In 1947, after World War II, philanthropist and millionaire Aw Boon Haw, of Tiger Balm fame, decided to open a different sort of bank. Chung Khiaw Bank dedicated itself to serving the 'small man', instead of catering to only the top tier of society.

It was innovative and inclusive; for example, its collaterals and marketing materials were not just in Chinese, but also included English, Malay and Tamil, unlike many other institutions.

For those who weren't able to come to them, Chung Khiaw Bank set up its own form of mobile banking - vans which were stationed in different areas of Singapore ready to take care of residents' banking needs. And for those deterred by limited parking spaces, a valet service was introduced at its head office.