News Desk
MALE’ — In a milestone for the nation’s financial sector, Mohamed Shareef, chief executive and managing director of the Bank of Maldives, has been named chairman of the Asian Bankers Association.
He becomes the first Maldivian national to lead the 45-year-old organization, a key regional body representing major banks and financial networks across Asia.
The national bank announced the appointment following a board vote, with Shareef formally stepping into the role on Friday.
Shareef’s elevation follows years of leadership within the group. He served as vice chairman from 2018 to 2020, focusing on inter-bank ties and strategic planning, before being re-elected to the deputy post in 2025.
“It is a privilege to serve the association in this capacity,” Shareef said, noting his intention to deepen collaboration across member institutions and navigate regional economic shifts.
The association’s secretary-treasurer, Dr. Dasson Chiou, welcomed the appointment, reaffirming the secretariat’s commitment to supporting Shareef’s tenure and the organization’s broader agenda of policy alignment, regulatory dialogue, and professional standards.
The Bank of Maldives described the appointment as a significant step forward for the country’s standing in international finance. The bank is scheduled to host the association’s annual conference in the Maldives this autumn, from 1 to 3 September.
