Winners Rationale

“Lombard Odier’s CIO office has been central to shaping the bank’s investment approach in Asia, combining global perspectives with local market insight to provide clients with practical, actionable guidance,” said Audrey Raj, editor of Asian Private Banker.

“The office’s mission is to deliver consistent, high-quality investment performance by bridging global expertise with Asia-specific opportunities. This is reflected in the bank’s re-engineered asset allocation framework, anchored by a capital-based SAA–TAA model, which has supported strong outcomes across multiple risk profiles.

“Tactical positioning in key assets contributed to client portfolio performance in 2025. Gold benefited from geopolitical uncertainty and strong demand, while overweight allocations to investment grade and emerging market hard currency bonds and equities added value. An increased US equity weighting since late 2023 also captured gains from AI-driven innovation, with targeted exposure to major technology companies.

“As a result, the office delivered solid absolute and relative performance across all risk profiles on both a one- and three-year basis. Over 2024–25, the TAA consistently outperformed the SAA, contributing incremental alpha. The office also refreshed its thematic investment approach in early 2025, focusing on listed equities to identify forward-looking opportunities. 

“Led by John Woods, the Asia CIO Office combines a team of experienced strategists with a strong focus on client engagement. Over the past year, the team hosted 77 client events, expanded content in local languages – including over 40 Chinese translations of CIO office viewpoints – and maintained a strong presence in leading international media.

“By combining robust asset allocation outcomes with clear communication and thought leadership, Lombard Odier’s CIO Office sets the benchmark for pure play private banks in Asia. Kudos to the team for winning Best Pure Play Private Bank – CIO Office.”