San Francisco – June 2025 – Varo Bank has appointed Silicon Valley tech veteran Rathi Murthy as Chief Technology Officer, reinforcing the neobank’s strategic push to deliver customer-centric innovation and financial inclusion at scale.
Murthy, who most recently served as President and CTO at Expedia Group, brings more than 25 years of experience leading technology transformation at major global companies including Verizon Media, Gap Inc., and American Express. Her appointment marks a pivotal moment for Varo as it accelerates its roadmap toward an intelligent, AI-native banking experience.
“Rathi brings a unique blend of consumer tech and financial services expertise that is rare in the industry. She will be instrumental in scaling our technology to meet the needs of millions of Americans who are underserved by traditional banks,” said Colin Walsh, CEO and Founder of Varo Bank.
Since becoming the first U.S. consumer fintech to be granted a national bank charter in 2020, Varo has been steadily building out its digital banking infrastructure with a focus on real-time personalisation, AI-powered financial tools, and inclusive financial services. The bank’s vision is rooted in empowering underserved communities through digital accessibility and smarter money management.
Murthy is expected to lead the charge in expanding Varo’s data science, cloud, and AI capabilities, while also driving innovation in customer experience, core banking platforms, and product delivery.
“Varo is at a unique inflection point,” Murthy commented. “It has the scale of a regulated national bank, yet the agility of a fintech. I’m excited to help build intelligent systems that truly understand customers’ needs and elevate financial wellbeing.”
The appointment underscores a broader trend in U.S. digital banking, where competition is intensifying around embedded finance, AI-led personalisation, and mission-driven innovation. Varo’s decision to bring in a seasoned CTO with cross-industry digital leadership further signals its intention to lead this transformation.
Murthy holds a Master’s in Computer Engineering from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Bangalore University. She has been recognised as one of Forbes’ Top 50 Women in Tech and is a champion for inclusive innovation.
