“It’s rare that circumstances allow you to be part of an institution where you can really make a difference,” said Gupta. "We set out to build a technology-led bank, a bank with a deep sense of customer purpose. A bank that pays more than lip service to mission and impact.”

The award recognises Gupta’s track record of innovation, regional expansion and cultural transformation, during which DBS built a world-class digital core and became a benchmark for banking excellence in Asia.

“Many are given the opportunity to lead,” said TAB Global founder and chairman Emmanuel Daniel. “But only a few take that opportunity and leave behind footsteps for others to walk in. Piyush Gupta is one such man.”

The award ceremony included a private leadership dialogue with Emmanuel Daniel, featuring Gupta’s successor Tan Su Shan,  Chng Sok Hui, CFO of DBS Group, and Baiduri Bank CEO Ti Eng Hui, who reflected on his legacy, leadership style, and the cultural transformation he championed.

“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.”
– from the citation delivered by Emmanuel Daniel.