Reflecting on 2025, several events and themes stand out. For many, the inexorable rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be uppermost in their minds. The business world appears split into three camps: early adopters developing their techniques at pace; those in the middle ground who recognise the opportunities but are unsure how best to exploit them; and finally, those who, as someone told me recently, tongue-in-cheek, “cannot spell AI.”

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This piece is the first in our AI series, focusing on early use cases as we set out a path for future adoption. For business leaders, AI should not be “a nice to have” but an imperative implementation strategy, delivering benefits for firms, clients and staff development alike. At Acquarius, AI is a key component of what we do. As a director, it is my responsibility to ensure the business adopts AI where appropriate, while enabling staff to become familiar with both the theory and practice promised by this exciting new world.  

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Simply being aware that AI exists, then leaving it to others to manage, is no longer enough. It is already shaping our lives and this will undoubtedly continue, almost certainly in ways most of us cannot yet imagine

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I am often asked to cite real-life examples where AI is making a tangible difference. In finance, banks and credit card companies use AI tools to analyse data far more efficiently, enabling real-time transfers worldwide at significantly lower cost. Consider the proliferation of “challenger” banks and electronic money institutions in recent years. Beyond payments, opportunities extend to algorithm-based trading and data analysis, while back-office tasks, risk management, compliance and credit scoring can all be more effectively managed using AI tools. 

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But let us not get ahead of ourselves, AI is not a panacea. While it will increasingly carry out a wider range of tasks, most of us remain in an “in-between” stage where human intervention is essential. This will help guard against the temptation to push ahead too quickly, risking slippage in standards. At Acquarius, we have therefore adopted an enthusiastic early-adopter approach, while remaining alive to the potential dangers that may trip up the unwary.  

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We are encouraged by the pro-AI stance taken by the Government of Gibraltar. The Minister for Justice, Trade and Industry, the Hon Nigel Feetham KC MP, has stated that the administration’s goal is to harness AI’s potential and position Gibraltar as a global leader in its innovation. It is a bold claim but given the jurisdiction’s track record in early adoption spanning insurance, online gaming and more recently distributed ledger technology, it would be brave to dismiss such an ambition.

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As evidence of this resolve, a high-level conference has been organised for late January to showcase the opportunities ahead while addressing the associated challenges.

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AI requires vast amounts of data and energy thus increasing efforts are being made to mitigate its environmental impact. In late 2025, a major local development was announced: a state-of-the-art 250MW data centre across a 20,000m² site. This privately funded project, expected to cost around £1.8bn, should create more than 100 permanent jobs once completed.  

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A growing concern is that AI will lead to significant job losses in the short to medium term. However, if we remain smart and proactive, new opportunities across emerging AI-driven industries are likely not only to mitigate but exceed such reductions. The private sector, policymakers and educators must work together so that these challenges are confronted head on. Only then will Gibraltar’s future generations fully benefit from AI’s vast potential.
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I began my career in a clearing bank more than twenty-five years ago. Whole swathes of clerical jobs have since disappeared, alongside a sharp reduction in bank branch networks. In their place, better and higher paid roles have emerged across the finance industry for those willing to seek them out. For Gibraltar’s young, well-educated and tech-savvy workforce, this bodes well. The greater challenge lies in less developed countries lacking universal education: an issue that must be addressed by governments and agencies worldwide. 

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AI adoption presents challenges, but its potential is enormous and already far-reaching.  Estimates suggest there are tens of thousands of active AI platforms, with more coming onstream daily. Future Insight articles will explore AI in greater depth, including how adoption has assisted Acquarius, our clients and staff. I am keen to initiate a wider debate on the subject so please get in touch at any time.