A federal magistrate judge has ruled that a former U.S. Bank executive's discrimination lawsuit can move forward, while dismissing two related claims. Srini Nallasivan, formerly the bank's chief AI and analytics officer, alleges discrimination, harassment and retaliation. U.S. Magistrate Judge David Keesler in North Carolina issued a split ruling on Thursday, writing that the discrimination, harassment and retaliation accusation "is not time-barred and should, at this stage, be allowed to proceed." The defamation and blacklisting claims were thrown out.
Nallasivan was hired by U.S. Bank in 2018 after 12 years in tech-related executive roles at Bank of America and two years at AIG. The Indian-born MIT graduate led AI services and data analytics, and says he received "glowing annual reviews" until 2022. His complaint states that in September 2023 his supervisor was "pushed out" and his work environment turned hostile. U.S. Bank sent him a letter accusing him of being combative, aggressive and uncollaborative, hiding information and circumventing regulations. In November, another employee—a white man—took over as chief of artificial intelligence. Nallasivan's lawyers wrote that "these discriminatory actions were intended by U.S. Bank to replace Mr. Nallasivan, a person of color."
The ruling narrows the case but keeps the core employment claims alive. Nallasivan is suing for lost wages and benefits, as well as damages for emotional distress, amounting to at least $100,000. U.S. Bank declined to comment on the ruling, but spokesperson Jeff Shelman said in August 2025: "We disagree with the claims and intend to defend ourselves vigorously." The bank has argued that Nallasivan's job was eliminated after a "robust and considered organizational review."
What remains unknown is how the surviving claims will fare as the case advances. The defamation claim was dismissed as too late under the statute of limitations, and the blacklisting claim failed because the bank's alleged negative comments to a hiring firm were not "unsolicited" under North Carolina law. Nallasivan's lawyers did not respond to American Banker's requests for comment, leaving the next steps in the litigation unclear.