Lessons from the Post Office Horizon Scandal event

As AI, automation and complex technology continue to transform financial services, the Horizon scandal stands as a stark reminder of what can go wrong when systems are insufficiently challenged, poorly governed, or culturally insulated from scrutiny. The consequences of unchecked technology are not theoretical – they are human, systemic and enduring.

During UK FinTech Week, Freeths and S&W invite you to a breakfast briefing examining how the lessons from the Post Office translate directly to today’s financial services environment.

The session will feature a keynote from Jules Henderson of the FCA, followed by a panel discussion exploring on how firms can innovate responsibly while maintaining robust governance, ethical oversight and operational resilience, particularly as AI and advanced analytics become embedded in decision-making.

Discussions highlights

• Building effective governance and escalation frameworks for AI driven systems
• Lessons from Horizon on oversight, effective challenge, and systemic risk management
• Managing rare but high impact technology failures and operational resilience events
• Culture, transparency, and senior management accountability under the SMCR
• Ethical, explainable and well validated AI, with meaningful human oversight

Speakers

• Jules Henderson - Head of Digital Forensics, FCA Enforcement
• Andrew Jacobs - Financial Services Advisory Partner, S&W
• James Hartley - Partner & National Head of Dispute Resolution, Freeths
• Moderator: Sushil Kuner - Partner & Head of Financial Services Regulation, Freeths

By drawing parallels between the Horizon scandal and current challenges facing financial services firms, this session will focus on practical steps firms can take to strengthen governance, embed ethical decision making, and ensure credible oversight of technology across the business.