DBS names Bonghan Cho to Board of Directors

Singapore, Regional.24 Apr 2018

Cho’s extensive experience in digital innovation and artificial intelligence will complement composition of DBS Boards


Singapore, Regional, 24 Apr 2018 - DBS Group Holdings (DBSH) said today it has appointed Dr. Bonghan Cho, 53, to the Boards of DBS Group Holdings and DBS Bank. The appointment takes effect on 26 April 2018. A leader in digital innovation, Dr. Cho’s extensive experience in artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and banking will complement and strengthen the overall composition of the DBS Boards.


Dr. Cho is presently founder and CEO of Equalkey Corp, a South Korea-based company he established in 2016. Equalkey Corp’s vision is to transform mathematics and number education using an innovative curriculum and systematic approach, enabled by artificial intelligence (AI).

Between 2014 and 2015, Dr. Cho was Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer for Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance, based in Korea. In this role, he introduced AI and Big Data analysis into the insurance underwriting and claims handling process.

Prior to that, he was concurrently Group Deputy CEO and Chief Information Officer of Hana Financial Holdings and President and CEO of Hana INS. In both roles, which he held from 2008 to 2013, he helped transform the companies into smart businesses by leading their digital push.

Before that, he was Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Hana Bank. At Hana Bank, the Next Generation Banking System whose design, development and implementation he spearheaded was widely recognised. Hana was named “Bank of the Future” by Gartner.

Dr. Cho holds a Ph.D and MS in Computer Science specialising in AI from the University of Southern California (USC), USA. In addition to having an illustrious career, he is the recipient of a Silver-Medal Award in the 1996 AAAI Robotics Competition, a World Championship Award in RoboCup-97 (the First Robot World Cup Soccer Games) and a Meritorious Service Award at USC in 1997. He has also won the Republic of Korea President award for his contributions to the advancement of the software industry.

Peter Seah, Chairman of DBSH and DBS Bank, said, "I join my fellow directors in welcoming Bonghan to the boards. Bonghan is a tremendous leader in digital banking. His solid credentials in the use of technology in banking, and his deep knowledge of the field of artificial intelligence, make him a strong addition to the DBS Boards. While DBS has made huge inroads in our digital transformation, including having been named World’s Best Digital Bank, Bonghan’s expertise and experience will be invaluable as the bank continues on our journey of reimagining banking.”

DBS is focused on innovating banking so that it is simpler, faster and more effortless for all. The bank was named World’s Best Digital Bank by Euromoney in 2016.

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About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia, with over 280 branches across 18 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS has a growing presence in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

DBS is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, and has been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney. The bank has also been recognised for its leadership in the region, having been named “Asia’s Best Bank” by several publications including The Banker, Global Finance, IFR Asia and Euromoney since 2012. In addition, the bank has been named “Safest Bank in Asia” by Global Finance for nine consecutive years from 2009 to 2017.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, and positively impacting communities through supporting social enterprises, as it banks the Asian way. It has also established a SGD 50 million foundation to strengthen its corporate social responsibility efforts in Singapore and across Asia.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. The bank acknowledges the passion, commitment and can-do spirit in all of our 24,000 staff, representing over 40 nationalities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com