My name is Blessing Olagbende, and I am a PhD student in Computer Science at the University of Nottingham. My research investigates how FinTech organisations in the UK and Nigeria operationalise AI ethics within their organisational cultures. Working with my supervisors, Bernd Stahl, Helena Webb, and Damian Eke. I explore how cultural values, governance structures, and regulatory pressures shape the translation of high-level ethical principles into everyday practices. A central focus of my work is examining how concepts such as fairness, accountability, and transparency are embedded or at times overlooked in the daily operations of engineers, managers, and leaders. Ultimately, my academic journey seeks to ensure that AI in financial services advances human flourishing and supports responsible innovation. 

Alongside my doctoral research, I bring industry experience from KPMG, where I worked in IT consulting for two years, primarily supporting engagements with FinTechs and banks. This experience gave me first-hand insight into both the opportunities and the challenges of applying AI responsibly in environments that are financially highly regulated, but where AI-specific governance is still evolving. My professional background and academic research complement one another, enabling me to bridge theory and practice by translating ethical frameworks into actionable tools for engineers, regulators, and executives in the FinTech sector. Through this work, I aim to contribute to a FinTech ecosystem where AI ethics is not merely aspirational but fully operationalised in ways that promote  human flourishing.