HSBC Holdings has appointed David Rice as its first chief AI officer, effective April 1. 

The new role is intended to centralize leadership around AI adoption and support HSBC’s broader innovation strategy, according to a March 23 HSBC release. The $3.2 trillion bank plans to expand the use of generative AI tools across its workforce to streamline internal processes and enhance customer service through more personalized, real-time interactions. 

Rice has been serving as chief operating officer of HSBC’s corporate and institutional banking division. 

The appointment comes alongside an expanded role for Chief Technology Officer Mario Shamtani, who is now responsible for strengthening the bank’s technology infrastructure to support AI deployment at scale. This includes modernizing core systems, developing a centralized AI platform for employees and overseeing key strategic partnerships, according to the release. 

“Our ambition here is simple – we will empower our colleagues to use AI to create a personalized experience for each customer, deliver it safely, in real time and at scale, while keeping human judgement, decision-making and accountability at the core,” HSBC Chief Executive Georges Elhedery stated in the release. “David will be instrumental in helping us realize our ambition in this area.” 

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