People Moves: David Rice, Chief AI Officer for HSBC

HSBC has announced a strategic shift in its leadership structure to accelerate the integration of AI across its global operations. 

David Rice, formerly the Chief Operating Officer for HSBC’s Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) business, has transitioned into the newly-created role of Chief AI Officer.

During his tenure as COO of the Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) arm, David was responsible for the operational oversight of one of the bank’s most complex divisions.

His move to lead the AI agenda signals the firm’s intent to move beyond experimental tech phases into clear enterprise leadership.

In this new capacity, David is tasked with embedding AI solutions designed to benefit both colleagues and customers, supporting the broader ambition of building a “bank designed for the future”.

The appointment coincides with a wider push to deploy Gen AI at scale. 

The strategy focuses on making these tools available to all staff to simplify internal policies and procedures, while simultaneously providing customer-facing teams with resources to deliver more personalised services.

Georges Elhedery, Group CEO at HSBC, says: “Our customers increasingly expect their bank to deliver services uniquely aligned to their specific needs, and fast. 

“That’s why we’re building a bank that is designed for the future. AI plays a key role in how we get there. 

“Our ambition here is simple – we will empower our colleagues to use AI to create a personalised experience for each customer, deliver it safely, in real time and at scale, while keeping human judgement, decision-making and accountability at the core. 

“David will be instrumental in helping us realise our ambition in this area.”

David adds: “AI is going to play an ever-increasing role in HSBC’s future plans, so I am thrilled to take on this new role to help us drive forward our transformation agenda.”