, some colleagues may choose to spend more time in the office over a typical period than their role type requires. Barclays also has a flexible working process where, subject to business needs, all colleagues globally are able to request work patterns to reflect their personal circumstances

 Your Benefits

As a contract employee of Randstad Sourceright, you’ll receive a wide range of financial and personal benefits. There’s enrolment in a pension plan (after 12 weeks on assignment) and holiday pay. You’ll also get 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme, designed to help you deal with any problems that could be affecting your home or work life. Plus, there’s discounts at heaps of high street shops, restaurants and entertainment - from Asda to Zizzi Italian restaurants.