IBS iViews Podcast: AI and Automation in Trade Operations

Host: Robin Amler, IBS Intelligence
Guest: Andrew Dalton, Vice President of Sales for Europe, Cleareye.ai

Introduction

Robin Amler: Welcome to the IBS iViews podcast from IBS Intelligence. Today, I’m joined by Andrew Dalton, VP of Sales for Europe at Cleareye.ai. We discuss how trade operations in banking are evolving with the influence of AI and automation.

Modernizing Trade Operations with AI

Andrew Dalton: Thanks, Robin. Cleareye.ai helps banks modernize trade operations by leveraging AI and intelligent automation. My work centers on orchestrating people, processes, and technology to operationalize banking teams so they become more resilient, capable, and human-centric.

Challenges in Trade Operations

Robin Amler: Trade is often described as the backbone of banking. What challenges do trade operations teams face today?

Andrew Dalton: There are two major pinch points:

• Aging workforce: Skills are disappearing as teams shrink and staff retire; younger professionals are reluctant to enter trade ops.
• Minimal technology use: Many trade operations lack advanced tech. We’re helping teams increase transaction throughput and attract new talent by integrating AI tools.

Automation vs. Human Expertise

Robin Amler: Is full automation realistic? Will technology replace people?

Andrew Dalton: The answer is no. We work with a human-in-the-loop approach, people are necessary to review and verify operations. While AI increases efficiency and throughput, technology should support, not replace, human expertise.

Human and Machine Collaboration

Robin Amler: What does “human and machine” mean in practice?

Andrew Dalton: Imagine processing a 20-page letter of credit, a task that can take hours or days. With AI, this is condensed into a five-minute task. However, humans are still essential to review and resolve discrepancies. The result is faster, smarter, and more empowered teams.

Leadership and Transformation Strategies

Robin Amler: From a C-suite perspective, how should banks address these challenges?

Andrew Dalton: There are three key themes:

• Organizational readiness: Assess if teams are prepared for digital transformation and have the right morale and headcount.
• Agility and empowerment: Build agile teams that are empowered to embrace new technology.
• Transparency and resilience: Leaders want transparent, reliable AI systems. They focus on building trust and confidence in new algorithms and processes.

Defining Success in Trade Operations Transformation

Robin Amler: What does success look like in this transformation?

Andrew Dalton: Success takes time and starts with understanding the baseline:

• Embracing new technology
• Increasing efficiency and throughput
• Reducing time-to-result
• Boosting team capacity and bottom lines

Doing more with less is a key outcome of achieving higher volumes and better financial results with leaner teams.

Making AI Work in Banking

Robin Amler: Is it just a matter of implementing AI and seeing instant results?

Andrew Dalton: True transformation requires more than just plugging in AI. Organizational readiness, training, and integration across disparate systems are crucial. Mapping current workflows helps uncover operational challenges before AI can deliver value.

Navigating Transformation: Risks and Opportunities

Robin Amler: Transformation is essential. How should leaders approach it?

Andrew Dalton: Banks must take calculated risks and focus on specific use cases. Modern AI, including GenAI and SaaS platforms, offers faster, more measurable returns compared to traditional consulting. The organizational investment required is lower, but successful outcomes depend on clarity of goals and strong execution.

Final Thoughts

Andrew Dalton: Timing is critical. The industry is at a turning point, where digital innovation is accelerating faster than ever. Banks must identify clear problem statements, focus on real use cases, and pursue thoughtful, strategic AI adoption to make meaningful change.

Robin Amler: Andrew Dalton, VP Sales Europe at Cleareye.ai, thank you for sharing your insights.

Andrew Dalton: Thanks, Robin. I’ve enjoyed the conversation.