Asia's banks stand on the edge of a new era. However, challenges from both outside and inside the industry are affecting how they engage this potential. A new breed of banking leader is arising out of this environment, which has seen a series of shocks over the last 10 years. As the developing markets emerge and open their markets to outside competition, global banks like Citigroup, Bank of America and the Royal Bank of Scotland are vying with local and regional banks for top spots in Asia's dynamic economies.

Wiley's latest release, Asia's Banking CEOs examines the characters and leadership qualities of the CEOs leading these banks, and defines what it is that makes their banks significant as they gear up for the exciting growth years ahead. The book divides the leaders according to the main characteristics of their leadership approaches, whether they are rebuilders or consolidators or expanders, providing both personal backgrounds on the leaders as well as their banks to set the scene and explain the context.

Asia s Banking CEOs: The Future of Finance in Asia by Peter Hoflich, The Asian Banker September 2008, Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-470-82359-0 250 pages

Read Excerpt: Introduction & Forward Read Excerpt: Chapter The Giants- Big & Better- Jiang Jianqing, Chairman, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Read Excerpt: Table of Contents

"If you want to get good insight into the strategies and thinking that drive bankers in Asia, this is the book for you. It is not often that you get a chance to know the personal philosophies of bank executives, but also something about their backgrounds and histories. This book gives great insights into where some of the most important banks in Asia are headed and what challenges they face."

Mark Mobius
President, Templeton Emerging Markets

"Whether you lived through the Asian financial crisis, are new to the region, or are a veteran global banker, this book is enlightening. Peter Hoflich captures the essence of some of the great leaders in Asian banking, their institutions and environments. He reveals how they formed or transformed institutions at lightining speed during the past decade resulting in some of the largest global banks and some of the most nimble.The personalities shine through with descriptions such as a "a salty northerner" and "the grizzled demenor of a chain smoker". Most have passion and vision plus strong disciplines to liberate hidden potential both for their countries and for the global banking industry. An inspring read."

Karen Fawcett
Group Head of Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank