Features

In a matriarchal society, it is no surprise that the Philippines has a high proportion of women in finance – but there is still room at the very top for change.

Tan Su Shan has worked in some of the biggest banks in the world’s busiest financial centres. Her varied experience has proved crucial in making her voice heard in a male-dominated industry.

Carrie Chen learned long ago that she could prosper in her career without trying to beat male bankers at their own game.

What do women need to do to reach the top of the banking ladder in Asia, where they hold just 24% of senior jobs? Executives tell Asiamoney how they have risen up the ranks – and why they think dramatic changes are needed to move the needle on diversity .

It is 10 years since OCBC bought ING’s Asia private bank and relaunched it as Bank of Singapore. Since then, it has built critical mass, expanded internationally and produced strong results despite lagging on tech. Where does it go next?

Singapore has whittled the bidders for its five digital banking licences down from 21 to 14; several are well-funded partnerships with Chinese backers and a track record in disruption. But has Covid-19 moved the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s goalposts?

Banks in the country have much more to be optimistic about than their counterparts elsewhere. There are risks on the horizon – but there are also big opportunities.

Bank Mandiri’s chairman and chief executive tell Asiamoney how Indonesia and their bank will weather the coronavirus pandemic.

Perry Warjiyo, Indonesia’s central bank governor, may not be the country’s leader, but with Covid-19 ravaging the economy, the population of 273 million have more riding on him than on the president.