Banking Excellence Recognised at AICB Conferment Ceremony
The Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) recently hosted its 8th Chartered Banker Conferment Ceremony, recognising banking professionals who exemplify the highest standards of professional excellence and lifelong learning in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving financial landscape.
Held under the theme “Charting the Growth of Finance”, the ceremony underscored the critical importance of developing ethical, future-ready banking and finance professionals, particularly in light of rising challenges such as cybersecurity threats, data privacy concerns, sustainable finance imperatives, and the accelerating pace of digital transformation and fintech innovation.
Delivering the special address, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Dato’ Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour highlighted Malaysia’s significant investments in nurturing financial sector talent.
“Over the years, we have established a comprehensive talent ecosystem comprising training, certification, and forward-looking guidance on the skills required by the financial industry.
“Financial institutions also play a key role by complementing these efforts through their own learning and development academies. While we have built a strong foundation, more collective action is needed to future-proof the financial services workforce,” he said.
A 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 prestigious accolade — the first awarded by the CBI in over a decade — recognises Tan Sri Azman’s decades-long leadership in advancing ethical banking and professional excellence across the region.
Azman expressed his appreciation, stating: “I am deeply honoured by this recognition. This award reflects our collective progress as an industry in championing ethical professionalism in banking. Banking is more than numbers — it is about trust, stewardship, and purpose. I hope this inspires more professionals to embrace continuous learning and lead with integrity as we shape the future of finance.”
The ceremony also conferred the AICB Honorary Fellowship — one of the Institute’s highest distinctions — on Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines). This recognition celebrates his transformative contributions to ASEAN banking integration, effective policy-making, and financial sector talent development.
As the banking industry continues to evolve, AICB reaffirmed its commitment to professionalising and upskilling the workforce. Its flagship Chartered Banker qualification, developed in partnership with the UK’s Chartered Banker Institute, is widely regarded as the gold standard in banking professionalism.
AICB also offers specialised certifications in digital transformation, financial crime prevention, sustainable finance, and other critical areas.
AICB Chief Executive Edward Ling emphasised the urgency of professional development: “Professionalism and upskilling in banking are no longer optional — they are essential. At AICB, we are committed to growing our community of over 800 Chartered Bankers over the next two years.
“Through our robust education programmes, the Future Skills Framework, and thought leadership in digital innovation and sustainable finance, we aim to equip our members with the capabilities needed to navigate and shape the future of banking.”
The ceremony saw the conferment of 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 members received the Chartered Banker (CB) designation, while over 500 members attained Associate Chartered Banker status.
The event also celebrated winners of the Excellence and Corporate Awards. Attended by over 480 guests, including AICB Council members and C-suite executives, the 8th Chartered Banker Conferment Ceremony reinforced AICB’s vital role in cultivating a resilient, ethical, and future-ready professional banking workforce for Malaysia and the region.
