New AI Division created to accelerate technology deployment
The Czech National Bank decided on 30 July 2026 to establish a dedicated AI Division within its Information Systems Department. Effective 1 August 2026, the new unit will be headed by Janis Aliapulios to centralize technology deployment across the organization.
From scattered projects to a single team
The Czech National Bank (CNB) Bank Board approved the creation of the new AI Division on 30 July 2026, taking effect on 1 August 2026.
While the CNB has engaged in artificial intelligence and machine learning development for a long time, these activities were previously spread across various organizational units.
The newly created division will bring these internal capabilities together into a single dedicated team.
It will oversee and coordinate AI implementation across all central bank departments from both process and technical perspectives.
The team is tasked with setting development priorities, adapting the AI architecture, and promoting practical use while maintaining high standards of data security.
Reorganization without additional headcount
The new division will be created through an internal reorganization of existing resources without increasing the total number of staff positions.
Division head Janis Aliapulios brings a background in economics, journalism and public communications, having served as spokesperson for the Czech Fiscal Council.
Since February 2024, Aliapulios has worked as an adviser to the CNB Bank Board overseeing the CNB Lab innovation hub.
He will work closely with technical, security and project experts to deploy practical solutions.
Pragmatic move with unproven results
Consolidating fragmented AI efforts into a single team is a sensible operational move.
However, maintaining zero headcount growth forces existing personnel to absorb complex technical duties.
Whether this internal shift delivers real innovation or mere administrative restructuring remains to be seen.