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International In-house Counsel Journal logoInternational In-house Counsel Journal logo

General Counsel Role & AI

Abstract

In a historical phase characterized by important and rapid changes, it’s essential that companies make decisions quickly and consciously within an increasingly complex and continually evolving regulatory framework. In this context, the General Counsel is called to face increasingly complex challenges and new responsibilities that require not only a deep knowledge of business regulations and strategies but also of new technological trends, carefully considering and evaluating risks and opportunities. One of the issues that the General Counsel has to face is the Artificial Intelligence which represents one of the most relevant challenges of our time, which requires companies to make an important paradigm shift in the structuring of governance, especially relating to choices regarding data and algorithm management. The ongoing transformation requires specific skills to be managed, upskilling programs and, even before that, a strong commitment on awareness; having a clear strategy for the development and governance of AI is an urgent need. In the AI era, the figure of the General Counsel stands out with renewed importance, becoming a key partner in the definition of corporate strategies in order to support companies through a proactive interpretation of rules to ensure a responsible, aware and ethical use of this technology.

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Authors

Portrait image of Cristina Rustignoli
Cristina Rustignoli
General Counsel , Generali Italia, Italy

Cristina Rustignoli graduated with honors in law from the University of Trieste, she obtained the qualification to practice as a lawyer. In her professional career she has gained a wide and consolidated experience in the banking, financial and insurance sector. In 2000 she joined the Generali Group as legal manager of Banca Generali, assuming positions of increasing responsibility over time until becoming central director, head of the Governance Area, coordinating legal, corporate, human resources and organization. During her time with Banca Generali, she coordinated, among other things, the process of listing the company on the stock exchange and, since 2002, held the role of secretary of the Board of Directors. At the same time, she assumed the role of head of legal and corporate activities for other banking and financial companies of the Generali Group, including Banca BSI Italia, Generali Investments Italy SGR, Simgenia SIM, BG Fiduciaria SIM, Generfid, BG Fund Management Luxembourg. She was also a member of the Assoreti Management Committee and of the Scientific Committee of the Anti-Money Laundering & Compliance Studies Center. In 2016 she joined Generali Country Italy Group as General Counsel and in 2019 she became General Counsel of Generali Country Italy and Global Business Line. She is board member of several Companies in Generali Group, such as Banca Generali, Alleanza Assicurazioni, Genertel, Genertelife, Welion, GBS and chairman of the board of Jeniot.

Companies

Generali

Generali Italia logo

Generali Italia

Generali is one of the major global players in the insurance and asset management sector. Born in 1831, it is present in 50 countries with a total premium income exceeding € 69 billion in 2019. With approximately 72,000 employees worldwide and 61 million customers, the Group has a leading position in Europe and an growing presence in Asia and Latin America.

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