Global Rollout: Macquarie Group Introduces GenAI Chat Solution

Macquarie Group has achieved a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey by introducing Macquarie AI Chat, an internally developed generative AI tool designed to enhance employee productivity and creativity. Following a proof-of-concept in 2023, the tool underwent a large-scale pilot program in early 2024, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback from staff. By mid-2024, Macquarie AI Chat was rolled out globally, making it accessible to all employees across the organization. The tool has quickly gained traction, with approximately 5,000 active users engaging with it on a weekly basis.

This initiative forms part of Macquarie’s broader strategy to integrate artificial intelligence capabilities into everyday work processes, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency. Chief Digital Officer Matthew Ellis emphasized the transformative impact of the tool, describing the development and deployment process as a journey of exploration and innovation. “As of today, we have 5,000 weekly active users on the platform, which has led to increased productivity and creativity across all our global businesses,” Ellis stated. He also highlighted the organization’s substantial investments in upskilling employees, noting that thousands of staff members have been trained in the use of generative AI tools.

To ensure the success of Macquarie AI Chat, the company has prioritized comprehensive employee training and engagement. Macquarie hosted a global AI hackathon, attracting over 800 participants from every business division and support function. This event featured both technical and non-technical streams, allowing employees with diverse skill sets to contribute use cases, share prompts, and explore the tool’s potential in their unique roles.

Zoe Ellis, a service designer within Macquarie’s Corporate Operations Group and a key contributor to the rollout, explained the importance of equipping employees with AI skills. “AI is dynamic and evolving, but it’s becoming an increasingly important skill for our people. We’re helping them unlock the benefits of GenAI for their unique roles and supporting their growth in this area,” she said. Ellis uses the platform for a variety of tasks, from drafting communications to brainstorming creative ideas, noting its ability to inspire fresh perspectives and enhance problem-solving.

The versatility of Macquarie AI Chat has been a highlight for employees across different functions. Senior Manager for Data and AI, Jamie Hannen, who is leading the global rollout in the northern hemisphere, shared his enthusiasm for the tool. “Every day, I get tapped on the shoulder by someone who has discovered a new use case,” he said. Hannen uses the AI tool for tasks such as creating agendas, drafting emails, and preparing communication materials, showcasing its ability to streamline daily workflows.

The tool is designed to function as a “second set of eyes” for employees, assisting with both technical and creative tasks while enabling teams to explore new ways of working. To ensure responsible use, Macquarie mandates that employees complete an e-learning module before gaining access to Macquarie AI Chat. This training emphasizes the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and outlines best practices for leveraging the technology effectively.

The rollout of Macquarie AI Chat also highlights the importance of collaboration between the company’s digital team and its business units. The initiative has been driven by employees like Zoe Ellis and Jamie Hannen, who have worked to align the tool’s capabilities with the specific needs of various teams. Their efforts have not only enabled a smooth adoption process but also fostered a sense of ownership and enthusiasm among users.

Macquarie’s investment in generative AI underscores its commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation. The company continues to explore additional applications and expand the tool’s functionality to meet evolving business needs. By seamlessly integrating AI into its operations, Macquarie is setting a benchmark for how organizations can harness emerging technologies to drive efficiency, enhance employee engagement, and achieve strategic goals.

As the adoption of Macquarie AI Chat grows, the company remains focused on building on this foundation. Plans include further refining the platform, exploring new features, and developing targeted training modules to maximize its impact. With its forward-thinking approach and emphasis on empowering employees, Macquarie is well-positioned to lead the way in leveraging AI to transform workplace productivity and innovation on a global scale.