The appointments of these banking titans signal a turning point in AI innovation across the financial sector and reinforce ThetaRay’s position at the forefront of Cognitive AI for transforming financial crime compliance.
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#CognitiveAI—ThetaRay, a global leader in Cognitive AI financial crime compliance solutions, today announced the appointment of three distinguished financial industry leaders to its Advisory Board: Dame Alison Rose, Ilan Kaufthal, and Marshall Lux. Their combined expertise in banking, risk management, and strategic growth will help guide ThetaRay’s mission to safeguard the global financial system with cutting-edge cognitive AI technology.
“These Advisory Board appointments signal a seismic shift in the financial industry, one that embraces AI as a key driver to confront financial crime, but also to revitalize correspondent banking and cross-border payments,” said Erel Margalit, Chairman of ThetaRay. Three finance heavyweights joining us is a powerful endorsement, not just of Cognitive AI’s potential to revolutionize AML efficiency, but of ThetaRay’s bold vision to transform compliance into a growth enabler while exposing criminal activity.”
The appointments represent the most senior executives to date to join the team. Their decision to align with ThetaRay affirms the growing recognition that cognitive AI is the next frontier in financial crime compliance. ThetaRay’s Advisory Board provides a distinct advantage by infusing top-tier industry expertise into the evolution of intelligent, context-aware AML solutions.
Dame Alison Rose, former CEO of NatWest Group, brings over three decades of experience in banking, regulatory leadership, and driving purpose-led innovation. She became the first woman to lead a major UK bank and is globally recognized for championing responsible finance and inclusion.
“Building trust is the cornerstone of modern banking,” said Dame Alison Rose. “As financial crime grows more sophisticated, so must our response. ThetaRay’s Cognitive AI offers not just innovation, but integrity and I’m proud to support a company redefining what secure, inclusive finance looks like on a global scale.”
Ilan Kaufthal, former Vice Chairman of Investment Banking at Bear Stearns, Chairman of East Wind Advisors, and Chairman of IDB Bank, is a prominent strategist with a track record of scaling high-growth companies and advising on governance. He has long been an advocate for responsible banking and technology-driven compliance.
“I’m confident ThetaRay’s technology solves a core challenge in modern banking by strengthening threat detection and optimizing operations,” said Kaufthal. “I look forward to helping expand the company’s reach and strategic vision.”
Marshall Lux, a 40-year veteran in financial services and former Chief Risk Officer at JP Morgan Chase Consumer Products, is a board member of Flagstar, a major public regional bank. Lux’s appointment not only strengthens ThetaRay’s strategic governance but also deepens its alignment with the needs of banks seeking scalable, future-ready financial crime compliance solutions.
“Financial crime is evolving faster than most institutions can react, and traditional tools are losing the race,” said Marshall Lux. “Having advised institutions of every size, I’ve seen how outdated systems limit growth and expose risk. ThetaRay’s Cognitive AI is a leap forward that brings the clarity and adaptability this industry urgently needs.”
“These are visionaries who’ve shaped the frontlines of finance and share our belief in Cognitive AI as the key to a safer, stronger financial ecosystem,” said Peter Reynolds, CEO of ThetaRay. “Their insights will help drive our global expansion and support our clients in fighting financial crime while enabling business growth.”
About ThetaRay
ThetaRay harnesses the power of Cognitive AI for financial crime compliance, enabling financial institutions to precisely identify legitimate customers while flagging bad actors. The SaaS solutions overcome the limitations of traditional rule-based systems by shortening long implementation lifecycles, enabling efficient, risk-aware compliance operations. By transforming compliance from a regulatory obligation into a driver of growth, ThetaRay allows institutions to scale faster and expand confidently into new markets. By uncovering hidden criminal networks and delivering actionable insights, ThetaRay empowers organizations to combat evolving threats, maintain positive regulator relationships, and enhance customer experiences. Implemented at some of the world’s leading financial institutions including Santander, Clear Bank, Mashreq Bank, Payoneer, Onafriq, and Travelex, ThetaRay helps financial institutions thrive, fostering trust and confidence across the global financial ecosystem.
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