In a period marked by economic uncertainty, market volatility and geopolitical tensions, service providers play a pivotal role in helping CFOs and treasurers navigate complex financial landscapes. Far from merely processing transactions, these service providers and the professionals who support them act as strategic architects, engineering tailored treasury solutions that align with their clients’ goals. By crafting impactful strategies, whether it be optimizing liquidity, mitigating risks, or streamlining global payments, they empower organizations to not only survive but thrive in turbulent times.

As part of The Asset’s Treasurise Awards 2025, we are pleased to recognize the leading individuals who not only helped their clients achieve their treasury goals but also innovated and grew their respective businesses to be the best providers in the market.

Michael Spiegel, global head of transaction banking at Standard Chartered, wins as Transaction Banker of the Year. Since taking the top job in 2021, he has been instrumental in expanding the bank’s transaction banking business, leveraging the institution’s strength in emerging markets to help clients discover new trade corridors, whether it be China into Southeast Asia, India into the Middle East, or the Middle East into Africa. Spiegel drove significant achievements, particularly in digital innovation and client-centric solutions. He spearheaded the bank’s collaboration with fintechs, emphasizing partnerships that enhanced cross-border payment efficiency, supply chain finance, and real-time treasury solutions.

Mei Yoke Yau, head of local corporates, Singapore, at Standard Chartered Bank, is named this year’s SME Banker of the Year for her role in shifting the focus from offering basic solutions to providing tailored, events-driven financing, fostering partnerships for complex SME needs like green initiatives and management buyouts. By upskilling relationship managers and leveraging the bank’s network, she has diversified the client base, onboarding SMEs in growth sectors like renewable energy and logistics. Clients have cited her efficient and professional service, with several clients viewing her as an important partner in their business growth journey.  

Also supported by a number of strong client testimonials about his responsiveness and engagement is Paul Kartadinata, head of transaction banking at BNP Paribas Indonesia, who is this year’s Transaction Banker of the Year, Indonesia. During the review period, Kartadinata crafted tailored cash management solutions, boosting client engagement. He developed compliant export proceeds accounts, strengthening liquidity. Kartadinata partnered with fintechs for digitized retail services and integrated client-specific supply chain financing. He coordinated complex bank guarantees for European manufacturers and promoted sustainable deposit programmes with MNCs as well.  

Winning the Trade Finance Banker of the Year, Hong Kong award is Yue Sun, senior vice president, sales global trade solutions, at HSBC. With over a decade of experience, Sun has worked with clients to help improve their financial health. During the review period, she was involved in a number of impactful solutions, including the bank’s first-ever data-driven trade finance solution for e-commerce merchants in China and Hong Kong. She is cited for being skilled in structuring large and complex trade finance deals, where she has proven her ability to develop tailor-made solutions.  

Efransyah Mudani, general manager – head of division wholesale digital channel, digital integrated, at Bank Negara Indonesia, is chosen as the Innovation Leader of the Year in Indonesia for his role in transforming transaction banking processes at the bank. He introduced robotic process automation, cutting transaction times by 50%, and piloted blockchain for faster trade finance. AI-driven cash flow forecasting enhanced liquidity management, while embedded finance integrated payments into education and healthcare platforms. Mobile-first BNIdirect features empowered SMEs, and robust cybersecurity ensured platform trust. These advancements streamlined operations and delivered cutting-edge tools for the bank.

Karin Boonlertvanich, executive vice president, corporate strategy and innovation division head at Kasikornbank, is awarded as Innovation Leader of the Year, Thailand. Karin has deployed cutting-edge technologies to transform traditional banking practices. In 2024, he was proactive in advancing the digital asset business ecosystem in the country, leading investment in custodial services and blockchain technology. He also supported the bank’s first blockchain-based cross-border payment solution via Quarix, enabling real-time QR payments in Singapore. In ESG, he introduced a Renewable Energy Certificate platform, promoting clean energy, and expanded sustainable finance through EV bike rental programmes.

Critical support

Key to enabling these individuals is a collaborative ecosystem of professionals working behind the scenes. From relationship to sales, to client service, and implementation managers, they are important in ensuring CFOs and treasurers get the support they need to optimize their operations and achieve their ultimate vision of a value-added treasury centre.

As part of our engagement with the treasury management community in Asia, we invite you to vote on TheAsset App on who should be recognized as some of the leading implementation managers, sales managers, client service managers, and relationship managers of the year from a nominated list of individuals.

Winners of these categories will be announced in the coming weeks. Looking forward to hearing your views! 

Awardees will be honoured at our annual celebratory dinner in Hong Kong on May 21, 2025. Please contact us at celebrate@theasset.com.

To see the full list of Industry Achievement Awards, please go here.

To learn more about these awards, please click here.

Stay tuned in the coming days as we announce more winners of The Asset Triple A Treasurise Awards 2025.