Lloyds Banking Group has appointed Sameer Gupta as chief data and AI officer, tasking the former DBS executive with scaling artificial intelligence across the UK lender as it expands customer-facing digital services.

The bank said Gupta will join in June, reporting to group chief operating officer Ron van Kemenade, and will oversee the next phase of its AI strategy. He arrives from Singapore’s DBS Bank, where he serves as chief analytics officer and has led large-scale AI transformation programmes.

Gupta will be responsible for embedding AI more deeply across operations, including improving customer experience, strengthening fraud prevention and equipping staff with enhanced data tools. His remit also includes ensuring governance standards are maintained, with a focus on responsible, transparent and secure deployment of the technology.

Ron van Kemenade said: “Sameer brings deep expertise and a strong track record of applying AI in ways that deliver real, practical benefits for customers. As we continue to invest in technology to better support households and businesses across the UK, his leadership will help ensure AI enhances customer experiences while maintaining the trust that is fundamental to banking.”

The appointment comes as Lloyds accelerates its use of artificial intelligence in customer services, including the rollout of an AI-powered financial assistant. The tool is designed to provide personalised, round-the-clock support to millions of users as the bank seeks to simplify money management and improve engagement.

Gupta has more than 30 years’ experience in financial services technology and has overseen enterprise-wide AI adoption at DBS, where such initiatives have been studied as a Harvard Business School case. Lloyds is seeking to replicate similar gains in productivity, decision-making and customer insight.

Of his appointment, Gupta said: “Lloyds Banking Group has a clear purpose and a strong focus on supporting customers, and I’m excited to join at a time when AI can make such a positive difference. Used well, AI can help customers get the right support more quickly, protect them from fraud and make managing money simpler and more intuitive.”

The move forms part of Lloyds’ broader digital transformation, which has included more than £4 billion of investment as it builds out technology infrastructure and expands AI capabilities across its retail and commercial banking operations.

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