E036 - AI or Not - Nihkil Kassetty and Pamela Isom

Welcome to "AI or Not," the podcast where we explore the intersection of digital transformation and real-world wisdom, hosted by the accomplished Pamela Isom. With over 25 years of experience guiding leaders in corporate, public, and private sectors, Pamela, the CEO and Founder of IsAdvice & Consulting LLC, is a veteran in successfully navigating the complex realms of artificial intelligence, innovation, cyber issues, governance, data management, and ethical decision-making.

What happens when two AI agents start talking to each other without human supervision? How can artificial intelligence help the 1.4 billion unbanked adults worldwide access financial services? These questions sit at the heart of our fascinating conversation with Nihkil Kassetty, software architect and AI ethicist with deep expertise in digital finance.

Remember when banking meant standing in line at your local branch? Today, AI is transforming that experience—and potentially extending financial services to billions who've never had a bank account. Nihkil Kassetty explains how companies like Tala are using AI to analyze smartphone data (call logs, text patterns, app usage) to assess creditworthiness when traditional credit scores aren't available. With 67% of unbanked individuals owning mobile phones, this technology creates pathways to financial inclusion that simply didn't exist before.

Beyond accessibility, we explore the fascinating evolution of AI agents that can perceive their environment, learn from interactions, and make context-aware decisions. Unlike traditional automation following rigid rules, these agents provide an intelligent layer across financial functions—from fraud detection to investment advice. But this power comes with profound ethical considerations. When agents begin communicating with other agents, can humans maintain proper oversight? Who's accountable when AI makes mistakes? And how do we ensure these systems operate transparently?
The conversation shifts to green finance, where AI helps direct capital toward environmentally sustainable projects by analyzing satellite imagery, emissions data, and supply chain activities to provide a clearer picture than company self-reporting alone. This capability transforms how financial institutions evaluate climate risks and sustainable investments.

Whether you're fascinated by the technology itself or concerned about its ethical implications, this episode offers valuable insights into how AI is reshaping finance to make it not just faster, but fairer and more inclusive. Subscribe now to join the conversation about building a financial future that's both smarter and more human.