[Profile] Dato' Khairussaleh Ramli: The Architect Behind Maybank's Digital Transformation

The Profile Snapshot

In the high-stakes world of Malaysian finance, few names command as much respect as Dato' Khairussaleh Ramli. As the Group President & CEO of Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank), he is the steady hand guiding Southeast Asia's fourth-largest bank through an era of unprecedented digital disruption. His leadership is not about loud pronouncements, but about meticulous execution and a deep-seated belief in empowering both customers and employees.

• 👨‍💼 Name: Dato' Khairussaleh Ramli
• 🏷️ Role: Group President & CEO, Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank)
• 🔑 Key Superpower: Strategic Digital Transformer & People-Centric Leader

The Catalyst: Why It Matters

The spotlight is firmly on Dato' Khairussaleh as Maybank executes one of the most significant brand migrations in Malaysian banking history: the transition from the beloved M2U app to the new, all-encompassing MAE (Maybank Anytime, Everyone) platform. This move is far more than a simple app update; it is the public-facing culmination of a multi-year, multi-billion Ringgit digital transformation strategy he championed. The question on every customer's mind—"Is it time to say goodbye to M2U?"—is ultimately a referendum on his vision for a future-ready Maybank.

The Leadership Dialogue: Inside The Mindset

Reflecting on the journey, Dato' Khairussaleh emphasizes that the shift from M2U to MAE was never about discarding a legacy, but about evolving a relationship. He speaks with conviction about moving from a transactional utility to an engaging, lifestyle-centric ecosystem. "We are not just moving funds; we are moving moments," he shared in a recent strategy session, his calm demeanor belying the ambitious scope of the project. He candidly admitted that convincing a 20,000-strong organization to embrace such change was his greatest challenge, requiring a relentless focus on internal communication and upskilling. When discussing MAE's goal of financial inclusion, his tone shifts to one of profound purpose, outlining how simplified digital access can unlock opportunities for micro-entrepreneurs and young adults across ASEAN.

Career Milestones & Achievements

• Spearheaded Maybank's "Humanising Financial Services" vision, successfully pivoting the 60-year-old institution into a digital-first leader while maintaining its strong community trust.
• Orchestrated the seamless integration of MAE, which now serves over 10 million users, consolidating multiple services (banking, investments, insurance, e-wallet) into a single, intuitive interface.
• Steered Maybank through the COVID-19 pandemic with resilience, accelerating digital adoption and launching targeted relief programs for SMEs and individuals, solidifying the bank's role as a national pillar.
• Recognized as one of Malaysia's most influential business figures, consistently ranking in top CEO lists for his transformative leadership and strategic foresight.

The Editor's Take

Dato' Khairussaleh Ramli embodies the archetype of the modern "Banksman"—a leader who blends traditional banking prudence with the agility of a tech founder. His leadership is characterized by a quiet intensity and a long-term perspective that prioritizes sustainable growth over short-term gains. He is a bridge-builder, connecting Maybank's storied past with its dynamic digital future.

• 👁️ Visionary Thinking: 9/10
• ⚡ Execution Capability: 8/10
• 🌟 Industry Influence: 9/10

"True transformation is not measured by the technology you deploy, but by the lives you enable and the trust you deepen along the way."