Who is Tan Teck Long? Former DBS Veteran Named as OCBC’s Next CEO

OCBC Bank has officially announced that Helen Wong, the bank’s first female group CEO, will retire on December 31, 2025. Stepping into her role is Tan Teck Long, the bank’s current head of global wholesale banking and a former DBS veteran. He will take over the top job starting January 1, 2026.

As part of the transition, Tan, 55, will immediately assume the additional role of Deputy CEO, ensuring a smooth leadership handover over the next six months.

From DBS to OCBC: A Career Built on Experience

Tan Teck Long is no stranger to the banking world. Before joining OCBC in 2022, he spent nearly 30 years at DBS, the largest bank in Southeast Asia. At DBS, he held various key leadership roles:

• Chief Risk Officer

• Head of Corporate Banking

• Chief Operating Officer of the Institutional Banking Group (2016–2018)

• Head of Institutional Banking in China (2011–2016)

• Group Head of Special Assets Management

• Head of Corporate Real Estate Strategy and Administration

His extensive experience, especially in China, makes him a strong fit for OCBC’s strategic vision focused on the Greater China-Asean corridor.

OCBC’s Future with Tan at the Helm

Tan was brought into OCBC as part of the bank’s long-term succession planning, selected after a global executive search. The board found him to be “the best candidate to take the helm,” said Chairman Andrew Lee in a statement.

At OCBC, Tan has already made a mark. As Head of Global Wholesale Banking, he oversees all wholesale customer segments, from SMEs to financial institutions. He also leads:

• Cash and Trade Services (Transaction Banking)

• Investment Banking Division

This division accounted for 38% of OCBC’s profit before tax in 2024, although profits fell to S$3.5 billion due to lower net interest income and rising costs.

Strategic Growth and China Focus

Tan currently chairs the OCBC Strategic Resilience Group (SRG), focused on long-term business sustainability and adapting to global economic shifts.

He also holds board positions at:

• Bank of Ningbo

• Maxwealth Fund Management Company

Under his leadership, OCBC has seen impressive growth:

• A 35% rise in revenue from Greater China-Asean flows by 2025

• Over 50% increase in customers from the region

• A near 30% rise in Chinese new-to-bank clients in Asean in 2024

Tan had earlier set bold goals to:

• Increase Greater China-Asean revenue by over 50%

• Acquire 26,000+ new SME customers in Hong Kong

• Secure 500+ regional mandates for cash management

• Double investment banking revenue in three years

Helen Wong’s Continued Role

Though retiring as CEO, Helen Wong will remain active within the group. She will continue to serve as:

• Chairman of OCBC China

• Director of OCBC Hong Kong

Her leadership since 2021 saw OCBC through key post-pandemic recovery and regional expansion phases.