OCBC has announced the formation of a dedicated securities financing unit, marking it as the first Singapore bank to do so. This initiative aims to enhance the bank’s offerings for institutional clients. Jansen Chua, an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience, has been appointed as the Head of Securities Finance, effective 2 January 2026. Chua will report to Kenneth Lai, Head of Global Markets.
The new unit will focus on mobilising lendable securities, including equities and fixed income, from OCBC’s clients and subsidiaries such as OCBC Securities, Bank of Singapore, and Great Eastern. This move is designed to meet the increasing global demand for securities financing, allowing clients to earn fee income by lending their idle securities.
The demand for securities financing has surged globally, driven by a focus on balance sheet efficiency and optimisation. According to EquiLend Data & Analytics, global securities lending revenues reached a record $15.3b in 2025. Buy-side firms are seeking partners to optimise liquidity, meet collateral obligations, and implement hedging strategies in volatile markets.
Chua joins OCBC from State Street Bank & Trust Company, where he was Senior Managing Director and Head of Financing Solutions for Asia Pacific. His extensive experience spans the US, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, making him well-suited to lead this strategic initiative.
This development positions OCBC to better support its institutional clients in executing trading and hedging strategies, meeting settlement obligations, and optimising capital usage.
