Events

180 Minutes of Banking

180 Minutes of AI in Banking: From Sandbox to Impact

The next edition of 180 Minutes is here! Get ready for another inspiring deep dive into AI in Banking. This 3-hour pre-event to the Nordic Banking Forum includes experts sharing practical examples and actionable takeaways to drive innovation in your organization.

This breakfast seminar features keynotes by industry leaders, thought-provoking discussions, and valuable networking opportunities designed exclusively for banking professionals. 

What? 180 Minutes of AI in Banking: From Sandbox to Impact
When? December 3, 2025 from 8:30 to 11:30 AM
Where? Epicenter, Mikonkatu 9, Helsinki

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Meet Our Speakers

Our speakers provide expert insights into the challenges and opportunities of AI in banking, drawing from their extensive industry experience.

Jukka Palosaari, Head of CRM & AI Development, Savings Bank Group

Jukka Palosaari has worked in the banking sector since 2010, building a career at the intersection of people and technology. With a strong focus on usability and real-world impact, Jukka operates where human insight meets information systems—bringing clarity to complexity and always approaching challenges with practical common sense. In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping financial services, Jukka’s perspective is grounded yet forward-looking. Known for an infectious enthusiasm for new ideas, Jukka not only embraces innovation but actively encourages others to explore and adopt it. Whether navigating digital transformation or fostering collaboration across teams, Jukka brings energy, curiosity, and a human touch to every initiative.
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Žiga Kljun, Associate Director of Artificial Intelligence, Kyndryl

Žiga Kljun is an associate director of articifial intelligence with a strong foundation in both technical and business disciplines, holding an MSc in Business and a BSc in Computer Science. With a career that began in teaching math and programming, Žiga transitioned into software engineering and evolved into a seasoned data scientist, applying expertise in fields like computer vision, predictive analytics, and big data. Throughout his career, Žiga has worked with global corporations, leading data-driven transformations and advocating for sustainable AI solutions. Additionally, Žiga is recognized for his entrepreneurial ventures, having founded a software engineering consulting firm to provide tailored solutions to diverse clients.
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Philippe Santraine, Head of AI Product Management, Samlink

An entrepreneur at heart since 2000, Philippe has provided consulting services to numerous corporate and financial institutions, focusing on complex and high-impact programs and projects. He has managed and mentored startups and has also led an innovation lab. Within the banking sector, he has developed strategic plans, overseen accelerator programs, and implemented transformation projects in areas such as digital finance, open banking, banking regulation, wealth management, AI, and Fintech partnerships. As a Head of AI Product Management at Samlink, Philippe takes the lead on projects and employs a hands-on approach to consulting. He is well-versed in banking business, banking regulation, and digital finance technologies.
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Sara Ramakers Customer Experience

Sara Ramakers, CEO, Samlink

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How Can AI Transform Banking Without Replacing Humans?

The future of banking isn’t about sudden disruption but about thoughtful integration: AI is woven into processes to complement automation, not compete with it. The goal is balance—AI brings adaptability and intelligence where traditional automation falls short, helping banks reduce risks, boost productivity, and ensure compliance.

People remain at the center of this transformation. Bank employees become the true AI champions, using, validating, and shaping solutions in their daily work. With transparent, hands-on adoption, AI evolves from a black box into a trusted partner. This is not a battle between technology and humans, but a partnership that makes processes smarter and customer experiences stronger.

This is not a clash of titans, but a complementary partnership where AI amplifies automation and vice versa.

Philippe Santraine
Samlink Advisory Services

180 Minutes

30 Minutes of Breakfast and New Connections

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast in a relaxed setting while preparing for a morning of learning and inspiration. Connect with peers, exchange ideas, and explore collaboration opportunities.

90 Minutes of Professional Insights

Gain firsthand knowledge of the future trends in banking through keynote presentations led by industry leaders.

60 Minutes of Expert-Led Discussion

Join a dynamic conversation featuring industry experts as they dive into the key themes of the day. This is your chance to hear diverse perspectives, ask questions, and reflect on what the future holds.

Program for the Event on Dec 3, 2025

8:30 AM
Breakfast Buzz: Connections Over Coffee

9:00 AM
Opening Words
Sara Ramakers, CEO, Samlink

9:05 AM
Keynote: Human + AI = Unlocking Creativity—Reflections on Changing Mindsets in Banking
Jukka Palosaari, Head of CRM & AI Development, Savings Bank Group

9:25 AM
Keynote: Enterprise AI in Banking Processes
Philippe Santraine, Head of AI Product Management, Samlink

9:45 AM
Keynote: AI That Acts: Building Smarter Systems leveraging AI Agents
Žiga Kljun, Associate Director of Artificial Intelligence, Kyndryl

10:10 AM
Greetings from Our Partner Helsinki Fintech Farm

10:15 AM
Networking Break

10:30 AM
Spotlight Session with Jukka Palosaari, Philippe Santraine, Žiga Kljun

11:30 AM
Thank You and Farewell

Please note that the agenda is subject to change.

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What Are We Talking About?

The presentations provide a unique insight into how AI is being put into practice in the banking industry.

How Can AI Unlock Creativity and Redefine Knowledge Work?

This session explores how AI can act as a catalyst for creativity—not just as a technical tool, but as an enabler that gives us permission to think differently and build our own solutions. AI doesn’t just streamline processes; it democratizes access to powerful capabilities, allowing knowledge workers to shape tools that were once reserved for specialists. Jukka offers practical insights for banking professionals, from operations and compliance to customer service and leadership, on how to leverage AI to enhance their roles and prepare for a future where responsibilities evolve. Attendees will gain real-life examples and ethical reflections to build confidence and capability in working with AI.

Applying AI Agents in Transforming Banking Operations

Artificial intelligence is reshaping every industry, with rapid advancements creating both opportunities and obstacles for enterprises worldwide. We will explore the state of the AI market, highlighting not only the latest trends but also the adoption challenges organizations face as they scale responsibly. Žiga will share how Kyndryl is applying agentic AI to help enterprises overcome these hurdles, unlock growth, improve efficiency, and accelerate transformation in a competitive landscape.

Enterprise AI in Financial Institutions

This presentation explores the current landscape of AI in banking, examining how financial institutions have evolved in their adoption and trust of Enterprise AI. We’ll discuss how AI is designed to support—rather than replace—automation, focusing on areas where it can genuinely enhance workflows. Through a practical case, you’ll see the benefits of Generative AI, AI agents, and agentic AI in action. Philippe will also highlight the bank’s key stakeholders, especially business line managers, and consider what meaningful education and awareness about AI might look like from their perspective. Moving beyond experimental phases, we’ll address the essential trust elements needed for successful Enterprise AI implementation, and conclude with a sample of Samlink Kyndryl’s offerings in this field.
Epicenterin tapahtumatilassa tuoleja, lava ja näyttö.

Venue

Step into the inspiring and energizing space of Epicenter in Kluuvi, Helsinki—the perfect setting for our dynamic Breakfast Seminar. The venue is centrally located at Mikonkatu 9, at the corner of Mikonkatu and Yliopistonkatu, right next to the railway station.

What Are You Waiting For?

We’re building a community of forward-thinkers. This is an opportunity for industry professionals to gain firsthand knowledge. Network with peers and explore potential collaborations. Together, we are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s banking world.
Register now!

Testimonials from Participants of Our Past 180 Minutes Events

Thank you for an interesting event! The topics were really good and it was great to hear future ideas from different players in the market. Looking forward to the next event!

I can gladly say, that the summit greatly exceeded my expectations. Very, very good speakers. Good job Samlink!

Thank you for good presentations and for the networking opportunity. The location and premises were excellent.

All presentation were very interesting and the speakers were well chosen. All in all, very well spent 180 minutes. Thank you.

Recap from the Previous Breakfast Seminar

Our previous 180 Minutes Events, such as Ecosystem Enabled Banking and Generative AI in Banking, and Payments are now available online. We’ve published them for you to revisit.

Check our content on YouTube
Generative AI
News

Why is Generative AI a Must for European Banks? 

Generative AI is a disruptive technology that European banks must adopt. Larger banks hold a dominant position over other banks due to their superior risk management practices. These practices are better suited to assess, prepare, deploy, and maintain generative AI solutions for both enterprise and customer applications.  Our newest paper…

Read more

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