Varo Bank has appointed Asmau Ahmed as its first Chief Artificial Intelligence and Data Officer to lead company-wide AI and machine learning initiatives. The U.S.-based challenger bank, which launched its Varo Line of Credit in March 2024, already applies self-learning models to improve credit-decisioning processes through proprietary algorithms.
According to the bank, this approach has “dramatically expanded credit access” for customers. The appointment of Ahmed reflects Varo’s focus on embedding AI and data science into its products and services as the company strengthens its competitive position in digital banking.
Ahmed brings extensive experience from her role at Google. As Senior Director of Product Management, she oversaw AI-focused initiatives across Google Ads, Search, Gemini, Maps, and Commerce. She was also a founding member of X, Google’s research and development division, and later contributed to Alphabet’s moonshot projects.
Her earlier career included leadership roles at Bank of America, Capital One, Deloitte, and visual search startup Plum Perfect. At Varo, she will work alongside Chief Technology Officer Rathi Murthy, formerly of Verizon Media, and report to CEO Gavin Michael, who took over in April 2025. The new leadership team positions Varo to expand AI-driven innovation across its operations.