Regulators today face unprecedented challenges. Financial institutions, fintechs, and bad actors alike rapidly deploy new technologies, and regulators must stay ahead to protect consumers and ensure market stability. Generic “digital transformation” advice doesn’t cut it—regulatory innovation demands specialized insight, deep understanding, and practical tools.
That’s where AIR comes in. We’re former senior regulators, financial service experts and specialist consultants, who have successfully led innovation from within — people like Nick Cook, formerly Director of Innovation at the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We’ve lived your challenges, navigated similar barriers, and understand the complexities and opportunities of regulatory innovation.
A culture of innovation helps regulators navigate disruption, protect consumers and foster inclusive financial systems in fast evolving environments. This is why we’ve created Innovation Elements, a Cohort program that will give you the ability to accelerate your organization’s innovation capacity.
Innovation Elements is a four-day immersive experience hosted in London, in the autumn of 2025 (dates to be announced soon). This is a team-based experience, and AIR invites you to apply to our Cohort and bring a diverse team of four participants — giving you an impactful, collaborative experience tailored to your organization’s needs.
Innovation Elements is central to AIR’s unique methodology — an original, holistic framework developed specifically for financial regulators. It moves far beyond tech-driven models, while technology is critical, we focus equally on organizational culture, mindset shifts, and practical, actionable steps. The framework provides regulators with a structured-yet-flexible approach to mapping and overcoming innovation barriers, clearly identifying their highest-impact opportunities.
In this immersive cohort experience, this framework serves as your guide — each day brings opportunities to apply its principles through hands-on design thinking activities, interactive case studies, and collaborative problem solving. With continuous support from the AIR team and our renowned innovation experts, you’ll leave feeling confident, energized, and ready to put your newfound knowledge and skills into immediate practice.
AIR’s proprietary Innovation Elements Framework offers a unique and comprehensive way to assess and enhance your organization’s innovation capabilities:
Identifies drivers and barriers to innovation across your entire organization—not just the tech, but people, processes, culture, and mindset.
Informed by global case studies, real-life examples, and proven best practices gathered from regulatory bodies worldwide.
Guides you in cultivating an organizational culture ready to embrace and sustain innovation.
Moves beyond theory into active experimentation and skill building through design thinking exercises.
This cohort is delivered by an AIR team that genuinely understands the regulatory world. We blend firsthand regulatory expertise with deep passion, empathy, and curiosity. Supporting our team is AIR’s extensive global network of innovation specialists, prominent academics, and thought-leaders in areas such as Responsible AI, digital transformation and regulatory innovation. Throughout the experience, you’ll meet and interact with these experts, enriching your perspectives and expanding your professional connections.
The Core AIR Team
Chief Innovation Officer
Program Director
Strategic Advisory Lead
Strategic Engagement Lead
Innovation Elements is an immersive, action-driven experience. Our approach is rooted in hands-on, problem-solving activities powered by design thinking and solid innovation theory. You’ll tackle real-world regulatory challenges, explore global best practices, and create actionable roadmaps tailored specifically to your organizational priorities. You’ll also have unique opportunities to see innovation in action and venture out to take in some inspiration in the vibrant and historic city of London. Expect an active, energizing four days.
The program is intentionally designed with ample space for informal interaction, allowing you to form meaningful connections and lasting relationships with peers from around the world. Together, we will create a supportive, collaborative community that continues well beyond the event itself.
Across the four days the cohort will:
• Expert-led sessions diving deep into key innovation topics.
• Interactive discussions and hands-on workshops with distinguished academics and industry innovators.
• Case studies from leading global regulators.
• Practical workshops to master innovation tools and methods.
• Collaborative problem-solving in a safe and supportive environment.
• Dedicated team sessions to translate learnings into clear, actionable innovation roadmaps tailored for your regulator.
• Inspirational site visits demonstrating innovation in action.
• Informal networking and social opportunities with fellow regulators and global innovation experts.
Each regulator sends a diverse team of four people, including a senior leader and representatives from key functions such as policy, supervision, strategy, IT, or HR. Teams must be gender diverse and cross functional to ensure meaningful collaboration and impact. The AIR team will support the senior leader in selecting the right mix for your team.
• A comprehensive understanding of your organization’s innovation strengths and challenges.
• Practical skills and tools to confidently implement innovation enhancing changes and projects.
• A clear, tailored roadmap for immediate and meaningful organizational change.
• A supportive network of global peers and innovation experts.
When: Four Days in Autumn 2025 (dates to be announced soon).
Where: London, U.K.
Cost: $20,000 per organization (4-person team)*
Meals provided: Lunches and some evening meals (for programmed events).
Organizations cover their own travel, visas, and accommodation costs.
*Limited scholarship options are available. Please indicate your interest on the application form.
Applications open: Week commencing 14 April 2025. The senior leader or decision maker should be the applicant (usually Director or Assistant Director level or equivalent). The first step is for the senior leader to apply using the form.
Application deadline: 30 May 2025 (applications accepted on a rolling basis).
Two-step process: All applications that are under consideration will move to a discussion with one of the AIR team so we can understand more about your priorities and mix of attendees from your organization before moving to offer places on the Cohort.
Your privacy is important to us. To protect your privacy and help you to make informed choices, we provide AIR’s Privacy Policy & Practices notice explaining our information practices and your rights in relation to your data.
Spaces are limited. Apply Now!
The deadline to apply is 30 May 2025
Questions about the program? Contact the AIR events team via email.
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