The New Frontier: Managing the Risks of AI Advancement

Bamshad Mobasher is a professor of Computer Science and the director of the Center for Web Intelligence at DePaul University Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media in Chicago. He is also the director of the DePaul University’s AI Institute which supports interdisciplinary research and educational programs related to AI. Dr. Mobasher received his Ph.D. in Computer Science at Iowa State University in 1994. His primary research interests include artificial intelligence and machine learning. In particular, he is considered one of the leading authorities in recommender systems and algorithmic personalization. He has published 5 books and over 300 scientific articles on topics related to the applications of AI and machine learning in predictive user modeling, automatic personalization, and recommender systems. His work in these areas have received more than 30,000 citations. As the director of the Center for Web Intelligence, he directs research in these areas and regularly works with the industry and community organizations on various joint projects. 

Dr. Tony “Qingquan” Zhang is a distinguished academic and industry leader in the field of financial technology. He is an adjunct clinical assistant professor in the Department of Finance at the Gies School of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he recently served as the Disruption and Innovation Fellow and R.C. Evan Fellow. His pioneering research spans fintech, quantitative investment, and fintech entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain technology. 

Dr. Zhang brings over a decade of industry experience in investment management and has made significant contributions to the academic community with more than 60 international publications, multiple domestic and international patents, and several best paper awards at top conferences. He is the author of the book Alternative Data and Artificial Intelligence in Investment and Risk Management (Palgrave Macmillan, 2022) and has contributed to The Handbook of Fintech (2021). 

Xiaochen is the Executive Director & Chief AI Officer of AI 2030, where he drives initiatives to harness AI's transformative power for the benefit of humanity while mitigating its potential risks. As CEO of FinTech4Good, he leads a global network that collaborates with startups, corporates, and investors to create, scale, and invest in sustainable and inclusive ventures. 

As the former Global Head of Innovation & Go-To-Market at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Xiaochen led teams in pioneering Cloud Computing, AI, and Web3 innovations for public sector financial institutions. His leadership resulted in the successful implementation of cutting-edge solutions that advanced financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainability. 

Aleksandr (Alex) Kolomiets our moderator, is co-director of the GARP Chicago Chapter. He currently serves as Senior Manager in Artificial Intelligence Risk at BMO. He’s an accomplished executive with extensive expertise in risk management, AI integration, and data analytics, with a focus on enhancing compliance, risk profiles, and overall organizational performance. Known for his ability to lead high-performing teams, execute complex projects, and apply new technologies responsibly, Alex brings both strategic vision and practical expertise. He holds a Master’s degree in quantitative finance and a Bachelor’s degree in finance & investments, along with an FRM designation earned in 2021.  

Alex joined BMO in 2018 in Model Risk Governance and played a pivotal role in establishing the bank's AI Risk program, including the third-party challenge, in 2021. With a background in mathematical finance and investments, Alex has deep experience in Model Risk Management, having worked across three major financial institutions.