New AI Division to be established in the Information Systems Department

A new AI Division will be established in the Information Systems Department of the Czech National Bank (CNB). Its objective is to accelerate the deployment of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) solutions and support the central bank’s further development in innovative technologies. The division will be headed by Janis Aliapulios, currently an adviser to the CNB Bank Board. The decision was taken by the CNB Bank Board at its meeting on 30 July 2026 and will take effect on 1 August 2026.

The CNB has long been engaged in the development and use of artificial intelligence, although these activities have so far been carried out across several organisational units. The new division will bring these capabilities together into a single team that will coordinate the implementation of AI across the CNB’s organisational units, set the direction for its further development, adapt the AI architecture accordingly and promote the broader practical use of AI with measurable benefits. The newly established division will oversee the implementation of AI across the central bank from both a coordination and a process perspective and define its priorities, including with regard to maintaining the highest standards of data protection and security. In cooperation with technical, security and project experts from the Information Systems Department and representatives of the CNB’s other departments, it will promote and implement specific solutions. The division will be established through a reorganisation of existing resources within the CNB and will not result in an increase in the total number of positions.

Janis Aliapulios graduated in international business from the Faculty of International Relations at Prague University of Economics and Business. He began his career as a journalist, first at Rádio Zet and subsequently at Hospodářské noviny. He later served as spokesperson and analyst at the Office of the Czech Fiscal Council. Between 2021 and 2024, he worked as a consultant specialising in communications, media relations and investor relations, with a focus on economics, business and investment. Since February 2024, he has served as an adviser to the CNB Bank Board, where he has been responsible for coordinating the activities of the CNB Lab innovation hub.

Petra Vlčková
CNB Communications Division