At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead AI and Analytics strategy, driving innovation and delivering business value.
- Company: Join the world's leading secure financial messaging provider, shaping the future of finance.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, diverse environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Flexible work environment that values your unique perspective and ideas.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of AI transformation in a global financial ecosystem.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in data or AI roles, with leadership experience and strategic vision.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
We’re the world’s leading provider of secure financial messaging services, headquartered in Belgium. We are the way the world moves value – across borders, through cities and overseas. No other organisation can address the scale, precision, pace and trust that this demands, and we’re proud to support the global economy. We innovate diligently, test exhaustively, then implement fast. In a connected and exciting era, our mission has never been more relevant. Swift now has a presence in 200+ countries and legal territories to serve a community of more than 12,000 banks and financial institutions.
Role purpose
To shape, inspire, and prepare Swift for the age of AI… defining what is possible, building the case for where to act, and ensuring the organization has the vision, appetite, and capability to lead. By leveraging existing AI and Analytics capabilities, you pioneer how they can deliver tangible business value and set Swift up for success in the coming years. You operate at the leading edge of change, scanning the horizon, interpreting emerging trends before they become consensus, and translating external signals into clear strategic direction. You challenge assumptions, surface non-obvious opportunities, and turn the potential of AI and Analytics into differentiated advantage for Swift and its customers.
This role spans the full arc from insight to impact. You identify and develop high-value opportunities, drive experimentation through to validated outcomes, and build a balanced portfolio of bets that reflects both near-term commercial reality and longer-term ambition. In doing so, you create a continuous pipeline of well-defined, decision-ready opportunities that engineering and delivery teams can act on, connecting strategy to execution in a disciplined manner.
Reporting to the Head of AI, Analytics and Automation, you operate as a trusted partner to senior leadership across Swift by bringing structure and confidence to decisions, scaling the adoption of proven capabilities, and ensuring the wider organisation understands and is prepared for what AI makes possible today and in the future. You own key external relationships with customers, vendors, and partners, representing Swift as a credible and compelling voice on AI strategy in industry forums and client conversations alike.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Strategic foresight: Monitor the evolution of AI and Analytics technologies, market dynamics, and ecosystem players, translating external signals into clear and actionable business strategic implications for the organisations.
- Communicating the art of the possible: Champion AI's potential across the organisation, translating cutting-edge capability into compelling narratives that inspire curiosity and ambition.
- Opportunity exploration: Identify and pursue high-value opportunities at the intersection of enterprise priorities and AI and Analytics capability.
- Experimentation and delivery: Drive AI and Analytics opportunities end to end, from early hypothesis through experimentation, proof-of-concept, and into validated outcomes.
- Portfolio construction & prioritization: Build and maintain a balanced AI and Analytics portfolio that combines near-term impact with longer-term strategic bets.
- Leadership & team development: Lead, coach, and develop a team, setting clear objectives and high standards for delivery.
- External relationships and partnerships: Own and cultivate relationships with key external stakeholders including customers, technology vendors, research institutions, and ecosystem partners.
- External representation and thought leadership: Represent Swift externally as a credible voice on AI and Analytics strategy.
Qualifications & Experience Required
The ideal candidate brings a strong track record in strategy and exploration, with 5–10 years of relevant experience and a solid commercial grounding in AI and Analytics within the financial services industry. They combine disciplined execution with strategic vision, and demonstrate curiosity, foresight, and a genuine passion for applying emerging technologies to complex, real-world challenges at global scale.
We are seeking professionals with:
- 10+ years in data, analytics, or AI roles, with at least 3 to 5 years at a senior or leadership level.
- Demonstrated experience setting AI or analytics strategy in a complex, enterprise environment.
- Track record of translating technical capability into business outcomes.
- Comfortable operating in a matrixed organisation, influencing without direct authority.
- Technical fluency sufficient to interrogate technical proposals and assess feasibility.
What we offer
We give you the freedom to be yourself. We are creating an environment of unique individuals – like you – with different perspectives on the financial industry and the world. A diverse and inclusive environment in which everyone’s voice counts and where you can reach your full potential.
Head of AI and Analytics Strategy and Exploration in London employer: SWIFT
At Swift, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and inclusivity in the financial messaging sector. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and continuous learning, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth while working at the forefront of AI and analytics. Located in Belgium, we offer a unique environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and every voice counts, ensuring that our team is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the global economy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of AI and Analytics Strategy and Exploration in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like SWIFT. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of AI and Analytics Strategy and Exploration in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to SWIFT.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on SWIFT's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SWIFT
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with SWIFT.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at SWIFT will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former SWIFT employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
