What Enterprise AI Really Looks Like in Practice Inside One of The UK’s Most Regulated Digital Banks With Russell Collingham, Head of AI at Atom

What if you could sit down with the Head of AI inside one of the UK’s most regulated digital banks and hear the truth about what actually works and what leaders need to get right?That’s exactly what we explore in this episode of A Class Act.Shannon is joined by Dr. Russell Collingham, Head of AI & Data Science at Atom Bank, and one of the most experienced AI leaders in UK financial services.Russell has worked in AI since the 1990s. He began his career as a lecturer and researcher in AI at Durham University, before moving into industry where he led engineering teams, served as AI Practice Lead at Hedgehog Lab, and now guides AI strategy inside a live, highly regulated banking environment.In this conversation, Russell shares:How Atom Bank is using AI to automate back-office processes and remove manual, repetitive workWhy AI adoption must start in “safe spaces” before becoming customer-facingThe real risks of generative AI in regulated environmentsWhy enterprise AI success depends more on operating models, governance, and people than on toolsHow the role of an “AI Champion” accelerated adoption across the organisationWhat the future of AI in banking could look like from embedded systems to personalised financial educationIf you’re a CEO or responsible for shaping AI strategy where reputation, risk, and trust matter, this episode offers practical insight into what enterprise AI really looks like in practice.Guest informationDr. Russell Collingham is Head of AI & Data Science at Atom Bank and one of the most experienced AI leaders in UK financial services. He has worked in artificial intelligence since the 1990s, spanning academia and industry, and now leads AI strategy inside a highly regulated digital banking environment.Connect with Russell Collingham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellcollingham/About Your HostShannon McKechnie is the Managing Director at MBN Solutions - the Data and AI talent experts, and a passionate advocate for building exceptional teams and authentic leadership. As co-host of A Class Act: Conversations in Data & Leadership, Shannon brings a grounded, people-first perspective to leadership ,exploring how trust, alignment, and shared success drive high-performing teams in today’s complex landscape.Please note: The views expressed by the guest in this episode are their own and do not reflect those of their current or former employers.Subscribe & Follow: Enjoying the series? Don’t miss an episode. Follow A Class Act wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review to help more listeners discover these conversations in data and leadership.Connect with MBN Solutions:If you’re hiring for data or AI leadership roles, scaling AI capability, or rethinking how talent supports your AI strategy, the team at NBN partners with organisations to build data and AI teams that actually deliver.MBN Solutions on LinkedIn – Explore industry updates, groundbreaking projects, and the latest in data and analytics talent. Join the conversation and discover how MBN Solutions is shaping the future of data leadership. Visit the company page here.For questions, guest recommendations, or to connect:Email: [email protected] MBN Solutions website at www.mbnsolutions.com