Helen Wong, group CEO of OCBC, has been awarded the CEO of the Year in Asia Pacific and the Best Bank CEO in Singapore by TAB Global, in recognition of her strategic clarity, regional ambition, digital modernisation and deep commitment to sustainability. Under her leadership, OCBC is recognised as the Bank of the Year in Asia Pacific and the Best Managed Bank in Singapore. Wong exemplifies the qualities of a modern, impactful CEO—strategic clarity, operational discipline, innovation leadership and deep-rooted purpose. She has led OCBC to deliver stronger returns to shareholders, expand new growth platforms and elevate integrated financial services across the region. Beyond financial and strategic outcomes, she has also cultivated an inclusive and empowering culture. A visionary leader for sustainable growth Under Wong’s leadership, OCBC has entered a transformative era defined by clarity, consistency and ambition. Since launching the “Excel for Sustainable Growth” strategy in 2022, Wong has set a clear direction across OCBC to deliver long-term value. This strategy leverages the group’s unique integrated structure—spanning banking, insurance, asset management and private banking—to provide holistic solutions across customer lifecycles. Wong has unified diverse business units under a single strategic agenda, enabling sharper execution and clearer accountability. Disciplined capital allocation and defined performance targets have enhanced resilience and improved return on equity. These results have reinforced the foundation for sustainable expansion. Through the One Group approach, OCBC has strengthened internal collaboration, harmonised the brand and enhanced the client experience across ASEAN and Greater China. The full consolidation of Great Eastern Holdings in 2024 marks a key milestone, expanding synergies and diversifying earnings. Seizing regional growth and wealth opportunities Wong has sharpened the OCBC’s strategic focus on two structural forces reshaping Asia: intra-Asia trade and rising regional wealth. A broader Greater China Business Office network across Southeast Asia has enabled OCBC to deepen relationships with regional corporates and cross-border clients, supporting investment flows between ASEAN and Greater China. To tap into Asia’s growing affluent segment, she has expanded the group’s wealth footprint through targeted acquisitions, such as Bank Commonwealth in Indonesia. These moves have enhanced advisory capabilities and access to new customer segments in high-growth markets. Digital innovation is central to this expansion. A reimagined platform now offers hyper-personalised insights and seamless client journeys. Initiatives like OCBC GENesis and the Next Gen Programme are cultivating lasting, intergenerational relationships. Enhanced onboarding and cross-border wealth capabilities are enabling clients to manage their portfolios across markets. Driving innovation through technology and transformation Wong is reshaping OCBC’s future through bold investments in digital infrastructure. Under her leadership, the group has advanced into the second phase of its digital core roadmap, backed by a substantial committed investment. To drive enterprise-wide transformation, a new Strategy and Transformation Office has been established, integrating strategic planning, customer experience and data-driven initiatives. OCBC has also partnered with academic institutions and launched an innovation hub to test new products, operating models and fintech collaborations. These initiatives are accelerating adoption of emerging technologies, modernising operations and enhancing talent appeal. Championing the net-zero transition and environmental stewardship Wong has made climate action a strategic priority. Shortly after her return in 2020, a group-wide Sustainability Taskforce was launched to define the path forward. OCBC joined the Net-Zero Banking Alliance in 2022 and announced sector-specific decarbonisation targets aligned with science-based pathways. The appointment of a chief sustainability officer embedded environmental, social and governance (ESG) into daily operations. Under Wong’s leadership, OCBC exceeded its sustainable financing target well ahead of schedule. ESG risk assessments were incorporated into lending and transition financing frameworks support client decarbonisation. Beyond financing, OCBC backs nature-based solutions—from mangrove restoration to solar-powered mobility—and promotes green culture through internal training and engagement.
