From Vision to Action: Jeremy Ung on Building Future-Ready Finance Through Trustworthy AI and Data Intelligence

In a world of accelerating digital finance, Jeremy Ung, Chief Technology Officer at BlackLine, is helping shape a future where intelligent automation, reliable data, and human insight converge. As organisations grapple with legacy systems and the mounting pressure for real-time, strategic finance, Jeremy’s leadership offers a grounded and forward-thinking approach.

From leading large-scale cloud transformations at Amazon Web Services and Microsoft to now driving innovation at BlackLine, Jeremy’s experience has equipped him with a unique lens on what it takes to build resilient, future-ready finance operations. “Everything we do starts with our customers,” he shared in a recent interview with CIO World Asia. “We innovate with scale and reliability in mind—focusing not just on what is possible, but on what is practical and impactful.”

A Day in the Life of a CTO: Grounded in Tech, Driven by Purpose

At BlackLine, Jeremy’s role isn’t just about technology infrastructure—it’s about empowering finance teams to do more with less. A typical day sees him navigating complex layers of AI, data integration, and automation while ensuring platforms remain scalable, secure, and human-centric.

“Our roadmap is shaped by real-world customer input,” he explained. “From simplifying complex processes to enhancing real-time visibility, we focus on delivering solutions that meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s growth.”

What sets Jeremy apart is his dual focus: scaling cutting-edge technologies and mentoring teams to embrace innovation with confidence. His emphasis on purposeful innovation reflects a belief that even the most advanced AI must serve people, not replace them.

Learning Across Giants: AWS, Microsoft, and the BlackLine Pivot

Transitioning from cloud leaders like AWS and Microsoft to a purpose-driven finance platform like BlackLine brought clarity. “Success is not just about integrating systems—it’s about orchestrating clean, high-quality data that customers can trust and act on,” he said. “In a world where data is the new currency, finance leaders aren’t just looking for visibility. They’re looking for intelligence they can count on.”

This reframing of data as a trust asset lies at the core of Jeremy’s vision. He emphasises that the quality of data directly impacts AI’s effectiveness. It’s no longer enough to have dashboards—the real challenge lies in delivering insights that are accurate, contextual, and actionable.

AI in Finance: Not a Luxury, But a Lifeline

Jeremy is candid about the risks of lagging behind in AI adoption. “Finance and accounting teams manage vast, often unstructured data sets—yet many still rely on legacy systems that lack integration,” he observed. “AI and machine learning can automate manual processes, detect anomalies, and deliver predictive insights.”

He pointed to how BlackLine’s AI-enabled solutions help unlock faster, more strategic decision-making, from cash flow forecasting to fraud detection. “AI enhances human judgement,” he stressed. “It’s not about replacement—it’s about elevation.”

Making Data Work: Turning Currency into Capability

So what does it mean when Jeremy says, “Data is the new currency”? He breaks it down: “Its value is only realised when structured, analysed, and transformed into insights.” Yet most finance professionals spend more time preparing data than analysing it—a bottleneck that AI can address.

“AI redefines this dynamic by automating preparation and enabling high-speed, accurate analysis,” he explained. “When done right, it frees finance teams to focus on strategy, not spreadsheets.” Organisations that effectively harness AI-driven data insights will, he argues, gain a clear competitive edge. But success requires more than software. “It takes data quality, differentiated input, and the ability to translate insight into action,” he said.

Digital Transformation is a People Journey

One of Jeremy’s strongest assertions is that finance transformation is not just a technology issue—it’s a cultural one. “Many projects fail because they’re treated like IT upgrades rather than business shifts,” he said. He cites a McKinsey statistic that 70% of digital transformations fail due to misalignment  and a Taylor & Francis estimate of $2.3 trillion wasted globally on failed efforts. “Strong leadership, clear communication, and change management are essential,” he noted. “Automating a bad process just makes the problem faster.”

He advocates for a complete rethinking of workflows, utilising AI and automation to create smarter, more collaborative operations from the foundation up. “When vision, systems, and people align, finance becomes agile, resilient, and future-ready,” he added.

Closing the Gap: Building Trust Between the C-Suite

For Jeremy, genuine transformation requires a mindset shift among leadership. “The CFO, CIO, and CTO must align—not just on strategy, but on execution,” he said. “CFOs ensure financial return, CIOs build AI-ready infrastructure, and CTOs enable integration.”

He points to a Gartner study showing 74% of CEOs expect AI to impact their industry significantly. But without cross-functional buy-in, those expectations will go unmet. “You need trust, shared vision, and constant collaboration. It’s not optional—it’s foundational,” he said.

Upskilling for Tomorrow: The Human Side of AI Readiness

With 77% of CFOs citing a lack of technical skills as a barrier to AI adoption (Gartner), Jeremy believes the time to act is now. “Digital finance talent is less than 20% of most teams today. But by 2027, half of finance professionals will need these skills,” he shared.

His approach includes practical, ongoing training; embedding AI tools in daily tasks; and ensuring teams see the benefit of change. “The more we normalise AI usage, the more confident teams become,” he said. “Upskilling isn’t a one-off programme—it’s a culture of continuous learning.”

Balancing Innovation with Stability: A CTO’s Closing Advice

Jeremy ends with a reflection on sustainable change: “Stability isn’t the absence of change—it’s the ability to navigate it with resilience.” He advocates for Agentic AI, BlackLine’s blend of machine learning, automation, and human oversight, as a model for trust.

“It’s about introducing innovation in small, manageable steps. Ensure humans remain in the loop at critical points. Prioritise data governance and reliability. Build transformation into your DNA.”

Connect with Jeremy Ung

To stay connected with his work on AI, digital finance, and innovation leadership, follow Jeremy Ung on LinkedIn. His insights offer an invaluable roadmap for any business leader seeking to future-proof their organisation in a fast-moving digital economy.