In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is powering algorithms that shape economies, NCB Jamaica Limited and the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) are inviting Jamaicans to reimagine the future of finance.

PwC’s Global Artificial Intelligence Study anticipates that AI could contribute up to US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with significant gains in sectors like finance due to increased productivity and personalisation. This signals major opportunities for Jamaica to modernise banking, attract tech-driven investment, and accelerate financial innovation.

Recognising this momentum, NCB and UCC are bringing the conversation home.

This Wednesday (April 30), NCB and UCC will host the fifth annual Rickert Allen Memorial Lecture under the theme ‘From Data to Dollars – The Role of AI in Revolutionising Investment Strategies’.

Featuring leading voices from NCB Capital Markets Limited and UCC, the hybrid event will offer fresh perspectives on the intersection of technology and wealth building.

Honouring legacy, inspiring innovation

“We are proud to partner with UCC in celebrating Dr Allen’s remarkable legacy,” said Denario Brown, vice president of strategy and innovation for NCB Capital Markets and expert panellist for the event. “His passion for education and development aligns with NCB’s mission to build a better Jamaica. We want to equip learners for a digital-first future, especially in sectors like finance where innovation is critical.”

The lecture series was established to honour the late Dr Rickert Allen, a respected educator and senior general manager at NCB.

Allen was known for his visionary leadership in human resource development and his passion for empowering the next generation through education.

“UCC values the longstanding partnership with NCB—a collaboration built on shared values of innovation, education, and national development,” said UCC deputy president Professor Bernadette Warner. “Together, we’ve created a platform that not only honours the legacy of Rickert Allen but also equips future leaders with the insights needed to navigate the evolving financial landscape.”

AI reshaping investment strategy

In Jamaica, institutions increasingly use AI for investment analysis, customer service, and more. NCB is already leading the charge with tools like its AI-powered Risk Profiler and Asset Allocator launched earlier this year.

The WhatsApp chatbot, Simone, uses customer responses to assess individual risk appetite and generates personalised investment recommendations in real time. This innovation aims to simplify investing and empower more Jamaicans to build wealth.