During the latest Objectway Customer Conference, OWIN26, Leaders in Finance spoke with C-Level leaders and senior decision makers from across European Financial Services Industry.

In this first episode, Eric van der Deijl, ABN AMRO Bank Country Operating Officer and Karl im Brahm, Objectway CEO DACH Region, address strategic priorities such as efficiency, resilience, and the tangible impact of AI, while also examining ABN AMRO’s integration of Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe and the management of complexity in major transformation programs.

The discussion explores how efficiency and resilience have become strategic imperatives for financial institutions, closely linked to client trust and long term performance. Banks are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, with data quality recognized as a foundational enabler. In private banking, AI is positioned as a powerful support tool for advisors and relationship managers, augmenting—rather than replacing—the personal relationships that remain central to client trust.

Karl addresses efficiency through the lens of complexity, stressing the need to scale business models—rather than systems—within strict regulatory environments. He underscores the importance of integrated AI adoption, combining technology, ecosystem collaboration, and cultural readiness.

Managing complexity emerges as a critical challenge, particularly in highly regulated environments. Successful transformation requires scalable business models, strong ecosystems, and an integrated approach to AI adoption that encompasses technology, culture, and regulatory compliance. Regulation, including frameworks such as DORA and the evolving AI Act, reinforces the need for resilience while shaping how innovation is implemented responsibly.

Large scale transformation is explored through ABN AMRO Germany’s Horizon program, described by Eric as a strategic integration of Hauck Aufhäuser Lampe encompassing technology, clients, and people.

Looking ahead, AI’s true impact is seen as potentially underestimated—not in ambition, but in execution—requiring strong change management to unlock its transformative potential.