Ms. Manisha Sengupta

Securing AI-Driven Finance: Navigating Risks in Cloud-Native Modernization

Abstract:

By 2025, most financial institutions will rely on AI-powered systems for fraud detection, customer service, and decision-making. These advances enabled by cloud-native architectures and containerized deployments deliver speed, scalability, and innovation. However, as AI adoption accelerates, security preparedness often lags behind. AI models are vulnerable to adversarial inputs, data poisoning, and model manipulation attacks that traditional security frameworks fail to detect. In fact, successful attacks on financial AI systems via adversarial inputs have surged from just 2% in 2021 to 30% in 2024. Drawing on my experience as a systems engineer in the financial sector, this session examines how the rapid move toward AI and Kubernetes-based infrastructures creates hidden vulnerabilities. I will discuss real-world attack vectors such as manipulated transaction logs bypassing fraud detection and highlight the risks of automation without robust human oversight. The talk will outline strategies like Explainable AI (XAI), multi-layered anomaly detection, and strong AI governance tailored for cloud-native environments. Attendees will gain a practical roadmap for building secure, resilient AI systems in finance, ensuring that innovation does not come at the cost of integrity or trust.
 

Profile:

Manisha Sengupta is a seasoned technology leader with over 15 years of experience in software development, program management, and enterprise system modernization. Currently serving as Assistant Vice President, Systems Lead at Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (BBH) in Jersey City, she drives large-scale technology transformations, leading projects from proof of concept through full-scale implementation within BBH’s Eagle STAR accounting system. Her expertise spans legacy system modernization, architecture redesign, performance optimization, and regulatory compliance, all while aligning business and technology priorities through cross-functional collaboration. Prior to her current role, Manisha held pivotal positions at Intel Corp., Google Inc., and FIS Global, where she managed complex software programs, implemented automation for large-scale operations, and led mission-critical initiatives impacting millions of users globally. At Intel, she directed the Linux driver program for the Battlemage GPU, aligning cross-functional teams to deliver advanced graphics solutions. At Google, she contributed to YouTube Commerce operations, spearheading a price conversion rollout that affected 25+ million users and initiated automation solutions to optimize global operations. Her earlier career includes impactful contributions at NTT DATA Americas, Hexaware Technologies, EXFO India, IBM India, and Tata Consultancy Services, where she specialized in system integration, process automation, financial services technology, and telecom solutions. Across these roles, Manisha consistently demonstrated technical depth in C++, C, Python, SQL, Linux/Solaris, and financial systems such as Eagle STAR/PACE, along with expertise in Agile, SAFe, and Kanban methodologies. Manisha is also a certified SAFe®️ 6 Scrum Master, with certifications from Harvard Business School Online (Finance & Accounting specialization) and the McKinsey Management Accelerator Program. Her professional achievements include recognition through multiple awards for excellence, and she has been nominated to represent BBH at selective industry conferences such as the Women Impact Tech (WIT) NY Accelerate Conference and the Project to Product Summit: Executive Experience. An accomplished technologist and leader, Manisha blends her strong technical foundation with business acumen to deliver innovation at scale, drive efficiency, and empower teams to achieve strategic outcomes.