Singapore-headquartered United Overseas Bank has created a new executive role, appointing its deputy chief risk officer, Tan Choon Hin, as the head of its Asean and Greater China franchise.

The appointment takes effect from 1 September. With cross-border capital flows across the region expanding, Tan will be responsible for driving the bank's business growth in Greater China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Tan will report to UOB's deputy chairman and chief executive, Wee Ee Cheong, and will join the bank's management executive committee.

"Asean is central to UOB's growth strategy and is fast becoming an increasingly important global economic hub," Wee Ee Cheong said. "As trade, investment and wealth flows between Asean and Greater China continue to deepen, new opportunities are emerging across the region. The creation of this role underscores our commitment to helping clients seize these opportunities and expand their cross-border businesses."

Tan will also oversee the bank's foreign direct investment advisory unit, which connects ecosystem partners and industry networks across Asean and Greater China to help companies uncover cross-border growth prospects. UOB said the advisory unit has facilitated over 300 cross-border expansion projects, with an estimated total investment of S$5.6 billion, equivalent to approximately US$4.4 billion.

"Tan Choon Hin brings extensive regional management experience and a deep understanding of our business footprint," Wee Ee Cheong said. "He is well positioned to drive the expansion of our regional network and support UOB's vision of becoming a leading bank in Asean."

Tan joined UOB in 2012 and previously served as chief executive of UOB Thailand, where he helped establish the bank as the second-largest foreign bank in the country. He returned to Singapore in 2024 to take up his current role as deputy chief risk officer.