Smart Data on the Rise: Highlights from the Ctrl-Shift UK Smart Data Forum

The Ctrl-Shift UK Smart Data Forum this June brought together a vibrant mix of industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers for a full day of future-focused conversations on the evolving smart data economy. With the UK’s new Data Use and Access Bill freshly passed, the event came at just the right moment to explore what it will take to truly unlock the power of data-driven innovation - especially in finance.

Our Executive Advisor, Nicola Breyer, attended the forum and shared some key reflections:
 
“As I reflect on the Ctrl-Shift UK Smart Data Forum, it is clear the EU really needs to get its act together in enabling a smart data economy,” said Breyer. “We need very clear rules for people to build and operate, trust frameworks will be key to enabling secure smart data business, and we need to consider data ethics as much as business growth. We also need money to make it all happen, so which investors will be the ones to jump on the smart data, and not only the AI bandwagon? No smart data, no effective AI!”  

From Liz Brandt’s opening remarks to the final round of applause, one thing was clear: smart data isn’t a futuristic idea anymore - it’s something we need to make happen now. The discussions throughout the day touched on both the exciting opportunities and the very real challenges of building a data ecosystem that’s secure, inclusive, and built to scale.

A standout moment came from Siddharth Shetty, who presented India Stack and the Finternet. It was a brilliant example of what’s possible when public and private sectors join forces to build digital infrastructure with reach and impact. The adoption numbers were nothing short of staggering - and a strong reminder of what coordinated effort can achieve. Naturally, it left many wondering: can Europe move at the same pace?

Another highlight was Rahul Yadav from Milestone Systems, who demonstrated as speaker at a roundtable how smart video processing - originally used in security -is now helping cities plan smarter, manage traffic, and deliver better public services. It’s a great example of how data is breaking out of silos and creating impact far beyond its original intent.

The energy sector also brought valuable insights. Multiple use cases showed that when people are given access to clear, personalised, and actionable insights based on their own data, they’re more likely to shift behaviour. Whether in energy, property, or finance, the message is the same: industries are converging around data - and quickly.

But as momentum builds, so does the need for strong foundations. Speakers repeatedly came back to the essentials: clear regulation, trusted data-sharing frameworks, and serious investment. Without these, even the most promising initiatives risk stalling - and AI will fall short without access to high-quality, real-time data.

Looking ahead, the EU’s upcoming Financial Data Access (FIDA) regulation could play a pivotal role. While the UK has taken an early lead, there’s a real opportunity for Europe to catch up by implementing smart, practical rules that unlock the potential of open finance and cross-sector data use.

Overall, the Ctrl-Shift Forum served as both a progress check and a call to action. The smart data economy is no longer just forming - it’s already taking shape. What happens next will be defined by those who choose to act now.

We’re helping shape that future.
At Neonomics, we’re combining secure open banking data with AI to build smarter, more personalised financial experiences - starting with tools like Nello.

Want to learn more about AI and open banking data? Let’s chat!

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