The 2026 edition of Big Data LDN promised that visitors would get to see the “good, bad and ugly” when it comes to data, analytics and AI. All three traits were on display when your author and 15,000 or so other attendees descended on London’s Olympia for a recent conference, with talks from multiple business leaders. The challenge was trying to differentiate which was which.
There was inevitable gimmickry, with swathes of robotic dogs and flying drones gracing the exhibition hall. However, the tone of the event (which your author has visited most years since 2019) was markedly more serious than in the past. Presentations on topics such as token costs, governance and agent monitoring featured prominently on the agenda. AI inevitably dominated throughout with one speaker aptly noting that “just because we can use AI, does not mean we should.”
Agents, customer-facing generative AI and the very latest models were front of mind when it came to ‘hot’ topics that everyone seemingly wanted to discuss. By contrast, governance, regulation, compliance and oversight were the subjects where there was a grudging recognition of their growing importance. People are rushing to build and deploy agentic workflows, even if they are not mature at doing so perhaps best represents the state of the world.
Data and AI are moving faster than governance can keep up might be another way of framing the debate. This is the path that most technological shifts take, even if it does throw up adverse consequences. Beyond the risk of agents going rogue (see our recent post), one speaker highlighted how “bad data can create alternate realities.” Imagine 17 different sets of customer data – none of which could be trusted – or an agent recommending a product that did not even exist. These were the experiences of a consumer health company we heard speak. The solution: AI readiness is not “bought” – but, as we were told, it’s “built”, bottom-up and using credible foundations.
—
Originally Posted October 6, 2026 – The good, the bad and the ugly
Disclosure: Heptagon Capital
The document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or any recommendation to buy, or sell or otherwise transact in any investments. The document is not intended to be construed as investment research. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information which Heptagon Capital believes to be reliable. However, except to the extent required by applicable law or regulations, no guarantee, warranty or representation (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this document or its contents and, Heptagon Capital, its affiliate companies and its members, officers, employees, agents and advisors do not accept any liability or responsibility in respect of the information or any views expressed herein. Opinions expressed whether in general or in both on the performance of individual investments and in a wider economic context represent the views of the contributor at the time of preparation. Where this document provides forward-looking statements which are based on relevant reports, current opinions, expectations and projections, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All opinions and estimates included in the document are subject to change without notice and Heptagon Capital is under no obligation to update or revise information contained in the document. Furthermore, Heptagon Capital disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (including direct, indirect, special and consequential) howsoever arising which any person may suffer or incur as a result of viewing or utilising any information included in this document.
The document is protected by copyright. The use of any trademarks and logos displayed in the document without Heptagon Capital’s prior written consent is strictly prohibited. Information in the document must not be published or redistributed without Heptagon Capital’s prior written consent.
Heptagon Capital LLP, 63 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HS
tel +44 20 7070 1800
fax +44 20 7070 1881
email london@heptagon-capital.com
Partnership No: OC307355 Registered in England and Wales Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Disclosure: Interactive Brokers Third Party
Information posted on IBKR Campus that is provided by third-parties does NOT constitute a recommendation that you should contract for the services of that third party. Third-party participants who contribute to IBKR Campus are independent of Interactive Brokers and Interactive Brokers does not make any representations or warranties concerning the services offered, their past or future performance, or the accuracy of the information provided by the third party. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
This material is from Heptagon Capital and is being posted with its permission. The views expressed in this material are solely those of the author and/or Heptagon Capital and Interactive Brokers is not endorsing or recommending any investment or trading discussed in the material. This material is not and should not be construed as an offer to buy or sell any security. It should not be construed as research or investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security or commodity. This material does not and is not intended to take into account the particular financial conditions, investment objectives or requirements of individual customers. Before acting on this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, as necessary, seek professional advice.
Join The Conversation
If you have a general question, it may already be covered in our FAQs page. go to: IBKR Ireland FAQs or IBKR U.K. FAQs. If you have an account-specific question or concern, please reach out to Client Services: IBKR Ireland or IBKR U.K..
Visit IBKR U.K. Open an IBKR U.K. Account