Cover Yvonne Chia, independent non-executive director and chairman, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia
Yvonne Chia, independent non-executive director and chairman, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia
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Asia’s top female bankers are driving industry-wide progress in a field traditionally dominated by men
The region’s top bankers in Asia’s Most Influential have made their marks leading large financial institutions in the region to success. The women working in this traditionally male-dominated industry, however, also champion initiatives that contribute to equality, diversity and the improvement of society.
In Taiwan, Ye-Chin Chiou oversees First Bank’s extensive ESG programmes, which include reducing its carbon emissions through green energy. In the Philippines, Ana Maria Aboitiz-Delgado leads Unionbank’s digitalisation efforts, which ensure financial services are accessible to underserved populations. In Malaysia, Yvonne Chia leverages her decades-long experience in the financial world to nurture its future leaders. And in Hong Kong, Vivien Khoo remains one of the thought leaders shaping the conversation about Web3 and finance, and works to ensure female representation in both fields.
The achievements of these high-profile bankers highlight the importance of female leadership in promoting financial inclusivity, driving industry-wide progress and empowering more women to become leaders themselves.
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Ye-Chin Chiou, chairperson, First Bank and First Financial Holding (Taiwan)
Above Ye-Chin Chiou, chairperson, First Bank and First Financial Holding
Ye-Chin Chiou, chairperson, First Bank and First Financial Holding
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Ye-Chin Chiou is a prominent figure in Taiwan’s financial industry, having held leadership roles in the Taipei Forex, United Taiwan Bank, Cathay United Bank and BankTaiwan Securities. In 2020, the veteran banker became the chairperson of First Financial Holding (FFHC) and First Bank, making her the only female chairperson of a state-controlled financial institution. Today, she leads FFHC’s well-established network that extends beyond Taiwan with, as of May 2023, 46 overseas locations in China, the Asia-Pacific, US and Europe.
FFHC is recognised for its extensive ESG initiatives, as well. In 2022, the group reduced its annual carbon emissions by 2,878 tonnes through its green buildings. The company boasts solar power facilities and ecological hydroponic green roofs, which generate power, harvest rainwater and support fish and vegetables, at its Wanhua, Huashan and Changan buildings. “These branches tangibly support the three concepts of production, life and ecology, and generated 4,476 kWh of power in 2022, which was equivalent to a reduction in carbon emissions of 2.28 tonnes,” said the chairperson in a statement.
Read Ye-Chin Chiou’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Yvonne Chia, independent non-executive director and chairman, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia (Malaysia)
Above Yvonne Chia, independent non-executive director and chairman, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia
Yvonne Chia, independent non-executive director and chairman, Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia
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“I like to say women arrived on merit. The doors are open, but the test is, do we stay long enough at the top to create impact? Only merit and high performance can sustain us,” said award-winning banker Yvonne Chia. “We need to engage with the young and learn from them what are new insights and technological trends. We have the advantage of experience and wisdom. It’s a formidable combination.”
With a banking career that spans three decades, Chia has had leadership roles in Bank of America, RHB Bank and Hong Leong Bank and is distinguished as the first female CEO of a commercial bank in Malaysia. Today, the trailblazing banker extends her expertise to financial, investment and educational institutions, including Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers, Teach for Malaysia and the University of Nottingham Malaysia. For her achievements, Chia received the Diamond Award at 2023 Tatler Ball in Malaysia. To the next generation, she advised, “Grab the opportunity… stay resilient and try! It’s all about believing yourself, and taking action, and making it happen. Good luck.”
Ana Maria Aboitiz-Delgado, executive vice president, Unionbank of the Philippines (Philippines)
Above Ana Maria Aboitiz-Delgado, executive vice president, Unionbank of the Philippines
Ana Maria Aboitiz-Delgado, executive vice president, Unionbank of the Philippines
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A fifth-generation business leader of the Aboitiz family, Ana Maria Aboitiz-Delgado leads the digitalisation movement at Unionbank of the Philippines as its executive vice president and chief customer experience and digital channel officer. Indeed, Unionbank has advanced the future of banking in the country, embracing tech innovations such as user-friendly online banking applications, an electronic supplier payment solution and remote and mobile check deposit products. The company is also betting big on UnionDigital Bank, which began operations in 2022 and promotes financial inclusivity with savings, time deposit, loans and money management features.
In 2023, the company poured PHP1.8 billion into UnionDigital Bank to support its operations and further growth—an investment that paid off, with the digital bank recording revenues of over PHP5 billion for the same year. In addition, Unionbank has been lauded as the second-best bank in the Philippines, while UnionDigital Bank ranks fifth in the country in Forbes’ World Best Banks 2024 list.
Read Ana Maria Aboitiz-Delgado’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Vivien Khoo, CEO and managing director, Private Wealth Management Association; co-founder W3W (Hong Kong)
Above Vivien Khoo, CEO and managing director, Private Wealth Management Association; co-founder W3W
Vivien Khoo, CEO and managing director, Private Wealth Management Association; co-founder W3W
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In 2024 Vivien Khoo was appointed by the government to be part of its Web3 Task Force Regulatory Subcommittee; additionally, she also took on the position of CEO and managing director at the Private Wealth Management Association—these two new roles demonstrating her position at the intersection of traditional and digital finance.
Prior to becoming one of Hong Kong’s most prominent thought leaders in fintech and the Web3 space, Vivien Khoo came from a solid background in traditional finance. Before she shifted to crypto, she had risen to become the managing director and co-head of compliance for Asia Pacific ex-Japan at Goldman Sachs. In 2019 she left the firm to become the COO for crypto exchange Bitmex, where she stayed until 2021.
After departing Bitmex, Khoo remained in the Web3 space, helping to shape the new frontiers of fintech and make it a safer and more welcoming space for all. Khoo co-founded the Asia Crypto Alliance, Web3 Women (W3W) and Satoshi Women—the latter two an answer to lack of female representation in the industry, a reality that has been apparent throughout her career in both traditional banking and in fintech. Satoshi Women has merged with W3W, consolidating their efforts in championing women in finance. Says Khoo, “Hopefully one day we could stop talking about this, because there will be equality.”
Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia’s Most Influential brings together the region’s most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.
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