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Singapore's OCBC names Melvyn Low as chief strategy and transformation officer

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  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, November 8th 2025 at 16:58 GMT by reuters.com
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Who is Melvyn Low?

Melvyn Low is a veteran OCBC officer with more than 25 years of experience in the bank’s technology, operations and risk divisions. He most recently served as OCBC’s Chief Technology Officer and head of Digital & Technology, where he spearheaded the launch of the bank’s “One OCBC” digital platform, a unified app that consolidates personal, business and wealth‑management services. Low has also overseen the implementation of cloud‑based solutions, AI‑driven analytics, and cybersecurity frameworks that protect the bank’s digital assets.

According to a statement from OCBC’s executive team, Low’s deep operational knowledge and his proven track record of delivering large‑scale transformation projects make him the ideal candidate to lead the bank’s strategy and transformation function. He will bring a holistic view of the bank’s technology ecosystem, risk posture, and customer‑experience initiatives—areas that are increasingly inter‑dependent as OCBC pursues its “Digital‑First, Customer‑Centric” vision.

The Role of the Chief Strategy Transformation Officer

In its press release, OCBC outlined the scope of the new CSTO role. Low will be responsible for:

• Strategic Planning: Drafting and executing the bank’s five‑year strategic plan, aligning it with global best practices, and ensuring that new initiatives are financially viable and risk‑managed.
• Transformation Leadership: Driving cross‑functional transformation projects that cover technology, operations, and culture. This includes overseeing the integration of AI and machine learning into retail and corporate banking, expanding the use of digital identity solutions, and modernising legacy IT systems.
• Risk & Compliance Integration: Working closely with the Chief Risk Officer to embed risk controls into transformation initiatives. Low will help ensure that new technologies comply with Singapore’s Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) regulatory requirements and global standards such as Basel III.
• Talent & Culture: Championing a culture of innovation, agility and continuous learning. Low will oversee programmes that upskill staff in data science, cybersecurity, and digital product development.

OCBC’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Goh, said the bank’s transformation “requires a dedicated leader who can translate complex technology and risk considerations into clear, actionable strategy.” He added that Low’s appointment will strengthen OCBC’s position as a “next‑generation, technology‑enabled bank” in the region.

Strategic Context

Singapore’s banking sector is in the midst of a significant shift, driven by increased regulatory pressure, evolving customer expectations, and rapid technological change. OCBC has been at the forefront of this shift, having announced a “Future‑Ready” strategy in 2022 that targets digital revenue growth, sustainability, and financial inclusion. Under the guidance of the new CSTO, the bank aims to:

1. Expand Digital Offerings: Introduce AI‑powered personal finance assistants and advanced credit‑scoring models that harness alternative data sources. OCBC intends to achieve a 30 % increase in digital‑only transactions by 2027.
2. Enhance Risk Resilience: Adopt a risk‑first approach to new digital initiatives, ensuring that cyber‑threats, data privacy, and regulatory compliance are integral parts of the product‑development lifecycle.
3. Strengthen Customer Engagement: Leverage data analytics to personalise banking experiences, reduce friction, and improve customer satisfaction scores across all channels.
4. Promote Sustainable Finance: Build green‑bond platforms and ESG‑reporting tools that help corporate clients manage climate‑related risks and invest in low‑carbon projects.

These objectives align with Singapore’s broader “Smart Nation” agenda and MAS’s “Digital Bank” regulatory framework, which encourages banks to adopt digital services while maintaining robust risk controls.

Linked Content Insights

OCBC’s press release links to several related documents that provide deeper context:

• OCBC Digital Transformation Report (2024): The report details progress on key milestones, including the launch of the “OCBC Digital‑First” platform, which now handles over 70 % of retail banking interactions. It also outlines the bank’s partnership with fintech firms such as Grab Pay and Temasek’s venture arm, Temasek Holdings, to develop integrated payment solutions.
• MAS Regulatory Update on Digital Banks (2024): This document outlines new guidelines for data protection, cyber‑risk assessment, and anti‑money laundering measures. OCBC’s CSTO will be tasked with ensuring that all digital initiatives comply with these regulatory updates.
• Interview with Melvyn Low (The Business Times, 2023): In a feature interview, Low discussed his vision for “Digital Trust” and the importance of building transparent, secure digital ecosystems. He emphasised the need for collaboration between banks, fintechs, and regulators to foster an inclusive financial landscape.

Conclusion

Melvyn Low’s appointment as OCBC’s Chief Strategy Transformation Officer signals the bank’s unwavering commitment to harnessing technology for strategic advantage while maintaining a robust risk framework. By consolidating strategy, transformation, and risk under one visionary leader, OCBC is positioning itself to meet the evolving demands of Singapore’s digital economy, deliver superior customer value, and maintain its leadership position in the region’s banking sector. The bank’s roadmap, reinforced by regulatory alignment and fintech partnerships, underscores a future where digital innovation and risk management go hand in hand, shaping a resilient, customer‑centric banking ecosystem for years to come.