Financial services companies face the dual challenge of harnessing AI while managing data complexity, security, and compliance. Elastic's leadership, including CEO Ash Kulkarni, CIO Matt Minetola, and CISO Mandy Andress, discuss how AI can transform the industry by reducing costs and enhancing customer experience, but stress the importance of quality data and risk management. They highlight the need for a unified platform approach, as provided by Elastic's Search AI Platform, which integrates real-time data processing with built-in security and compliance features to maintain visibility and control. This platform supports organizations in meeting regulatory demands with transparency and auditability, enabling proactive security management. While AI offers operational efficiencies and improved customer engagement, success hinges on accessible and trusted data.