Standard Chartered Malaysia appoints Mushahid Syed as interim CEO

Standard Chartered Malaysia has named Mushahid Syed as interim CEO, stepping in as Mak Joon Nien prepares to leave the bank.

Mak will step down on 8 May after nearly four years in the role, with the bank citing an external opportunity for his departure. His exit also includes board roles across Standard Chartered Malaysia Bhd, Standard Chartered Saadiq Bhd and other related entities, as stated by Fintech news.

The interim appointment ensures continuity in leadership, with Mushahid expected to guide the Malaysia franchise while the bank searches for a permanent successor. He will continue in his role as CFO alongside his new responsibilities as interim CEO and Head of Coverage.

Mushahid brings over two decades of leadership experience and has been with Standard Chartered since 2013. He was appointed Malaysia CFO in 2024 and is part of the country management team. Mak, meanwhile, began his career with the bank in 1997 through its graduate programme and later became the first Malaysian CEO developed internally.

The bank credited Mak with strengthening the Malaysia franchise’s profile and aligning the local business closely with global priorities.

Looking ahead, the leadership transition comes at a time when banks across the region are navigating shifting economic conditions and accelerating digital transformation, with stability and strategic continuity remaining key priorities.