The global asset servicing landscape is undergoing a profound paradigm shift, driven by a convergence of technological breakthroughs, regulatory overhauls and evolving investor demands.

Across the Asia-Pacific region, financial institutions are navigating an era defined by surging cross-border asset flows and explosive growth in specialized investment vehicles like exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

At the same time, the industry is witnessing a structural transformation as digital tokenization and artificial intelligence (AI) transition from theoretical concepts into institutional-grade infrastructure.

This digital revolution is forcing a fundamental redefinition of asset servicing with the accelerating convergence of traditional custody with crypto assets and tokenized securities.  Compounding these technological shifts is a highly fluid macroeconomic and regulatory environment.

Navigating complex localized frameworks, heightened market volatility and shifting liquidity demands require asset servicing providers to deliver unprecedented levels of operational excellence, secure fiduciary oversight and sophisticated collateral management strategies.

In this demanding environment, standard solutions no longer suffice and success requires visionary leadership capable of driving scalable, next-generation product innovation while maintaining robust risk management. 

It is in this context that, The Asset Servicing Awards 2026, as part of The Asset Triple A Sustainable Investing Awards for Institutional Investors, ETFs and Asset Servicing Providers 2026, celebrate the exceptional leaders who have not only adapted to these transformative trends but have actively shaped the future of the industry.

Spanning diverse disciplines from direct custody and securities lending to corporate trust and digital asset management, these professionals have demonstrated the strategic vision needed to enhance client outcomes across global and emerging markets. Their ability to champion digitalization, execute massive platform transformations and deliver tailored market-entry solutions cements their status as the industry’s definitive trailblazers.

This year’s honourees represent the pinnacle of regional and functional excellence.

Custodian Banker of the Year

Ying-Ying Tan, global head, product management, financing and securities services, Standard Chartered

Amid accelerating digital tokenization, AI-driven product innovation and evolving regulatory frameworks reshaping Asia-Pacific’s asset servicing landscape, Ying-Ying Tan is commended for her leadership in product transformation and has delivered next-generation custody, clearing and fund solutions that enhance efficiency, scalability and client value across global markets.

Custodian Banker of the Year, North Asia and Australia

Caroline Chan, managing director, Japan, Asia North and Australia (JANA), head of custody and investor services product lead, Citi Securities Services, and CEO of Cititrust

Amid rapid digital transformation and evolving regulatory landscapes across the Asia-Pacific, robust regional leadership is paramount. As Citi’s product lead for JANA within investor services, Caroline Chan’s strategic vision has earned her the Custodian Banker of the Year, North Asia and Australia, distinction. Her extensive background, spanning over 20 years in the funds industry, including legal expertise and country leadership, underpins this well-deserved recognition.

ETF Custodian Banker of the Year

Ganesh Valakati, director of product management, ETF services, Asia-Pacific and MENA, HSBC

As the ETF industry continues its explosive growth driving increased demand for sophisticated custody and asset servicing solutions, leaders like Ganesh Valakati at HSBC are well-positioned in this environment, driving ETF product innovation across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions amid these transformative shifts. With over 25 years of experience and 18-plus years specializing in ETF servicing, custody and transfer agency solutions, Valakati has played a pivotal role in driving innovative asset servicing for global asset managers, insurers and sovereign wealth funds across the region since joining HSBC in 2006.

Digital Custodian Banker of the Year

Ghim Soon Chua, head of product management, securities services, DBS

Driven by the rapid rise of tokenization and institutional adoption of digital assets, the convergence of traditional and crypto custody is redefining asset servicing. Capitalizing on this trend, Ghim Soon Chua has been recognized as Digital Custodian Banker of the Year for leading key digital transformation initiatives, including the re-platforming of client servicing and product platforms to enhance efficiency and client experience, as well as advancing the bank’s institutional-grade digital asset custody capabilities, supporting its position as a leading provider and enabling the convergence of traditional and tokenized assets.

Custodian Banker of the Year, South Korea

JiSoo Han, head of securities services Korea, HSBC

With South Korea’s asset servicing landscape experiencing rapid expansion, driven by explosive ETF growth, digitalization and innovation that is fuelling demand for advanced custody, clearing and trustee services, JiSoo Han is recognized for her outstanding leadership in direct custody and clearing, as well as, trustee and global custody. She has delivered innovative, client-centric solutions that reinforce HSBC’s market leadership for foreign institutional investors while championing digitalization and strategic market collaboration.

Custodian Banker of the Year, Malaysia

Richard Lim, head of securities services, Deutsche Bank (Malaysia) Berhad

As emerging markets navigate shifting regulatory frameworks and increased foreign investment flows, robust localized asset handling is crucial. Demonstrating exceptional navigation of this landscape, Richard Lim has been named Custodian Banker of the Year, Malaysia, to recognize his outstanding leadership in driving operational excellence and delivering tailored market-entry custody solutions.

Securities Lending Banker of the Year 

Eusebio Sanchez, managing director, Asia-Pacific head of securities finance, investor services, Citi Securities Services

As global markets face heightened volatility and shifting liquidity demands, sophisticated collateral and lending strategies are more critical than ever. In this dynamic landscape, Eusebio Sanchez is recognized as Securities Lending Banker of the Year highlighting his exceptional leadership. As Citi’s Asia-Pacific head of securities finance in Hong Kong, his two-decade tenure across London, Sydney and regional front offices cements his industry-leading expertise.

Corporate Trust Executive of the Year

Ivy Fung, North Asia head of sales for trust & agency services/corporate trust, Deutsche Bank

Amid complex macroeconomic environments and evolving debt markets, institutional clients increasingly demand secure, highly adaptable debt administration and escrow services. Ivy Fung is named Corporate Trust Executive of the Year, recognizing her exceptional navigation of this shifting landscape.This accolade honours her client-centric leadership and tailored fiduciary solutions.

To view the full list of winners this year, please click here.

To learn more about these awards, please go here.

To join the in-person annual celebratory dinner in Hong Kong on June 30, 2026, please contact us at celebrate@theasset.com.