PodChats for FutureCFO: Mining data intelligence – the secret sauce of finance transformation

Imperatives for transformation tend to circle around modernising processes and systems to enable for more agile operations able to adjust to the increasingly unpredictable nature of day-to-day whether we mean unplanned downturns or new opportunities that at times seem to come out of nowhere.

With market volatility, digital disruption and regulatory uncertainty appearing to be the norm rather the exception in 2025, finance leaders will be hard pressed to accelerate transformation initiatives up and running fast.

At the heart of this transformation lies data intelligence—a critical enabler of strategic decision-making, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. As organizations across Asia pivot toward data-driven finance, CFOs are leveraging advanced analytics, AI, and unified data strategies to secure competitive advantages while addressing regional challenges.

To learn more about data intelligence, we are pleased to be joined by Lavan Verma, head of FP&A and Data Intelligence – APAC at ManpowerGroup.

1.       How do you define data intelligence?

2.       What is data intelligence in the context of an organisation (as viewed from the Board and C-suite and operations)?

3.       How does this translate in the world of the finance function? 

4.       What is/are needed to have data intelligence in the finance function (technology, process, etc)?

5.       What are the benefits data intelligence brings to its practitioners? (viewed from a career perspective)

6.       What are the potential challenges for the CFO and finance team in the execution and delivery of data intelligence?

7.       Any best practice in the design, execution and performance of a data intelligence?

We have seen technology evolved rapidly in the last couple of years. What are your thoughts on how these technologies will influence finance in the years ahead?