Riyad Bank Introduces First AI Center in Saudi Banking Industry

Riyad Bank has launched the Centre of Intelligence, marking the first dedicated artificial intelligence centre established within the Saudi banking sector.

The hub leverages advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI to provide data-driven insights across the bank's operations, from customer service and product development to risk management and compliance. Riyad Bank said the centre will serve as a centralised capability for developing and deploying AI solutions across all business lines.

The Centre of Intelligence is designed to move AI from isolated projects into a systematic, organisation-wide capability. By creating a dedicated team and infrastructure, Riyad Bank aims to accelerate the development of AI models, ensure governance and quality standards, and build institutional expertise that can be sustained over time.

The launch aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 programme, which has identified AI and digital transformation as critical enablers of economic diversification. Saudi banks have been among the most active AI adopters in the Gulf, driven by both competitive pressure and regulatory encouragement from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA).

Riyad Bank, one of Saudi Arabia's largest financial institutions, has been investing in its digital capabilities as part of a broader transformation strategy. The AI centre adds a dedicated innovation function to these efforts, providing the bank with a permanent structure for developing and testing AI applications.

The bank said the centre will focus initially on customer-facing AI applications, including personalised product recommendations and intelligent customer service tools, before expanding into more complex use cases across operations and risk management.