Leading the AI Shift in Financial Services with David Royle

In this episode, we sit down with David Royle, CEO of Tanhill AI, a consultancy helping mid-sized financial institutions navigate AI transformation. With over 30 years of experience in digital transformation, David shares how AI is bridging the gap between global banks and regional players, and why starting small with AI is better than trying to “boil the ocean.”

We cover real-world examples—like using NLP to flag vulnerable customers in banking apps, the evolving role of data quality, and AI’s impact on the future of work. David also shares practical strategies for responsible adoption and how he personally uses AI to boost daily productivity.

Whether you’re in finance, tech, or just exploring AI’s potential—this episode offers a grounded yet forward-looking take on AI's real business impact.

Chapters

• 00:00 – Intro to David Royle: From accountant to AI transformation leader
• 01:34 – Why he founded Tanhill AI to serve mid-market financial institutions
• 03:21 – Use case: Using AI and NLP to identify vulnerable customers in a digital bank
• 06:32 – Balancing automation with human oversight in regulated sectors
• 07:49 – Industries most impacted by AI—and why every sector is feeling the shift
• 10:29 – Why poor data shouldn’t stop AI adoption: Building a business case first
• 12:21 – AI and the workforce: Job displacement, upskilling, and honest conversations
• 17:43 – Parallels between AI, the dot-com boom, and ERP/CRM revolutions
• 20:31 – David’s personal use of AI tools: From productivity hacks to fridge photo recipes
• 23:06 – Final advice: Start small with high-impact, low-complexity AI experiments

Notable Quotes

• “Don’t wait for perfect data—use AI to prove the value and justify improving it.” – David Royle
• “Let business—not tech—lead your AI strategy. Otherwise, it’s just an expensive experiment.” – David Royle
• “AI adoption is exciting, but we must be honest—it will displace jobs, and we need to prepare for that.” – David Royle

Links & Resources

• David Royle on LinkedIn
• Tanhill AI Website
• Taran Agarwal on LinkedIn
• Simplify Tech Website