On this episode of The Lending Link, host Rich Alterman sits down with Agus Sudjianto, Senior Vice President of Risk and Technology at h2o.ai, for a candid conversation about the evolution of AI and machine learning in finance. Agus discusses his mission to make advanced AI tools, like generative AI, accessible to more people—especially in high-stakes sectors like finance. He breaks down why it’s crucial for financial institutions to use machine learning models that are not only powerful but also transparent and easy to explain. With decades of experience, Agus reflects on the lessons he’s learned from financial crises, including the 2008 crash and the COVID-19 pandemic, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to credit risk management. He also highlights the growing role of alternative data in smarter credit decisions and talks about the importance of rigorously testing AI models before they’re put to use. Tune in for a compelling conversation on the future of AI in finance, the lessons learned from past crises, and how to prepare for the challenges ahead.