“Tech & Tacheles” asks: Who is responsible for AI?
News, 13/08/2025
The first provisions of the EU AI Act have been in force since August. This brings a new question to the fore: How much responsibility do we bear when dealing with artificial intelligence, and can it even be outsourced? In episode five of the “Tech & Tacheles” podcast, Sebastian Denef (CEO of AGENTS.inc) and Christian Pfeiffer (CEO of Sopra Financial Technology) discuss attitude, fairness, and the limits of technical delegation.
Nuremberg, August 13, 2025 – Both CEOs bring many years of experience to the table: Denef as an AI pioneer with a background in research, Pfeiffer as a technology decision-maker in the financial world. Their common concern: AI needs more than computing power – it needs attitude, judgment, and a clear understanding of responsibility. Christian Pfeiffer makes it clear: “AI is not a substitute for judgment, but a driver of it.” Sebastian Denef adds: “It is our job to understand AI well enough that we can use it to make good judgments.” Both warn against relying on algorithms without critically questioning them.
Responsibility for AI cannot be outsourced
Responsibility cannot be outsourced, not even to machines. Pfeiffer emphasizes: “Outsourcing is often necessary from an economic perspective – but only with a clear, risk-oriented framework.” And Denef warns: "It is illusory to want to take responsibility for every step of an AI model. Instead, we need to build
A format with attitude
Tech & Tacheles is aimed at decision-makers at financial services providers. In each episode, guests draw cards with provocative statements from a “black box,” take a position, and engage in open and informed discussion. The podcast is hosted by Birgit Hass, Senior Marketing Manager at Sopra Financial Technology.
Listen now
Tech & Tacheles is available on all popular platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. The new episode, “AI needs judgment,” is now online.
About the podcast
“Tech & Tacheles” is Sopra Financial Technology's podcast for the financial industry. External and internal experts talk about IT, technology, and banking—clearly, opinionatedly, and knowledgeably. No buzzwords, just attitude. If you're interested in learning more about "Tech & Tacheles", check out: https://www.sopra-financial-technology.com/de-de/insights/podcast
About Sopra Financial Technology:
Sopra Financial Technology GmbH offers regulatory-compliant operation of modular, scalable, and customizable applications in the financial services industry. The company combines traditional legacy systems with innovative products and services, incorporating modern cloud solutions in a high-performance operation and secure environment. With over 300 employees and headquarters in Nuremberg, the company is distinguished by its expertise in banking, regulatory affairs, solution orientation, and project management. Founded in 1983 as Sparda-Datenverarbeitung eG, Sopra Financial Technology GmbH has been part of the Sopra Steria Group since 2019, which has more than 50,000 employees in around 30 countries.
Contact:
Sopra Financial Technology GmbH
Birgit Hass
Frankenstraße 146, 90461 Nuremberg, Germany
Phone: +49 911 9291-0
Email: communications.sft@soprasteria.com