S&P Global, a titan in the world of financial information, is on a mission to redefine how the finance industry leverages artificial intelligence. At the heart of this transformation is agentic AI—intelligent systems that not only process data but also interact with other AI agents to uncover new insights and streamline complex workflows.
The Journey to Agentic AI
The story begins decades ago, but the real acceleration came in 2018 when S&P Global acquired Kensho Technologies. This move laid the groundwork for a new era, enabling the company to harness the power of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Bhavesh Dayalji, S&P Global’s Chief AI Officer, believes we’re just scratching the surface. “AI is going to touch almost every single part of the industry,” he says. And with the pace of innovation, the possibilities seem endless.
Tools Empowering Clients and Employees
S&P Global has rolled out a suite of AI-powered tools designed to make life easier for both clients and employees:
- ChatIQ: A generative AI assistant that taps into company data to perform industry analysis, strategy research, and more. It’s like having a financial analyst at your fingertips, ready to answer questions and provide insights in natural language.
- Spark Assist: An internal tool for employees, Spark Assist accelerates workflows and fosters collaboration. Employees can share “sparks”—insights or best practices—across the company’s global network, creating a ripple effect of knowledge and innovation.
- Kensho LLM-ready API: This powerful API allows clients to integrate S&P Global’s rich datasets directly into their own generative AI models, including those built on OpenAI’s GPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude. The result? Seamless access to critical financial data within custom AI solutions.
Making Data Work Smarter
One of the biggest challenges in finance is unlocking the value trapped in vast amounts of structured and unstructured data. S&P Global’s AI tools are designed to surface these insights quickly and intuitively, using natural language queries. Whether it’s finding the right data point or generating a detailed analyst report, these tools are transforming how information is accessed and used.
Training for the Future
Recognizing that technology is only as powerful as the people who use it, S&P Global has invested in comprehensive AI training programs. Senior executives participate in hands-on sessions to understand not just the tools, but also their strategic implications. This commitment ensures that innovation is embraced at every level of the organization.
Responsible AI and Market Realities
While AI offers incredible promise, it’s not without risks. The Bank of England has cautioned that AI-driven trading could increase market volatility. S&P Global is acutely aware of these challenges and is focused on building systems that are grounded in truth—especially important in highly regulated industries.
Dayalji is candid about the limitations: predicting the market’s direction remains elusive, even for the most advanced AI. “The world is interconnected in ways we don’t fully understand. And even AI may struggle to do that because you often have black swan events.”
Actionable Takeaways
- Embrace AI as a collaborative partner: Use AI tools to augment, not replace, human expertise.
- Invest in training: Ensure your team understands both the capabilities and limitations of AI.
- Prioritize data integration: Leverage APIs and AI assistants to make data more accessible and actionable.
- Stay vigilant about risks: Monitor for unintended consequences, especially in volatile markets.
In Summary
S&P Global’s journey with agentic AI is a testament to the transformative power of technology in finance. Here are the key takeaways:
- Agentic AI is revolutionizing financial analysis and workflows.
- Tools like ChatIQ and Spark Assist empower both clients and employees.
- The Kensho LLM-ready API enables seamless data integration with custom AI models.
- Comprehensive training ensures responsible and effective AI adoption.
- While AI can’t predict every market move, it’s an invaluable guide for navigating complexity.
As the finance industry continues to evolve, those who embrace AI-driven innovation will be best positioned to thrive in the years ahead.