ACT LIKE THE TOP 10% 02 Get grounded in cloud computing Leaders adopt sophisticated Cloud computing is essential to Future Systems because it enables cloud services companies to successfully utilize other technologies, including AI 100 and analytics. As such, Leaders treat the cloud as a catalyst for innovation. Ninety-five percent of them have adopted sophisticated cloud services like serverless computing, compared to 30% of Laggards, who tend to see the cloud as a 80 cost-effective “data center.” (See Figure 9) LEADERS Alibaba Group’s financial arm, Ant Financial, for example, is using cloud and AI to offer a range of services in mobile payments, banking, 60 95% insurance and wealth management.2 Cloud services and AI are embedded across multiple processes and product lines—adapting to each as needed. As a result, the company can instantly assess the credit risks of underserved people who may not have bank accounts, 40 and even target them with loan offers. It can also enable customers to snap photos after an automobile accident to file claims with their insurers in just a few seconds.3 Ant has transferred innovations and lessons at scale across the 20 LAGGARDS organization. And it’s gone even further, offering its AI capabilities to 30% external ecosystem partners. Caifu Hao, an AI-powered corporate account on the Ant platform, for instance, has brought tangible 0 4 benefits to 27 fund management companies. The funds have reported a reduction in overall costs by 50%, a ten-fold increase in daily visitors Figure 9: 95% percent of Leaders have adopted sophisticated and a three-fold increase in investments by returning customers.4 cloud services compared to 30% of Laggards. Future Systems 19