Piyush Gupta, former CEO of DBS Group, has been awarded the William “Bill” Seidman Award for Lifetime Achievements in Leadership in the Financial Services Industry, 2025 by TAB Global, in recognition of his four-decade career in banking and for transforming DBS into one of the world’s most innovative and respected financial institutions. The award was presented in Singapore at a private leadership event attended by bank CEOs and senior industry leaders. Celebrating the legacy of William “Bill” Seidman The award is named in honour of Lewis William Seidman, the former chairman of the United States Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and founding head of the Resolution Trust Corporation, who played a pivotal role in managing the US savings and loan crisis in the late 1980s and 1990s. Delivering the opening remarks, Foo Boon Ping, president and managing editor of TAB Global, recalled Seidman’s critical contributions to the global regulatory framework: “Seidman was the chairman of the FDIC during the savings and loan crisis in the US in the late 1980s and 1990s. He also served as the first chairman of the Resolution Trust Corporation and contributed to the finalisation of the Basel I framework in 1988.” Seidman also supported TAB Global’s work in Asia as an advisor and keynote speaker. “He was with us across China, Indonesia, Singapore and Vietnam. This award is a tribute to a remarkable man—and to leaders today who embody the same values of character, competence and consistency.” The leader who transformed DBS Delivering the official citation, Emmanuel Daniel, founder and chairman of TAB Global, described Gupta’s leadership as transformative: “He led DBS into India, secured its position in China, acquired a bank in Indonesia, and turned the bank into a credible regional platform—one that represents not only Singapore, but the region.” Daniel highlighted how Gupta embedded technology into the heart of DBS’s operating model, hiring in-house engineers, modernising its core systems and adopting open-source architecture long before it became industry norm. “Gupta created the frameworks to make digital transformation measurable. He never lost sight of the purpose, even when the journey became difficult.” He acknowledged the technology outages DBS faced in recent years but commended Gupta’s unwavering accountability, “He never deflected. He owned the downside as much as the upside. And in doing so, he set a standard not only for leadership, but for institutional trust.” Reflections from his successor and peers Following the award presentation, Gupta joined a live dialogue moderated by Daniel, featuring current CEO of DBS Group, Tan Su Shan, and chief financial officer, Chng Sok Hui, and the CEO of Brunei’s Baiduri Bank, Ti Eng Hui, who shared personal reflections on his leadership. Tan acknowledged the bold culture he instilled, “He made us challenge every wreckoon—every wrecked convention we held on to,” she said. “He pushed us to think globally, execute horizontally, and lead with purpose.” Chng shared how Gupta demanded rigour in proving the impact of digital transformation, “He asked us to quantify DVC (Digital Value Capture). Then he said, ‘Give me the horizontal profit and loss (P&L).’ That forced us to work across functions in a way that no other bank was doing.” Ti offered an external view, “Twenty years ago, DBS was just another Singapore bank. Today it is the leading bank in Southeast Asia. That transformation does not happen by accident—it happens because of leadership.” The dialogue concluded with Gupta affirming his confidence in the leadership team that succeeds him. “She wears different shoes,” he said of Su Shan. And that is how it should be. It is her turn to lead.” Gupta’s reflections: “This is a Good Industry” In his acceptance speech, Gupta reflected on his 43-year career, including 28 years with Citibank and 15 years leading DBS. “It is rare that circumstances allow you to be part of an institution at a point in time when you can really make a difference.” He shared that DBS had aspired to be more than just another bank, “We set out to build a technology-driven bank. One with customer journeys at the core. A bank that pays more than lip service to purpose.” He emphasised that it was the people he worked with who made the difference. “People remember you for what you did for them—their careers, their families, their future. That’s what ultimately matters.” Gupta closed with a resounding endorsement of the banking profession, “This is a good industry. It helps people save. It helps the poor become richer. It helps a small business become a big business. That is not bad stuff. We should take pride in what we have done—and what we still can do.” Many are given the opportunity to lead,” said Daniel. “But only a few take that opportunity and leave behind footsteps for others to walk in. Piyush Gupta is one such man.” The William “Bill” Seidman Lifetime Leadership Achievement Award is conferred by TAB Global to individuals whose careers have shaped the development of modern financial services across markets and generations. The award honours those whose contributions have gone beyond institutional success to elevate the entire industry.
