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Ole Miss Banking Symposium to Unpack AI's Impact on Finance

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Ole Miss Banking and Finance Symposium Sets Its Sights on AI, Technology and the Future of Banking
(Summarized from The Daily Journal article – “Ole Miss Banking and Finance Symposium to address AI technology issues”)

On March 8, 2025, The Daily Journal reported on a major event hosted by the University of Mississippi’s School of Banking and Finance: a two‑day symposium that will bring together academics, industry leaders, and students to discuss the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies into the banking and finance sector. The symposium, slated for May 21‑22 in the University’s main campus, is billed as a “critical juncture” where the next wave of financial technology will be dissected, debated, and guided by both scholarly insight and real‑world experience.


1. Purpose and Scope

The event is designed to address the “unprecedented pace” at which AI is reshaping banking, from risk assessment and fraud detection to customer service and compliance. The organizers, led by Associate Dean for Innovation Dr. Susan Park, stated that the symposium’s mission is to “create a dialogue between theory and practice” and to equip students with knowledge that is directly applicable in today’s fintech‑heavy job market.

In a press release linked in the article, the symposium is framed as part of the School’s “Digital Finance Initiative,” which includes a $2.5 million grant from the Mississippi Finance Council aimed at fostering research and collaboration between academia and industry. The initiative is expected to produce policy briefs, white papers, and open‑source software tools for banks across the state.


2. Keynote Speakers and Panelists

The Daily Journal’s report lists an impressive lineup of speakers. The opening keynote, “AI, Ethics, and the Future of Banking,” will be delivered by Dr. Amir Hassan, a leading researcher at the University of Illinois School of Information Sciences and a frequent advisor to the Federal Reserve. Dr. Hassan will explore how machine‑learning models can inadvertently reinforce bias, and how regulatory frameworks are evolving to mitigate such risks.

Other highlighted speakers include:

SpeakerAffiliationTopic
Jane CollinsSenior Vice President, Commercial Banking, JPMorgan Chase“AI‑Driven Credit Risk Models in Practice”
Dr. Miguel RodriguezAssistant Professor, Stanford GSB“Regulatory Sandbox: A Comparative Study of the U.S., EU, and Singapore”
Katherine LeeFounder & CEO, FinTech Start‑up “BankBot”“Robo‑Advisory Platforms: A New Frontier for Wealth Management”
Professor Lillian NguyenUniversity of Mississippi, School of Banking & Finance“Data Privacy in the Age of AI: Student Research Highlights”

The article also notes a special “Women in FinTech” panel, featuring several female professionals who will discuss their career trajectories, the gender gap in tech, and strategies for fostering diversity within banks and fintech firms.


3. Session Formats

Beyond the keynote speeches, the symposium will feature a mix of workshops, breakout sessions, and poster presentations. The Daily Journal outlines the schedule:

  • Morning Plenary (May 21) – Dr. Hassan’s keynote followed by a Q&A with industry moderators.
  • Afternoon Breakouts – Separate tracks for “Credit Scoring & Risk,” “Regulatory Compliance,” “Cybersecurity & AI,” and “FinTech Innovation.” Each track will run two parallel sessions of 45 minutes.
  • Poster Session (May 22, 10:00‑12:00) – Students and faculty will showcase research on AI in finance. Attendees can vote for “Best Poster” and “Most Innovative Idea.”
  • Closing Reception – Networking dinner with a “Speed‑Mentoring” segment where students can connect with 10 industry professionals in 10 minutes each.

The symposium also includes an exhibition area, where local banks (e.g., First National Bank of Mississippi) and fintech startups will set up booths offering demos of AI‑powered tools, such as automated loan underwriting platforms and blockchain‑based payment solutions.


4. Target Audience and Registration

The article stresses that the symposium is open to a wide audience: graduate and undergraduate students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners. The University’s School of Banking and Finance is also partnering with the Mississippi Chamber of Commerce to invite local business leaders and policymakers.

According to a link to the university’s event registration page, attendees can register online for a fee of $50 for students (waived for those enrolled in the School of Banking and Finance) and $150 for non‑students. Early‑bird discounts apply until April 1, 2025. The registration portal also allows participants to select preferred breakout tracks, ensuring they receive session reminders.


5. Broader Context and Impact

The Daily Journal frames the symposium within a larger national conversation about AI’s role in finance. A brief editorial linked in the article quotes the Federal Reserve’s 2024 “Artificial Intelligence in Financial Markets” report, which warns that “AI systems can create new forms of systemic risk if not properly overseen.” The symposium’s organizers see themselves as “steering the conversation toward responsible innovation.”

The article also highlights the university’s track record of producing finance professionals: the School of Banking and Finance consistently ranks in the top 10 of U.S. business schools for its alumni’s placement in major banks. This symposium is part of the School’s strategy to keep that pipeline strong by staying ahead of industry trends.


6. Take‑Away Messages

  • AI is No Longer Optional: The symposium underscores that AI is now integral to risk management, customer engagement, and compliance in banking.
  • Regulation Must Evolve: Panelists will discuss how regulatory bodies are adapting to AI, including sandbox initiatives and new data‑protection laws.
  • Education Must Keep Pace: The event is positioned as an educational tool that will help students bridge the gap between theory and practice.
  • Collaboration is Key: By bringing together academia, industry, and regulators, the symposium aims to foster partnerships that can shape the future of finance.

7. Additional Resources

Beyond the main event, the Daily Journal article links to several supplementary resources:

  1. University of Mississippi School of Banking and Finance – Provides a comprehensive overview of the program, faculty research interests, and admission statistics.
  2. Symposium Program PDF – A downloadable agenda with speaker bios, session titles, and time slots.
  3. Federal Reserve’s AI in Finance Report – A white paper summarizing findings on AI’s risks and opportunities.
  4. Financial Times Feature on AI Ethics – Offers a broader perspective on the ethical implications of algorithmic decision‑making in finance.

8. Conclusion

The Ole Miss Banking and Finance Symposium, as reported by The Daily Journal, promises to be a landmark event in the intersection of finance, technology, and policy. By assembling a roster of high‑profile speakers, offering interactive workshops, and providing networking opportunities, the symposium aims to equip the next generation of bankers and regulators with the tools needed to navigate the AI‑driven landscape. Whether you’re a student looking to carve out a niche in fintech, a bank executive seeking to adopt responsible AI solutions, or a policy maker grappling with new regulatory challenges, the symposium offers a multifaceted platform for learning and collaboration. The event’s emphasis on responsible innovation, coupled with its commitment to bridging academia and industry, marks it as a must‑attend for anyone invested in the future of banking and finance.


Read the Full Daily Journal Article at:
[ https://www.djournal.com/news/business/ole-miss-banking-and-finance-symposium-to-address-ai-technology-issues/article_962203f2-9835-40d2-b53a-03600e012f30.html ]