Federal Judge Allows Discrimination and Retaliation Claims to Proceed
Srini Nallasivan, former Chief AI and Data Analytics Officer at Bank of America, secured a legal development as U.S. District Judge David Keesler in North Carolina ruled this Thursday that his claims of workplace discrimination, harassment, and retaliation are timely and valid for trial. However, the judge dismissed Nallasivan’s separate allegations of defamation and blacklisting on grounds of statute limitations and lack of legal substantiation.
Executive Alleges Job Loss and Reputation Harm
Nallasivan, hired by Bank of America in 2018 with prior senior technology roles including at AIG, led the bank’s AI and big data initiatives. According to his claims, he received excellent performance reviews until 2022, but his working conditions deteriorated after a management change in September 2023. On September 14, the bank accused him of poor attitude, withholding information, and violating policies — charges Nallasivan contested and sought clarifications on repeatedly without response.
In January 2024, the bank informed him of a position elimination but promised a severance package exceeding $100,000 conditional on his cooperation in the handover process. Within a month, however, the bank terminated his employment prematurely and withdrew the severance offer, which Nallasivan’s legal counsel characterized as a "bait-and-switch."
Defamation and Blacklisting Claims Rejected
Nallasivan further claimed that a financial firm rescinded a job offer after negative feedback from Bank of America employees, forming the basis of his defamation and blacklisting suits. Judge Keesler ruled these claims are barred by timing and declined to classify the conduct as blacklisting under North Carolina law.
Official Responses and Implications
Bank of America spokesperson Jeff Shelman previously stated in August 2025 that the position removal was the result of a thorough review and denied all allegations of discrimination or retaliation, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to vigorous defense. No comment has been issued following the recent judicial decision.
Nallasivan seeks compensation surpassing $100,000 for economic damages and emotional distress linked to job loss and reputational damage.
This case underscores potential legal and reputational exposures for financial institutions in workforce restructuring and talent management, while highlighting challenges related to executive mobility and diversity governance within the industry.