Mohamed Shareef, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Bank of Maldives (BML), has been appointed Chairman of the Asian Bankers Association (ABA), becoming the first Maldivian to lead the regional banking body.
His appointment took effect on 31 July 2026 following a decision by the ABA Board in accordance with the Association’s Charter.
Shareef brings significant experience to the role, having previously served as ABA Vice Chairman from 2018 to 2020, where he contributed to the Association’s strategic direction and promoted stronger cooperation among member banks across Asia. He was reappointed as Vice Chairman in 2025, reflecting the continued confidence of the Association’s members in his leadership.
Commenting on the appointment, Shareef said he was deeply honoured by the trust placed in him by the ABA Board and its member banks.
“It is a privilege to serve the Association in this capacity, and I look forward to working closely with the Board, Secretariat, and member institutions to further strengthen regional collaboration and support the continued development of Asia’s banking industry,” he said.
ABA Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Darson Chiu congratulated Shareef on assuming the leadership role and thanked him for his continued commitment to the Association. Chiu also assured the Secretariat’s full support in advancing ABA’s mission of fostering the growth and development of member banks and the wider banking industry across the region.
Established in 1981, the Asian Bankers Association is one of the region’s leading banking organisations, bringing together banks and banking associations from across Asia. The organisation provides a platform for banking executives, regulators, policymakers, and international financial institutions to strengthen policy dialogue, enhance professional capacity, and exchange industry best practices.
Shareef’s appointment marks a major milestone for both Bank of Maldives and the Maldives, strengthening the country’s presence in regional banking leadership while highlighting the confidence placed in his experience by banking institutions across Asia.
The appointment comes ahead of the 42nd Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Asian Bankers Association, which will be hosted by Bank of Maldives in the Maldives from 1 to 3 September 2026.
