The past three years have tested banks with system failures, macroeconomic turbulence and geopolitical headwinds. Some of the most compelling leadership stories came from those who turned crises into catalysts. In Japan, Masahiro Kihara led Mizuho through its recovery from technology and system failures, rebuilding trust and reforming culture while accelerating transformation. In Sri Lanka, Sanath Manatunge guided Commercial Bank of Ceylon through a national economic crisis, doubling down on small and medium-sized enterprise financing and introducing the country’s first trilingual digital banking platform. And in Indonesia, Darmawan Junaidi steered Bank Mandiri through volatility with a steady hand. These examples illustrate that resilience is no longer about mere survival. It is about transforming institutions in the crucible of adversity, and emerging stronger, more agile and more trusted. Digital transformation as inclusion Digitalisation was a recurring hallmark across winners, not as a buzzword but as a pathway to inclusion. In Thailand, Payong Srivanich at Krungthai Bank scaled platforms like Paotang and Tung-Ngern to reach millions, embedding blockchain in practical services such as tourist value added tax refunds. Cambodia’s Raymond Sia of Canadia Bank modernised through Smart Bank Centres and stronger mobile platforms, while Vietnam’s Jens Lottner reinforced Techcombank’s role in accelerating retail digitalisation. Even in smaller markets, leaders set bold ambitions. Ti Eng Hui of Baiduri Bank pushed core banking to the cloud while launching a sustainability framework, proving that scale is no barrier to innovation. These initiatives reflect a clear trend: digital transformation is no longer optional infrastructure, but the foundation for financial inclusion and competitiveness. Sustainability as core strategy The 2025 awards also highlight a decisive shift: sustainability has moved from compliance to growth strategy. Khairussaleh Ramli drove Maybank to surpass its sustainability finance targets under its M25+ plan. Helen Wong of OCBC, recognised both as Best Bank CEO in Asia Pacific and in Singapore, combined cross-border expansion with a strong push in sustainable finance and customer security. In Qatar, Bassel Gamal sustained Qatar Islamic Bank’s leadership in Islamic finance while embedding long-term sustainability goals. Such examples underscore how Asia and the Middle East are setting global benchmarks, showing that profitability and sustainability can be mutually reinforcing rather than conflicting goals. Regional and global expansion Several winners stood out for expanding beyond domestic borders. Mary Huen at Standard Chartered Hong Kong deepened corridors across ASEAN and the Middle East while leading digital asset pilots such as electronic-Hong Kong dollar. In the Philippines, Fabian Dee grew Metrobank’s wholesale franchise while balancing domestic growth. In the United Arab Emirates, Ahmed Abdelaal advanced Mashreq’s digital ecosystems while widening regional reach. Alan Lee in Taiwan reinforced Cathay United Bank’s role in Greater China flows. At the global level, Jamie Dimon was named Global Bank CEO of the Year for steering JPMorgan Chase through shifting cycles and regulatory landscapes, a recognition of consistent long-term stewardship. Enduring leadership legacies Beyond the current cycle, the William “Bill” Seidman Lifetime Leadership Achievement Award honoured two figures whose impact spans decades. Muliaman Hadad, former chairman of Financial Services Authority of Indonesia and now president commissioner of Bank Syariah Indonesia, was acknowledged for shaping regulation and advancing Islamic finance. Piyush Gupta, stepping down after 15 years at DBS, was recognised for transforming the bank into a global digital and sustainability leader. Their recognition affirms that true leadership is measured not just in quarterly performance, but in the legacies leaders leave for their institutions and industries. A broadened benchmark Taken together, the 2025 winners redefine what excellence looks like in banking. The awards spotlight resilience under pressure, digitalisation as inclusion, sustainability as growth and expansion that is both regional and responsible. Above all, they show that the best leaders are those who balance profitability with purpose, governance with innovation and national responsibility with global vision. In a world where finance is being reshaped by technology, sustainability and shifting geopolitics, the 2025 awardees offer an inspiring benchmark. They remind us that leadership is not just about navigating the present, but about leaving institutions — and societies — better prepared for the future. Read the full publication
