Raof Latiff has been appointed head of digital for DBS Bank’s institutional banking group.

In a release by the Singapore-based bank, DBS said Latiff will be tasked with strengthening the bank’s digital products and services for its corporate customers and small business owners.

Latiff will play a critical role in driving the bank’s digital-first initatives, the bank said. 

“Digital corporate banking is at the core of our transaction banking strategy and the way in which we will further strengthen our institutional banking franchise,” said John Laurens, DBS’ head of global transaction services.

He added: “We are therefore delighted to have Raof on board to lead the further development of our digital strategy and drive its execution across our corporate, institutional and wholesale banking businesses.”

DBS has embarked on a number of digital ‘firsts’ within the industry, including the launch earlier this month of instant claims payments service for travel insurers, as well as a digital token feature for its mobile banking platform, which replaces physical tokens.

Latiff has held a number of senior banking positions within the Asia-Pacific region, as well as co-founding Hilo Online, a personal cloud-based wellness record management platform based in Malaysia.

Based in Hong Kong, he previously served as regional head of product management, global liquidity and cash management, Asia at HSBC. Prior to his role at HSBC, he spent almost two decades in Citi and JPMorgan, holding senior roles in cash management and treasury.

Latiff will report to global transactions head, John Laurens, and Ng Peng Khim, head of technology and digital innovation for DBS’ institutional banking group.

DBS late last week also appointed Hou Wey Fook as chief investment officer for the bank’s consumer banking and wealth management division.