Meradia & CIBC Mellon: Applied AI & Data Roundtable Event Recap

Turning Innovation into Impact

The 2025 Applied AI & Data Roundtable, co-hosted by Meradia and CIBC Mellon, brought together senior leaders from across the Canadian financial industry to exchange candid perspectives on how artificial intelligence is reshaping investment services. Meradia’s representatives included Brian Buzzelli, Martin Ouellette, Rich Mailhos, and Laurie Hesketh. 

From Possibility to Progress: A Year of AI in Motion

At last year’s roundtable, the conversation centered on curiosity, experimentation, and anticipation. Generative AI was just beginning to make headlines. Many firms were piloting use cases, exploring vendor capabilities, and evaluating risks. The tone was cautious, exploratory, and filled with questions. 

This year, the shift was clear. The conversation moved from “What could this look like?” to “Here’s what we’ve tried, what we’ve learned, and where we’re going next.” AI has entered day-to-day operations. Teams are beginning to see tangible returns. Comfort levels have risen. Strategies are becoming more intentional. And although challenges remain, the focus is on scaling what works, managing change effectively, and building a responsible foundation for the future. 

Key Highlights:

  • AI adoption is gaining traction. The conversation has shifted from hype to implementation, with more firms applying AI in practical and scalable ways. 
  • Human and AI collaboration is taking shape. Organizations are focused on enabling employees to work alongside AI tools through upskilling and change management. 
  • Governance and compliance remain essential. Strong data foundations, clear oversight, and thoughtful frameworks are critical to using AI responsibly. 
  • Use cases are becoming more targeted. Firms are prioritizing applications that drive measurable impact, including automation, insights, and client engagement. While many commit to broad AI strategies, true adoption happens at the individual level when people apply tools to real-world tasks. 
  • Talent and measurement are top of mind. Future success will rely on preparing digital-native teams and developing new ways to evaluate the value of AI initiatives. 

The conversations underscored a shift from possibility to progress. Stay tuned for our upcoming podcast with CIBC Mellon, where industry leaders will share deeper perspectives on what this means for the future of investment services. 

Next Up: The Podcast

Our upcoming podcast with CIBC Mellon will expand on these conversations, offering candid perspectives from across the industry. Stay tuned for insights on how AI is not just transforming operations but redefining the future of investment services. 

Interested in learning more or attending this event in 2026? Reach out to bbuzzelli@meradia.com 

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