UOB crafts banking strategy with artistic flair

Ip believes that finance and creativity go handin-hand in building a holistic pool of talents.

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When you’ve had a storied 30-year career spanning a handful of banking markets, including being the CEO of UOB’s Greater China and Hong Kong businesses for a decade, where do you expect the next stage of your career to take you?

Veteran banker Christine Ip found herself coming full circle with a role that delves into her first love: the arts.

Ip, who took over as UOB’s Group Head of Strategic Communications and Brand in 2023, is now the main driving force for raising the bank’s profile and branding. She also leads her team in building up the Bank’s art portfolio, which veers close to her childhood dream of becoming a performance artist.

“[This role] resonates with [the career] I originally imagined I would pursue,” Ip told Asian Banking & Finance in a recent interview. “While my role with UOB focuses on visual art rather than performing arts, I can use both my business and art experience to lead UOB in building its brand, external and internal communications, and social media platforms.”