Sherry Liu departed her post to pursue "outside interests,", the firm said. Liu, who assumed the role in April 2011, was responsible for driving the bank's overall strategy in China.

She will be replaced by Alex Chu, the head of international banking for North Asia, as chairman. Qing Cheng Hua will remain as country executive.

Before joining RBS, Liu was with JP Morgan Chase, where she last served as vice chairman for the bank's China businesses. 

RBS China is headquartered in Shanghai and has five branches manned by 500 employees.