Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) has named Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift as its next group Managing Director and CEO.
Umar Swift, a former CEO of Bursa Malaysia, will take over on 1 January 2027 from Lee Jim Leng, who is retiring after more than 17 years with the group.
HLIB’s parent company, Hong Leong Capital Berhad (HLCB), announced the change and said the appointment is part of the bank’s succession plan.
Lee has served as HLIB’s group managing director and CEO since 2009. According to HLCB, the bank strengthened its position in capital markets, brokerage and advisory services during her tenure.
Lee’s industry roles extended beyond the bank.
She held positions at the Malaysian Investment Banking Association (MIBA), the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB), the Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC) and investED.
Umar Swift brings experience across banking, insurance and capital markets.
Before joining HLIB, he was chief executive of Bursa Malaysia, and before that he was chief executive and group managing director of MAA Group Berhad. Earlier in his career, he headed the Enterprise Financial Services Group at Maybank.
During his time at the exchange, Bursa Malaysia explored collaborations with fintech companies as part of its push into technology-driven innovation.
HLCB said Umar Swift will lead HLIB into its next phase of development and sustain the bank’s strategic momentum.
“His understanding of Malaysia’s capital markets and experience in leading financial institutions will be valuable as we build on the strong foundation Jim Leng and the team have established,”
Tan Kong Khoon, Chairman of HLCB, said.
“We look forward to working with him and our colleagues at HLIB to deepen client relationships, grow the business and support our clients’ evolving financing and investment needs.”
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Malaysia, based on image by magnific via Magnific
