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The International Advisory Council

The awards programme is managed by a highly professional team of research analysts in Asian Banker Research with outstanding expertise in the retail banking industry in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Mathew Welch,

Mathew Welch has over 25 years of senior executive experience in financial markets in Asia, with strong track record in building and leading various financial services businesses throughout the region. He is currently a Board Member at XacBank, a community development bank in Mangolia. Prior to starting his own firm, Mathew was Managing Director & Head of Banks, Asia (ex-Japan) at Daiwa Securities Capital Markets, Managing Director and Head Financial Institutions, Asia at ING Investment Banking, Managing Director, Investments at Temasek Holdings and Global Head of Banks at Standard Chartered. He holds a MBA degree from Harvard Business School.

Lieven Van den Brande,

Lieven Van den Brande is a senior financial services industry executive with extensive market infrastructure and banking experience. He is the former chief operating officer of the Hong Kong Mercantile Exchange's (HKMEx) Clearing House Project after having served as its chief information and operations officer. Lieven has spent over 20 years as a strategy and management consultant in the financial services industry, focused on delivering business, risk management, operational and technology advice to select clients. During his tenure in Asia, Lieven developed an excellent understanding of business practices and processes unique to the region. He has an established track record as an accomplished manager, thought leader and people motivator managing complex industry projects amidst competing views.