Nasdaq's CFO rolls out martial-arts-style AI ranking system

Key takeaway

• Nasdaq's CFO Sarah Youngwood is embedding AI across the company's finance function and client services through a belt-ranking system tied to measurable outcomes in engagement, velocity, and financial return.

• Rather than siloing AI as a standalone project, she is positioning it as central to Nasdaq's three core strategic pillars and applying the same disciplined capital-allocation framework she uses for traditional technology investments.

• This approach reflects how finance leaders at major infrastructure providers are making the case that AI will accelerate rather than replace software innovation.

3 Key Points

FAQ

What does the belt system require employees to do?

All employees on the finance team must reach at least white belt status for foundational AI knowledge. The system advances through levels that require hands-on delivery and the ability to teach others, with Youngwood's long-term goal of having 20% of the team reach black belt status.

How does Nasdaq measure the return on AI investment?

Youngwood applies a three-stage measurement framework: first, employee engagement (whether people complete AI training and use the tools); second, velocity (whether AI improves throughput, accelerates workflows, or enables faster development); and third, financial impact (gains in revenue growth, cost efficiency, or productivity).

Which AI product has Nasdaq already launched for clients?

Nasdaq Verafin's Agentic AI Workforce platform was launched last year and is now used by 650 financial institutions, with Youngwood citing ease of implementation as a key factor in its adoption.