At the helm: DBS names Taiwan chief Ng Sier Han to succeed Sebastian Paredes as Hong Kong CEO

After 16 years at the helm, Hong Kong's longest-serving active bank CEO Paredes will retire from executive duties on 1 March 2027.

DBS has announced that Sebastian Paredes (pictured above, left), Head of North Asia and CEO of DBS Bank (Hong Kong), will retire from executive duties on 1 March 2027 after a 16-year career with the bank.

He will be succeeded by Ng Sier Han (pictured above, right), currently CEO of DBS Taiwan. Subject to regulatory approval, Ng will assume the role of CEO of DBS Bank (Hong Kong) on 1 March 2027, while Paredes will remain with the bank as Senior Advisor.

Paredes has led DBS Bank (Hong Kong) since September 2010, making him the longest serving active bank CEO in Hong Kong’s current banking industry. He has been on the DBS Bank (China) board since 2011, served as the Chairman of DBS China since April 2023, and overseen the Group’s North Asia franchise covering Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

During his tenure, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) reported a record net profit of HK$9.6bn in 2025 and received multiple industry recognitions, establishing itself as one of the largest banks in Hong Kong by income and net profit.

Under his leadership, the bank accelerated its transformation agenda, leveraging digitalisation, data, and AI to improve business performances, customer journey, and employee experience. The bank has also strengthened its wealth management franchise while building a diversified portfolio across wealth, SME, and corporate banking.

The appointment also reflects DBS’ long-standing commitments to leadership development and developing talent from within.

Commenting on his retirement, Paredes said: “Serving as CEO of DBS Hong Kong has been the greatest privilege of my professional journey.

“I am deeply grateful to our board, our clients and our incredible team for their trust. Sier Han, my successor groomed from within, is a testament to the strength of DBS’ leadership bench. I am confident that our franchise in Hong Kong as well as in North Asia are exceptionally well-positioned for the next chapter of growth.”

Tan Su Shan, Chief Executive Officer of DBS Group and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of DBS Hong Kong, said: “Over the past 16 years, Sebastian has played a pivotal role in transforming DBS Hong Kong into a leading franchise.

“While he will only hand over the reins next March, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for his leadership and the lasting impact he has had on DBS, our customers, and our people.”

Before joining DBS, Paredes held senior leadership positions at PT Bank Danamon Indonesia and Citigroup, building more than four decades of banking experience across Asia, South America, Central America, Turkey, Central Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

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Photos / DBS Bank (Hong Kong)