Dubai | July 2025 — Mashreq, a prominent financial institution in the MENA region, has announced the appointment of Xi Liang as its new Head of Artificial Intelligence. With this strategic leadership addition, the bank aims to accelerate its artificial intelligence initiatives, focusing on enhanced customer experiences, operational efficiencies, and long-term innovation.
A Visionary AI Leader with Global Expertise
Bringing over 15 years of cross-sectoral experience, Xi Liang has held senior roles in banking, retail, healthcare, and consulting. Her previous positions include key leadership roles at Judo Bank and Endeavour Group, AI advisory at McKinsey & Company, and early AI research at IBM, where she was awarded four patents and published in several high-impact journals.
Her expertise lies in building scalable, responsible AI systems that deliver measurable business results. Her strategic vision aligns with Mashreq’s digital transformation roadmap, particularly as the bank advances its footprint in AI-powered financial services.
Strengthening Mashreq’s AI-Driven Transformation
Commenting on the appointment, Mohamed Abdel Razek, Group Head of Transformation, Technology, and Information at Mashreq, stated:
“We are thrilled to welcome Xi Liang at a critical juncture in our AI journey. Her unparalleled experience in enterprise-grade AI and ethical AI design will reinforce Mashreq’s position as a technology-forward financial institution. She is a perfect fit to help us deliver intelligent, customer-centric banking experiences.”
In her new role, Xi will oversee the implementation of AI initiatives across all business divisions, including generative AI, intelligent automation, and enterprise-wide AI adoption. Her focus will be on aligning AI strategies with business goals, regulatory compliance, and responsible innovation practices.
A Commitment to Ethical and Scalable AI
Sharing her thoughts on the new role, Xi Liang commented:
“It’s an honour to join Mashreq, an institution known for its innovation-first approach and commitment to transforming banking through technology. I look forward to working with talented teams to create impactful, human-centric AI solutions that are both scalable and ethical.”
Xi holds a PhD in Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, with additional certifications in AI governance, cloud computing, and data science. Her academic and professional background reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied artificial intelligence.
Driving the Future of AI in Financial Services
Mashreq’s decision to bring Xi Liang on board reaffirms its commitment to technology-driven growth, particularly in AI and digital banking. As the financial sector continues to embrace emerging technologies, her leadership is expected to play a key role in redefining Mashreq’s AI strategy and setting industry benchmarks for responsible, innovative AI solutions.