Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CommBank) continues its ambitious journey to reshape banking by leveraging technology to deliver personalized and exceptional experiences for its customers, communities, and employees. BrighterTech, an annual event that inspires innovation and collaboration, is central to this vision. Now in its third year, BrighterTech 2024 gathered thousands of participants across the bank to engage with external thought leaders and CommBank experts, while also exploring cutting-edge tools and technological advancements.
Group Chief Information Officer, Gavin Munroe, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “At BrighterTech, our employees connected with industry leaders and each other, fostering a culture of continuous learning that is critical to maintaining our focus on customer-centric innovation.” He also noted how the knowledge shared during BrighterTech is already sparking new ideas and driving the acceleration of technological innovation to enhance customer experiences.
Inspiration for a bright future
The first day of BrighterTech 2024 was filled with insights and inspiration, featuring a compelling lineup of thought leaders from various sectors. These experts presented on topics such as customer obsession, the importance of a growth mindset, and the powerful intersection of technology and teamwork in achieving extraordinary results.
Christian Idiodi, a Partner at Silicon Valley Product Group, opened the event with a keynote address that underscored the critical role of customer obsession. He explained how data-driven decision-making can be leveraged to create products that resonate with customers. Professor Linda Hill from Harvard Business School followed with a discussion on building a culture that supports regular innovation and experimentation, highlighting the importance of organizational agility.
Professor Jill Slay AM from the University of South Australia provided an intriguing perspective on the similarities between the security challenges faced in space technology and those encountered in the financial sector. Her talk reinforced the need for vigilance and innovation in cybersecurity. Meanwhile, Rob Pike, a renowned software engineer, shared valuable insights drawn from his illustrious career in shaping the field of software engineering.
A recurring theme throughout the event was the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform industries. The CEOs of GitHub, Thomas Dohmke, and NEXTDC, Craig Scroggie, both shared bold predictions about the future of AI and engineering, encouraging participants to embrace the transformative opportunities AI presents.
Technology in Action at CommBank
Day two of BrighterTech shifted focus to CommBank’s own technological innovations. The event showcased several real-world examples of how the bank is using technology to enhance customer outcomes. From simplifying the business loan application process to safeguarding customers from cyber threats, the presentations demonstrated the practical applications of cutting-edge technology.
CommBank’s technologists highlighted the bank’s accelerated adoption of Generative AI (GenAI), which is being used to improve both customer experiences and internal operations. Dan Jermyn, Chief Decision Scientist at CommBank, reflected on the advantages of working in such an innovative environment, stating, “One of the most exciting aspects of working at CommBank is the opportunity to collaborate with brilliant minds from within the bank and across the tech industry, especially in the fast-evolving field of GenAI.”
The presentations spurred lively discussions among attendees, who eagerly engaged with the speakers, asking questions and sharing ideas on how to further leverage technology for improved customer service.
The Future of Tech Skills at CommBank
As BrighterTech drew to a close, Jane Adams, Executive General Manager for Human Resources Technology, delivered a powerful message about the future of technology and skills development. “The world of technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and acquiring new skills is the key to staying ahead,” Adams remarked. She emphasized the importance of continuous learning, a growth mindset, and embracing opportunities to build the skills required for future success.
The two-day event left participants energized and equipped with fresh ideas to contribute to CommBank’s technology-driven transformation. By fostering an environment of learning and collaboration, BrighterTech continues to play a crucial role in empowering employees to harness the latest innovations in technology, ensuring that CommBank remains at the forefront of the banking industry.
