DBS Bank, the Singaporean bank, has established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Taiwan, highlighting its commitment to growing in the Greater China region.

DBS Bank (Taiwan) began operations early this year, although its parent firm has been doing business in the country since 2008. At the time, the bank made a major investment in local firm Bowa Commercial Bank by acquiring the latter's "good bank assets," eventually bolstering its local presence from one branch to 40 by 2009. By 2011, the Taiwan office recorded some 1,400 staff providing corporate banking, small-and-medium enterprises and priority banking services.

The establishment of a subsidiary is part of DBS' Asian growth strategy unveiled in February 2010, which included "entrenching leadership in Singapore, re-energising Hong Kong and re-balancing the geographic mix of its franchise." DBS is also focused on strengthening its regional wealth management business, SME, treasury and markets and global transaction services offerings. 

As of 31 December 2011, the bank recorded S$2.3 billion ($1.8 billion) in earnings.