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Asian Banks Tighten Defenses as Frontier AI Raises Cyber Risks

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Major banks across Asia are strengthening oversight of advanced artificial intelligence tools as next-generation cybersecurity models raise concerns that hackers could identify software vulnerabilities faster and launch broader attacks.

The shift follows growing attention around Anthropic’s new restricted-access cybersecurity model, Claude Mythos Preview, which the company says identified thousands of major vulnerabilities across leading operating systems and web browsers. While designed for defensive cybersecurity, the model has intensified concerns that frontier AI could also accelerate offensive cyber capabilities if misused.

Singapore’s largest bank, DBS, warned that such AI systems amplify cyber risk by increasing both the speed and scale of attacks. CEO Tan Su Shan said the technology could expand the “blast radius” of cyber threats, while also offering defensive advantages if deployed responsibly.

Other major regional lenders, including OCBC and UOB, said they are enforcing strict governance, internal guardrails, and rigorous testing before implementing advanced AI tools. Standard Chartered similarly acknowledged rising sophistication in cyber threats but described the trend as an escalation of long-standing risks rather than an entirely new category.

Regulators are also taking notice. Australia’s prudential watchdog recently warned that banks may not be adapting quickly enough to AI’s rapid evolution.

The broader concern is that frontier AI is reshaping cybersecurity into a dual-use battleground: banks can strengthen defenses faster, but malicious actors may also gain unprecedented speed in exploiting digital weaknesses. As financial institutions accelerate digital transformation, balancing AI innovation with security controls is becoming a critical operational priority.

DBS CEO Tan Su Shan Open to ‘Bolt-On’ Acquisitions and Focused on High-Return Businesses

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DBS Group’s incoming CEO, Tan Su Shan, has expressed openness to “bolt-on” acquisitions as part of her strategy to boost the bank’s high-return businesses, particularly wealth and transaction banking. Tan, who will become DBS’ first female CEO and the first appointed from within the bank, will succeed Piyush Gupta on March 28.

Currently the deputy CEO, Tan has been with DBS for 15 years and will take on the leadership role at a time when the bank is posting record annual revenue and profits. However, she will need to navigate global economic and market volatility, including geopolitical uncertainties and potential policy shifts. “We recognize that there will be significant uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment,” Tan said, emphasizing the importance of scenario planning and targeted early warning triggers.

While DBS has a strong presence in Singapore, Hong Kong, India, China, Taiwan, and Indonesia, Tan aims to strengthen the bank’s operations in its existing markets. She emphasized the importance of focusing on these areas rather than expanding too quickly. “We are only interested in bolt-on deals rather than large-scale M&As,” she explained, adding that acquisitions would need to align with DBS’s strategy and offer clear value.

Additionally, Tan is committed to upskilling the bank’s workforce, with a focus on AI and data-related skills. Approximately 13,000 staff members are targeted for upskilling or reskilling, with 10,000 already in training. DBS has also appointed Derrick Goh as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective April 1, to oversee both operations and transformation.