THE risks and the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence are set to be debated at a Digital Jersey event intended to help “shape the conversation” about how the Island responds to the technology.
The AI Debate is due to be held on 4 February 2027 at the Royal Jersey Showground.
Discussions around the potential impact of AI on jobs, particularly within the financial services sector, have grown more frequent in recent years alongside the increasing pace of the technology’s development.
During a recent hearing with the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel, Treasury Minister Alan Maclean said that AI was “clearly” a risk, but “also an opportunity”.
“It depends on how businesses adopt and use the AI and the productivity improvements,” he continued.
“Some are beginning to see that driving more business, and I think that’s positive and we need to make sure that the environment is right to allow them to invest and grow if need be and the legislation is accommodating as well.”
Senator Maclean noted recent reports that HSBC was cutting UK wealth management roles amid greater integration of AI.
“So there are some losers, but there will be some winners on the other side,” he added.
Digital Jersey, which chairs the Jersey AI Council established towards the end of last year, spearheaded the creation of an ‘AI Playbook for Jersey’ released in March – breaking down how the Island can harness the technology to boost productivity and strengthen its global competitiveness.
The organisation has stated that the upcoming event “will bring together senior leaders from business, government, regulation, education and technology for an evening focused on one of the most important strategic questions facing Jersey’s future”.
“Through expert insights, live audience participation and debate, we’ll explore the opportunities, risks and choices around productivity and economic growth, jobs and skills, public services, regulation and Jersey’s future competitiveness,” the description continued.
“The evening will include keynote insights, moderated debate, dinner and networking with fellow decision-makers from across the Island and an opportunity to help shape the conversation about how Jersey responds to AI.”
Speaking to the JEP, Digital Jersey chief executive Tony Moretta said: “The reality is nobody really knows what the eventual outcome is going to be from AI.”
He continued: “It’s still too early.
“But my personal suspicion is you will need less people doing certain jobs, because what AI will do is enhance individual productivity. Individuals will be able to achieve more and at a higher quality.”
Mr Moretta contended that, while some roles could disappear, this had always been the case with periods of digital transformation and automation – and that Jersey needed to ensure it remained able to create new jobs as it has done in the past.
“That’s where the strategy, the investment and the skills comes in,” he added.
“Because I believe there is an opportunity to create new jobs that use AI, in jobs in the finance industry, etcetera, to get more business and I think there are new businesses that we can create in Jersey using AI as well.”
