OCBC has announced the appointment of Carina Lee as the new Group Chief Risk Officer, effective 1 January 2026. Lee, currently the Group Chief Credit Officer for the wholesale banking business, will take over from Noel Gerald DCruz, who is retiring after a distinguished 36-year career with the bank.
Lee brings over 28 years of banking experience, having joined OCBC in January 2021. She has been pivotal in managing the credit risks of the bank’s wholesale banking loan portfolio and has led initiatives to diversify the loan portfolio into high-growth sectors like Technology, Media, and Telecommunications. Prior to OCBC, Lee held senior roles in a global bank, focusing on operational risk management and credit policy.
Helen Wong, OCBC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, praised DCruz’s contributions, stating, “Noel’s pivotal role in establishing a robust risk management foundation has been instrumental in the growth and stability of our businesses.” She also expressed confidence in Lee’s capabilities, noting her “well-calibrated approach to risk and reward.”
Lee’s appointment comes at a time of increased volatility and uncertainty in the operating environment, making effective risk management more crucial than ever. Her extensive experience and leadership qualities are expected to be valuable assets to OCBC’s management team.
