Blackstone CTO has this advice for AI startups selling to the finance sector

The evolving role of technology in finance: Over the past 25 years, technology has become increasingly integrated into all aspects of financial firms, transforming their operations and strategic approaches.

• John Stecher, Chief Technology Officer at Blackstone, highlights the shift from technology being a support function to becoming a core part of financial businesses.
• This evolution has led to the creation of roles like Stecher’s, which span multiple areas of the company and directly impact investment strategies.

Stecher’s multifaceted role as CTO: As Blackstone’s CTO, John Stecher’s responsibilities extend far beyond traditional technology management, encompassing four key areas crucial to the firm’s success.

• He oversees engineering and technology for the entire firm, ensuring Blackstone remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
• Stecher runs Blackstone’s innovation investments, identifying and capitalizing on emerging technologies that could benefit the firm.
• He works closely with portfolio companies to optimize their technology strategies, leveraging Blackstone’s expertise to drive value.
• Advising investment teams on the technological aspects of deals has become a critical part of his role, highlighting the increasing importance of tech in investment decisions.

Strategic technology decision-making: Stecher employs a “download it/build it/buy it” framework to determine the best approach for acquiring new technologies at Blackstone.

• This framework helps balance the need for customization with the benefits of existing solutions, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Factors such as the uniqueness of the problem, the availability of suitable vendors, and the potential for competitive advantage all influence these decisions.

Advice for startups targeting financial firms: Stecher offers valuable insights for technology startups aiming to sell their solutions to major financial institutions like Blackstone.

• Honesty and transparency about product capabilities are crucial, as overselling can quickly erode trust.
• Startups should focus on making it easy for firms to prove the value of their solution, potentially through pilot programs or limited deployments.
• Understanding the specific needs and challenges of the financial industry is essential for tailoring products and pitches effectively.

Navigating AI implementation challenges: The adoption of generative AI at Blackstone presents unique challenges related to data security, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance.

• Stecher emphasizes the importance of robust security measures and permissioning systems when deploying AI solutions.
• Blackstone’s approach involves building a security layer on top of existing AI models rather than developing proprietary large language models (LLMs).
• This strategy allows the firm to leverage advanced AI capabilities while maintaining strict control over sensitive data and adhering to industry regulations.

AI’s impact across asset classes: Artificial intelligence is transforming various aspects of Blackstone’s operations across different investment areas.

• In private equity, AI is enhancing due diligence processes and helping identify potential investment opportunities.
• Real estate operations benefit from AI-driven analytics for property management and market trend analysis.
• Credit teams are using AI to improve risk assessment and portfolio management strategies.

The future of AI in investment firms: Stecher predicts that technology and AI will become the backbone of how Blackstone operates, while still recognizing the irreplaceable value of human expertise in investment decisions.

• AI is expected to augment human capabilities, providing deeper insights and improving efficiency across the firm.
• The integration of AI will likely lead to new roles and skill requirements within investment firms, blending financial acumen with technological proficiency.

Balancing innovation and security: As financial firms like Blackstone continue to embrace AI and other advanced technologies, striking the right balance between innovation and security remains a critical challenge.

• The industry must navigate complex regulatory landscapes while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI.
• Stecher’s approach of building custom security layers atop existing AI models could serve as a blueprint for other firms looking to leverage AI safely and effectively.