OCBC AI veteran Donald MacDonald launches advisory firm

Donald MacDonald has stepped away from OCBC after more than two decades building the bank's data and artificial intelligence capabilities and has launched an independent advisory business focused on AI strategy and leadership.

MacDonald spent 22 years at the bank, where he worked across analytics, data platforms and applied AI. His departure marks the end of a long tenure that spanned the creation of core data infrastructure and the expansion of AI use across the group. He now plans to operate as an advisor while relocating to Thailand and developing interests outside banking.

MacDonald joined OCBC as a consultant and remained as the bank expanded its data estate and formalised enterprise-wide analytics. Over that period, he worked on foundational systems that supported reporting, risk and customer analytics.

He described his time at the bank as a period of sustained development rather than a single transformation. His work included the creation of OCBC's first enterprise data warehouse and subsequent modernisation of data pipelines to support new digital services.

The bank also became an early adopter of AI in selected areas, with MacDonald contributing to internal platforms designed to scale experimentation into production use. He worked within the group data function and later helped establish structures to support AI governance and delivery across business units.

During his tenure, MacDonald was involved in deploying the ROME digital onboarding platform, which became a core part of customer acquisition for the bank. The system was designed to integrate data, risk checks and user experience into a single workflow.

He also helped to build the bank's AI Lab, which was created to centralise expertise and develop repeatable use cases for the wider organisation. The lab model aimed to balance innovation with operational controls, a challenge faced by many financial institutions adopting AI.

The focus was on scaling proven use cases rather than isolated pilots. Over time, this approach supported the use of machine learning in areas such as onboarding, fraud detection and customer engagement.

MacDonald has launched Colourcode.AI as his new professional platform. The business is positioned around advisory work, fractional data leadership and speaking engagements focused on AI strategy and execution.

The website outlines services aimed at boards, executives and technology leaders who are navigating AI adoption. The emphasis is on decision-making, operating models and data foundations rather than tools alone.

His move reflects a broader trend of senior data executives shifting into advisory roles as demand grows for practical guidance on AI governance and value creation. Financial services, in particular, continue to face pressure to balance innovation with regulatory and ethical considerations.

Alongside his corporate work, MacDonald has been active in Singapore's data and AI community. He has spoken publicly on AI practices and mentored practitioners within and outside the banking sector.

He has said that knowledge sharing was an important part of his career and that he intends to remain active in the field despite stepping away from a full-time executive role.

"I walked into OCBC on 3rd November 2003. An excited young consultant in Singapore for 6 weeks to help the bank design their next-generation analytics platform. 22 years later, I'm finally bidding farewell to the organisation where I have had the privilege to build and develop its data capabilities from the ground up," said Donald MacDonald, AI Advisor, Founder, Colourcode.AI.

MacDonald plans to relocate to Thailand, where he intends to spend more time on personal interests, including cycling and a hospitality venture with his partner. He has said he will remain involved in data and AI work through advisory assignments.

The shift reflects a change in pace rather than a departure from the sector. Advisory roles allow experienced executives to work across multiple organisations and industries while applying lessons from long-term transformation programmes.

"I'm excited to move on to the next adventure in life whilst still young enough to enjoy it," said MacDonald.