ADIB appoints head of artificial intelligence
Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has appointed Pedro Uria-Recio as chief AI officer to advance its Vision 2035 strategy and bolster its technological capabilities. Starting his new role immediately, Uria-Recio will oversee the next phase of the bank’s AI strategy.
This strategy includes “accelerating the responsible deployment of AI across the bank to enhance customer experiences, strengthen risk management, improve operational efficiency, and equip colleagues with advanced tools and insights”, according to ADIB.
AI Strategy and Vision 2035
With AI representing one of the “principal transformation enablers of the bank’s ambition to become the world’s most innovative Islamic bank under Vision 2035“, Uria-Recio notes his focus will be on “building strong internal capabilities and creating solutions that make banking more intelligent, personalised, and efficient”.
ADIB operates 62 branches and 379 ATMs across the UAE, with additional presence in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Qatar, Sudan, and Iraq.
The bank serves 2.7 million customers and manages $39 billion in assets, making it the fourth-largest Islamic bank globally by assets.
Uria-Recio’s Background and Experience
Uria-Recio joins from Malaysian investment bank CIMB, where he has led the bank’s enterprise data and AI agenda as chief data and AI officer since 2024.
His extensive AI experience includes serving as chief analytics and AI officer at Thai telecoms firm True Corporation.
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The appointment reflects a broader trend among global banks establishing dedicated AI leadership positions, including HSBC, Bank of Ireland, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
ADIB’s Commitment to Innovation
ADIB’s commitment to innovation is evident in its Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to make the bank the most innovative Islamic bank in the world.
With Uria-Recio at the helm of its AI strategy, ADIB is well-positioned to achieve its goals and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of banking and finance.
The bank’s investment in AI and other emerging technologies demonstrates its commitment to providing its customers with the best possible services and experiences.
Furthermore, ADIB’s commitment to innovation and AI is also reflected in its efforts to develop and implement new technologies, such as machine learning and natural language processing.
In addition, the bank’s extensive network and large customer base provide a unique opportunity for ADIB to leverage AI and other technologies to drive business growth and success.
