Lessons from the Post Office Horizon Scandal: Shaping the Future of Technology, Governance and Ethics in Financial Services

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 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 be hosted by Sushil Kuner, Partner & Head of Financial Services Regulation, and James Hartley, Partner & National Head of Dispute Resolution who represented the sub postmasters in the groundbreaking High Court victory in Bates v the Post Office. Jules Henderson, Head of Digital Forensics within the FCA's Enforcement Division, will provide a keynote speech, following which we will have a panel discussion. In this exploring 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.

Further information on speakers to follow.

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

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. 

Travel information

Please note that there are proposed tube strikes that may interfere with your travel arrangements, in true Freeths style we will be continuing with the event and hope to see you there. For more information please visit your travel provider's website.

Accessibility

We want everyone to feel welcome and take part in our event. If you have any special accessibility requirements, please get in touch.