The Singapore-headquartered bank is becoming more involved in coaching its staff for leadership and deepening their skills. This story also touches indirectly on the topic of talent management – a significant wealth management and private banking issue.

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation, or OCBC, says it has become the first bank to partner International Coaching Federation Singapore to deepen coaching capabilities among its staff. 

The Asia-based bank said it intends to train 100 senior leaders to attain the International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach (ICF-ACC) accreditation by the end of 2027.

Against a background of changing technology, intergenerational wealth transfer, and economic uncertainties, the development touches on the need to build more adaptable workforces. Talent management remains a prominent banking and wealth management topic.

In its announcement of the partnership last Friday, OCBC cited a recent NTUC LearningHub survey that examined the essential skills and competencies that leaders must develop. More than 70 per cent of survey respondents said coaching benefits individuals across all levels and job roles.

Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng and OCBC Group CEO Ms Helen Wong witnessed the signing of the strategic partnership agreement at OCBC Campus.

Since September 2023, 52 senior leaders at OCBC have started coaching development, with almost 300 employees using coaching sessions.

(From left) Ms Helen Wong, OCBC Group CEO, Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Ms Lee Hwee Boon, head of Group Human Resources, OCBC, on a tour of showcases at OCBC’s annual learning festival, Grow Your Way.)