Charting the Growth of Finance: Future-Ready Chartered Bankers Lead in an Era of Transformation

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) recently held its 8th Chartered Banker Conferment ceremony, honouring the commitment of banking professionals who exemplify the highest standards of professional excellence and lifelong learning in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing financial environment. Held under the theme "Charting the Growth of Finance", the ceremony underscored the growing importance of nurturing future-ready and ethical banking and finance professionals, especially in light of rising challenges in cybersecurity, data privacy, sustainable finance, and the accelerating impact of digital transformation and fintech.

Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Dato' Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, who delivered the special address at the ceremony, said: "Malaysia has invested significantly in developing talent in our financial sector. Over the years, we have developed a comprehensive ecosystem of talent affiliates providing training, certification, and future-looking guidance on the skills needed by the financial sector. I also wish to highlight the important role played by financial institutions to further complement these efforts through their respective learning and development academies. While the financial services industry benefits from a good talent development ecosystem, more collective actions are needed to future-proof the workforce."

A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) President Paul Denton to AICB Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim. This global recognition — the first awarded by CBI in over a decade — celebrates Tan Sri Azman's decades-long leadership in promoting ethical banking and professional excellence across the region.

AICB Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim said: "I am deeply honoured by this recognition. This award is a reflection of the collective progress we have made as an industry in championing ethical professionalism in banking. Banking transcends numbers — it is about trust, stewardship and purpose. I hope this inspires more professionals to embrace continuous learning and lead with integrity in shaping the future of finance."

The ceremony also honoured the contributions of Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) with the AICB Honorary Fellowship — one of the Institute's highest distinctions. This prestigious award recognises Governor Remolona's transformative contributions towards fostering greater ASEAN banking integration, effective policymaking, and championing talent development within the financial sector.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said: "It is a tremendous honour to receive the prestigious Honorary Fellowship from the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB). In today's interconnected world, regional collaboration is essential in elevating banking standards across ASEAN. I look forward to deepening the Malaysia–Philippines cooperation in talent development and knowledge exchange and key areas of mutual interest, ensuring that our financial sectors remain robust, ethical, and future-ready."

As banking continues to evolve rapidly, AICB reaffirmed its commitment to professionalising and upskilling the workforce through its professional education offerings. Its flagship Chartered Banker qualification, developed in collaboration with the UK's Chartered Banker Institute, sets the gold standard for banking professionalism. AICB also provides specialised certifications in areas such as digital transformation, financial crime prevention, sustainable finance and more.

AICB Chief Executive Edward Ling said: "Professionalism and upskilling in banking is no longer optional — it is essential. At AICB, we are committed to expanding our growing community of over 800 Chartered Bankers in the next two years, empowering the industry with future-ready capabilities. Through our robust education programmes, the Future Skills Framework and thought leadership initiatives in key areas such as digital innovation and sustainable finance, we aim to equip our members with the critical skills and professional foundation needed to navigate and innovate the future of banking and finance."

The ceremony conferred the prestigious Fellow Chartered Banker (FCB) status on 14 distinguished industry leaders, including AICB Council Member Dato' Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director / Group Chief Executive Officer of RHB Bank Berhad. Additionally, 71 AICB members were conferred the Chartered Banker (CB) status, while over 500 members attained the Associate Chartered Banker status.

The ceremony also celebrated recipients of the Excellence and Corporate Awards. Attended by over 480 guests comprising members of the AICB Council and C-suite executives, the 8th Chartered Banker Conferment ceremony reaffirmed AICB's role in building a resilient, ethical, and future-ready professional banking workforce for Malaysia and the region.

About Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers

AICB is Malaysia's premier professional body for the banking industry, governed by a council comprising representatives from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) and the Malaysian Investment Banking Association (MIBA). With over 37,000 members, our mission is to elevate banking standards by developing professionals who exemplify integrity, expertise and competence.

As the exclusive institute in Southeast Asia authorised by the UK's Chartered Banker Institute, we confer the prestigious Chartered Banker status. AICB collaborates with industry leaders to ensure our qualifications remain relevant, equipping bankers with the skills needed to thrive in the dynamic banking sector.

Our commitment goes beyond education, offering members opportunities for growth through innovative learning, advocacy for professionalism, thought leadership and valuable networking initiatives.

For more information on AICB, please visit www.aicb.org.my

SOURCE The Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB)