RHB Singapore lauded at SBR International Business Awards 2025 for strategic Commercial Banking transformation

The transformation delivered a 57.5% increase in new loan limits, 141.6% growth in Trade AUM, and a 346% surge in digital transactions.

RHB Singapore was honoured with the prestigious SBR International Business Awards 2025 in the Banking category for its bold and effective transformation of its Commercial Banking division. The award affirms RHB’s strategic efforts to future-proof its business and better serve the evolving needs of its commercial clients.

The initiative was built on three key pillars: a restructuring of the Middle Markets and Enterprise Banking segments, the launch of the Commercial Banking Business Centre (CBBC) in June 2024, and the continued enhancement of RHB Singapore’s digital banking capabilities.

At the heart of this transformation was a client-first approach — one that prioritised agility, personalisation and integrated solutions. This has enabled RHB to offer tailored financial solutions to businesses across different growth stages, strengthening client relationships whilst unlocking new growth opportunities. RHB’s client-first approach and the personable, professional relationships of the Relationship Managers and Business Heads have led to its Non-Retail Segment consistently doing well in the Net Promoter Score Survey for 2023 and 2024.

Meanwhile, the launch of its CBBC has been pivotal. Designed as a centralised hub to streamline trade services, the CBBC has enabled faster turnaround times, better accessibility for clients, and deeper client engagement. It has significantly contributed to a 141.6% increase in Trade Assets Under Management (AUM) and a 57.5% increase in new loan limits, all whilst maintaining the same headcount.

Clients have noted the CBBC’s swift response times and expert guidance as key differentiators, citing improvements in both service quality and transaction speed.

To complement its structural improvements, RHB has also accelerated enhancements to its digital banking platform Reflex. In 2024 alone, it introduced several major digital enhancements, including digitised bank statements, advanced security features, SGQR integration, a self-service fixed deposit module, enhanced fraud detection, and upgraded notification features – making banking faster, more secure, and more intuitive for business users.

As a result, RHB recorded a 346% increase in digital transaction counts and a 228% rise in transaction volumes. Beyond the improved client experience, the transformation initiative has also enhanced the bank’s operational resilience, with 25% faster transaction processing, 15% reduction in operational costs, 20% improvement in compliance adherence, and significantly enhanced fraud prevention measures.

“This transformation reflects our commitment to delivering sustainable value to our clients by integrating strategic focus with digital innovation,” said Ms Serena Hong, Head of Commercial Banking at RHB Singapore. “It demonstrates how we can adapt to evolving business needs whilst raising the bar for efficiency, service delivery, and relationship banking.”

SBR International Business Awards celebrates the outstanding achievements of foreign companies operating in Singapore, highlighting their impactful projects and innovative strategies.

The SBR International Business Awards is presented by Singapore Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding contributions in Singapore's vibrant business landscape, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].