Maybank has appointed Mohammed Rashdan Mohammed Yusof as the new COO, and Feisal Wan Zahir as the new head of investment banking for Aseambankers Malaysia, the investment banking arm of Maybank, effective September 1, 2008.

Subject to approval from Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission and other relevant authorities, Mr Yusof has been identified to succeed Surachet Chaipatamanont, the current CEO of Aseambankers upon completion of his term on September 30, 2008.

Mr Yusof and Mr Zahir are the managing director and executive director respectively as well as the shareholders of BinaFikir, a holder of a capital markets services license which is licensed to conduct investment advisory business.

Consequent to the recruitment of Mr Yusof and Mr Zahir, Aseambankers has also entered into a share sale agreement with them for the purchase of the entire issued and paid-up capital of BinaFikir to ensure the continuity of the existing mandates of BinaFikir. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval from Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission.

Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, president and CEO of Maybank, said: This move is part of our strategic thrust to become a talent and execution focused company and realize our aspirations to become a leading regional financial services group. Our aim is to be recognized among the top-quartile employer of talent in each of our markets.