ADIB Names First Chief AI Officer

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has appointed Pedro Uria-Recio as its first Chief AI Officer, underscoring how artificial intelligence is moving from an experimental technology to a strategic leadership priority within banking.

The appointment forms part of ADIB’s Vision 2035 transformation programme. Uria-Recio will be responsible for scaling AI capabilities across the bank while developing the governance, infrastructure and operating framework required for sustainable AI adoption.

He joins ADIB from CIMB Bank in Malaysia, where he served as Chief Data and AI Officer, bringing experience in integrating data and artificial intelligence into financial-services operations.

The timing is significant. ADIB serves approximately 2.7 million customers and has added more than 125,000 customers this year. With 94% of transactions already conducted through digital channels, AI has the potential to influence customer service, personalization, fraud prevention, risk management and operational efficiency.

More importantly, creating a dedicated C-suite AI position demonstrates a broader shift taking place across banking. As AI becomes embedded in consequential financial decisions, institutions need leadership that connects innovation with governance, data privacy, cybersecurity, explainability and accountability.

The Chief AI Officer could therefore become increasingly important in banking—responsible not simply for deploying AI, but for ensuring that AI delivers measurable business value while remaining trusted, governed and compliant.