Yiqun Zhao: Leading with Code, Compassion, and a Vision for the Future of AI in Finance

In a world where the pace of innovation can feel dizzying, and artificial intelligence is reshaping industries by the minute, leaders like Yiqun Zhao offer a refreshing combination of brilliance, humility, and impact. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of AI, data science, and finance, Yiqun isn’t just solving problems, she’s pioneering new ways of thinking. As Vice President of Data Science at OnCorps Inc, Yiqun’s journey has taken her from top-tier consulting firms to the edge of machine learning innovation. But what truly sets her apart is her ability to lead with empathy while never compromising on technical depth.

Yiqun’s journey into data science began with a strong academic foundation, a master’s degree in statistics from Harvard University. That grounding in mathematics gave her the precision and analytical rigor that would become hallmarks of her career. Her early days in the tech startup world were filled with hands-on learning, but she soon expanded her horizons, joining PerkinElmer, a life sciences company, where she developed advanced analytics and visualization capabilities. It was at Ernst & Young, however, where Yiqun truly found her rhythm. Over a decade in their consulting division, she worked with some of the world’s leading financial institutions, specializing in compliance and risk analytics. Her leadership was recognized with multiple Ovation and Bravo awards, highlighting not just her skills, but her ability to inspire and execute.

A key turning point in Yiqun’s career came through mentorship. During an anti-money laundering project at EY, she was paired with a manager who helped her grow from a team member into a confident leader. “She was bright, resourceful, collaborative and she taught me how to delegate, review, and lead,” Yiqun recalls. That mentorship didn’t just help her succeed, it shaped her own leadership style. Today, Yiqun pays it forward, mentoring young professionals and particularly women in tech, encouraging them to find their voice and thrive.

Among her many achievements, one project stands out: scenario generation for Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) at a major investment bank. Tasked with predicting the paths of over 1,400 macroeconomic variables like GDP, inflation, and housing prices under different stress scenarios, Yiqun’s team built sophisticated machine learning models to tackle the challenge.But the real magic was in what came next. Yiqun led the development of an automation tool using R Markdown that pulled together data, analysis, business rationale, testing results, and ongoing monitoring plans all into a massive 1,000-page report generated in under 10 minutes.This wasn’t just a technical feat it saved the client months of manual work, ensuring compliance and insight without sacrificing speed. It’s the kind of project that reminds us what AI can really do when paired with smart leadership.

Behind the technical titles and project milestones, Yiqun is also a mother, a musician, and a creative spirit. And like many professionals in demanding fields, she faced a moment where everything caught up with her. Driven by her love for work, her commitment to her daughter, and her personal passions (like playing the flute and reading), she tried to do it all. Until she couldn’t. Burnout hit hard in 2020 and 2021, forcing her to take a step back. But true to her nature, Yiqun used the time to rediscover joy learning to surf, drawing, and performing flute at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The experience taught her a vital lesson: to lead and innovate, personal wellbeing must come first.

Today, Yiqun is steering exciting new projects at OnCorps, including the development of agentic AI for anomaly detection, a tool designed to ingest financial documents, spot data discrepancies, and even identify the root causes without human intervention. It’s a glimpse into the future of banking: automated, intelligent, and infinitely more efficient. But perhaps her most inspiring motivation is environmental. A visit to the zoo with her daughter sparked concern for wildlife, especially after learning that fewer than 5,000 tigers remain in the wild. That moment ignited a mission to apply AI for sustainability. In a recent project, she worked on predicting the macroeconomic impact of carbon taxes using machine learning modeling how industries might shift in response. “It was eye-opening,” she says. “I realized I can apply my skills to help the environment too.”

What sets Yiqun apart in the world of AI and data science is her rare combination of deep technical expertise and exceptional communication. Fluent in Python, R, and SQL and certified in Databricks, Snowflake, and Azure she’s as comfortable debugging code as she is presenting strategy to executives. But her superpower might just be her ability to build bridges between teams, between business and tech, and between ambition and wellbeing.

Her advice for aspiring tech leaders –

“React quickly. The field is moving fast. Stay curious, stay informed, and keep evolving.”