TLDR: Pravesh Rijal, a Nepali native and Chief Data and AI Officer at Cross River Bank, has been named to the prestigious AI100 list, recognizing the 100 most influential artificial intelligence leaders in the US. This honor highlights his significant contributions at the intersection of AI, financial services, and quantitative innovation.
KATHMANDU, July 26, 2025 – Pravesh Rijal, originally from Biratnagar, Nepal, has achieved a significant milestone by being included in the AI100 list, an annual compilation of the 100 most influential artificial intelligence leaders in the United States. Rijal currently serves as the Chief Data and AI Officer at Cross River Bank, a technology-driven financial institution known for supporting prominent fintech companies. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the bank’s comprehensive data and AI strategy.
Rijal’s recognition underscores his prominent position in the fields of artificial intelligence, financial services, and quantitative innovation. The AI100 Awards specifically acknowledge individuals who are driving substantial business transformation through the strategic application of AI and data science. Honorees are selected based on their demonstrable impact, innovative approaches, and their ability to scale AI-driven solutions across complex industries.
Event organizers, including AIM Research—a leading global analyst firm specializing in artificial intelligence—commended Rijal as ‘a bold, cross-disciplinary leader who exemplifies the future of AI in financial services.’ They also emphasized his achievement as a testament to the increasingly global nature of AI leadership. The event served as a platform for top AI leaders from across the US to convene and share insights on the future trajectory of the field.
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Before his current executive position, Rijal began his career at Citigroup, where he rapidly advanced in quantitative modeling. He later founded and led Cross River’s Quantitative Strategies unit. Academically, he holds a Master’s degree in Financial Engineering from New York University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Quantitative Finance at EDHEC Business School in France.
