AI in Finance: Hype or Sustainable Transformation?
University of Liechtenstein, Vaduz
Vaduz
Co-organized by Sebastian Stöckl (Liechtenstein Business School) with PLEXUS Investments (CEO Günter Jäger). Hosted at the University of Liechtenstein, Vaduz, on November 25, 2024 — second edition of the annual AI in Financial Practice series, following the 2023 inaugural conference.
Conference report
On November 25, experts from the regional financial industry, academics and interested participants gathered at the University of Liechtenstein for the conference “Artificial Intelligence: Hype or Sustainable Transformation?”, a cooperation between Sebastian Stöckl and the Liechtenstein Business School with PLEXUS Investments under the leadership of CEO Günter Jäger. The afternoon was moderated by Aurelia Rauch of Bergos.
The numerous presentations by renowned experts offered a deep insight into the rapidly advancing development of artificial intelligence (AI) in finance.
The Dean of the Liechtenstein Business School, Prof. Dr. Michael Hanke, opened the conference with a brief address in which he emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence for the University of Liechtenstein. He stressed how essential it is to offer this topic in education and continuing education, and to actively bring the university’s expertise into practice through knowledge transfer and targeted research.
The opening keynote by Dr. René Deist (ZF Friedrichshafen) gave a fascinating insight into rapidly progressing generative AI. Following this, Günter Jäger (PLEXUS Investments) examined the potential of AI in asset management. Jäger underlined the dynamic of the field with the words:
“Artificial intelligence in finance is less hype than transformation. And it will change the industry at increasing speed.”
Sebastian Stöckl (University of Liechtenstein) continued the afternoon, emphasizing in his talk that AI is no mere hype but already has transformative effects on sectors such as finance and services, while at the same time highlighting the challenges that must be overcome to realize its full economic potential. Dr. Christopher Krauss (Artellium) then explained the mechanics of AI-based stock selection in an engaging presentation, paying particular attention to the role of the human factor.
Finally, Dr. Reto Degen (Financial Market Authority Liechtenstein, FMA) addressed the upcoming European regulation of AI and gave an insight into the use of AI among financial intermediaries.
A highlight of the day was the dynamic panel discussion “AI – Hype or Sustainable Transformation”, in which renowned experts — Dr. Reto Degen, Dr. Christopher Krauss and Sebastian Stöckl — shared their perspectives.
The closing networking apéro offered participants not only the opportunity for informal exchange but also room for further discussion of the fascinating connection between investing and artificial intelligence.
“We are delighted by the positive response to the conference and the great interest in artificial intelligence, not only in finance. Given this success, we are pleased to announce the planning of next year’s conference already, to continue this exciting format.” — Sebastian Stöckl
Speakers
| Speaker | Affiliation | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| Prof. Dr. Michael Hanke | Liechtenstein Business School (Dean) | Opening address |
| Dr. René Deist | ZF Friedrichshafen | Opening keynote — generative AI |
| Günter Jäger | PLEXUS Investments | AI in asset management |
| Sebastian Stöckl | University of Liechtenstein | AI: hype vs. transformation |
| Dr. Christopher Krauss | Artellium | AI-based stock selection |
| Dr. Reto Degen | FMA Liechtenstein | European AI regulation |
| Aurelia Rauch | Bergos | Moderation |
Source: Original conference report in German, available via the uni.li news report (published December 2, 2024).
