United Overseas Bank

United Overseas Bank Limited (commonly known as UOB; previously known as United Chinese Bank or UCB; ) is a major banking organisation headquartered in Singapore, with branches mostly found in most South-east Asian countries. Founded in 1935 by Sarawak businessman Wee Kheng Chiang, the bank has 68 branches in Singapore and a network of more than 500 offices in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Western Europe and North America

Establishment
On August 6, 1935, businessman Wee Kheng Chiang, together with six other friends, established United Chinese Bank (UCB). On October 1935, UCB opened for business in the three story Bonham Building. Thirty years later, the company's name was changed to United Overseas Bank.

Acquisitions
In 1973, UOB acquired Lee Wah Bank. In 1984, the company acquired Far Eastern Bank. In 2001, UOB acquired Overseas Union Bank Limited (OUB) in a takeover deal estimated to be worth S$10 billion.

Key people
In August 2012, Wee Cho Yaw, the company's chairman and the son of the company's founder, announced his plans to step down in 2013. Wee will be replaced by Hsieh Fu Hua, the former Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Exchange.

Mobile banking
In December 2011, United Overseas Bank launched its free mobile UOB Mobile application. Mobile Cash, a key feature of this application, allows all UOB customers to send cash to any registered recipient who can withdraw the money from more than 600 UOB ATMs in Singapore. Initially only available on the Apple Appstore, the application soon became available to users of Android and Blackberry smartphones.

Controversies
In February 2012, several employees of United Overseas Bank came under fire for dressing up in traditional Tamil Indian costumes and painting their faces using SAF camo green during a staff dinner organised by the company. A spokesman for the bank said that the employees did not intend to offend or discriminate, although he also mentioned that they would be counselled.

Subsidiary banks

 * Far Eastern Bank (Singapore)
 * Overseas Union Bank (Singapore)
 * Lee Wah Bank (Singapore)