Michael Vessey | Chief Data Officer
CBUAE

Michael Vessey is Chief Data Officer at the Central Bank of the UAE. He leads the bank’s data and AI strategy, governance, and risk management, turning information into a core strategic asset for the UAE’s financial system.
He heads the design and implementation of the CBUAE Group AI strategy, ensuring AI is used safely, responsibly, and at scale across the organisation. His remit covers data risk, analytics, AI, and regulatory reporting, working with policymakers and financial institutions to strengthen the resilience of the financial sector.
With more than 25 years’ experience in central banking, capital markets, retail banking, and asset management, Michael has led major data and AI transformations at CBUAE, HSBC, ADIA, and RBC Capital Markets, where he built enterprise-wide data frameworks, improved data quality, and supported regulatory compliance.
He is active in the data and AI community, mentoring startups and advising on innovation in financial services. Michael speaks English, French, and Spanish.