Pictet Wealth Management (Pictet WM) has hired an industry veteran to strengthen its investment capabilities, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Based in Singapore, Kelvin Tay is joining the Swiss pure play in the same capacity as regional CIO, sources told APB. Pictet WM declined to comment. Tay is a seasoned wealth management professional with extensive investment experience. He was most […]

The post Pictet WM hires former UBS GWM regional CIO appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asia-focused private equity firm Ocean Link has acquired a minority stake in independent wealth advisor Leo Wealth, according to a statement released yesterday.  The investment, which has received regulatory approval, will provide Leo Wealth with growth capital as it builds its cross-border fiduciary wealth management capabilities in Asia, focusing on advising high net worth clients and families across investments, cross-border […]

The post Asian private equity firm invests in IAM appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Singapore-headquartered global investment firm Lighthouse Canton is eyeing Taiwan as a springboard to accelerate its wealth push into the North Asia market as part of its 2027 goal of reaching US$10 billion in assets under management. The firm has entered a strategic partnership with Taiwan’s Draco Evolution to merge AI capabilities with global asset management expertise, according to a company […]

The post Lighthouse Canton taps Taiwan fintech for North Asia wealth push  appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asia’s private banking AUM has crossed the US$4 trillion mark, according to Asian Private Banker‘s 2025 League Tables. With J.P. Morgan Private Bank entering the top three for the first time and Nomura International Wealth Management (IWM) making its debut in the tables, the 2025 rankings saw widespread movements. J.P. Morgan Private Bank led this growth with a 41% increase […]

The post Asia 2025 AUM League Tables: Assets cross US$4tn, JPM enters top three, Nomura debuts appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Two senior executives have left DBS Private Bank in Hong Kong, Asian Private Banker has learnt.  Gloria Sun, a senior market head in the bank’s North Asia team in Hong Kong, has recently resigned, sources told APB. Separately, Daryl Wong, another Hong Kong-based senior market head covering the Greater China market, has left the bank. His license relating to his […]

The post Two senior market heads depart DBS Private Bank in Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Boutique financial services firm Klay Group has made a senior appointment for a client advisory role in Singapore. Gaurav Gupta, who was previously an executive director at Nomura, has joined Klay Group as a managing director – client advisor, according to a statement released today. Gupta will be tasked with advising Asian ultra high net worth clients on portfolio construction […]

The post Klay Group hires ex-Nomura exec for client advisory role appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The Asian Private Banker team was in Shanghai last week to celebrate the winners of the 2025 China Wealth Awards — recognising the firms and individuals who have gone the extra mile to deliver thoughtful, responsible wealth management solutions, and create meaningful value for China’s most affluent individuals, families and their businesses. Among the winners, Agricultural Bank of China Private […]

The post Bottom Line: China’s wealth boom enters a more demanding phase appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

This is a sponsored advertorial from L&G. Authors:  A substantial proportion of today’s global fixed income market is shaped by investors who follow strict, rule-based frameworks. This includes some passive investors who replicate index performance without deviation, certain pension funds whose primary focus is liability matching rather than yield or spread considerations, and benchmark-aware investors who, despite adopting active strategies, […]

The post Reshaping returns: Unconstrained investing in the age of AI  appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A Singapore-based senior executive is set to leave Liechtenstein-headquartered boutique private bank VP Bank after a seven-year tenure, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Reto Marx, co-head of the Singapore branch and chief risk officer for Asia at VP Bank, has resigned and will soon leave the bank, sources told APB.  VP Bank confirmed Marx’s departure to APB and added that […]

The post VP Bank’s co-head of Singapore to exit appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Wealth in India is no longer concentrated in a handful of big cities. It’s being created and amassed not just in tier-one hubs like Mumbai and Delhi, but in dozens of smaller cities once considered backwaters. Private banks and wealth managers are following the money, setting up shop in places they once ignored. Wealth management coverage in India used to […]

The post Why India’s private banks are chasing hidden regional wealth appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asian Private Banker successfully hosted the China Wealth Awards 2025 gala dinner in Shanghai on Thursday, gathering the brightest minds in China’s private banking and wealth management industry. Against a glittering backdrop, the event brought together about 140 industry leaders and offered high-level networking, insightful discussion, and formal recognition of industry-leading excellence. Beyond celebrating individual and institutional success, the gala […]

The post APB’s 8th China Wealth Awards brings together industry leaders in Shanghai appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

For years, Southeast Asia’s wealth management landscape was defined by regional giants with broad multi-market footprints, while local players were often left competing in lower-margin, transactional segments. That hierarchy is now being challenged. In Thailand, Kiatnakin Phatra Securities (KKPS) has positioned itself at the centre of this shift, moving away from a long-standing “product-pushing” legacy toward building more sophisticated, high-conviction […]

The post Thailand’s Kiatnakin Phatra shakes off ‘product-push’ legacy in DPM pivot appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Rising salary expectations and a migration of talent to boutique firms are forcing asset managers to rethink retention as they compete for a slice of Asia’s expanding wealth market. In this market environment, some asset managers now feel that talent is both scarce and expensive, adding to the pressure to keep employees around for longer. “There’s a lot of musical […]

The post “Three-year hump”: Janus Henderson Asia CEO warns of “musical chairs” in frothy talent market appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The United Arab Emirates’ status as a hub for wealthy Asian clients and family offices remains intact, despite safety concerns and uncertainty stemming from the ongoing Iran war, which threatens the emirates’ image as a wealth haven, independent wealth managers told Asian Private Banker. “Our outlook on business prospects in the Middle East remains positive,” Derrick Tan, group executive chairman, […]

The post Independent wealth managers hold firm in UAE amid Iran tensions appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asia’s family offices are turning to discretionary portfolio management (DPM) to navigate the twin challenges of intergenerational wealth transfer and an increasingly volatile market, according to industry experts speaking recently Asian Private Banker’s DPM Leaders Conversation 2026. “Family offices are increasingly shifting from an opportunistic mindset into a more systematic mindset. I think that’s where DPM comes into place because […]

The post UBS, Lombard Odier: How DPM is bridging generational rifts appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The market head for Thailand and the Philippines at DBS Private Bank is set to depart the Singapore-based lender, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Edwin Tan has resigned from DBS Private Bank, with the bank confirming his departure. Tan has over two decades of experience in wealth management and private banking. He joined DBS Private Bank in 2024 from UBS, […]

The post DBS Private Bank’s Thailand and Philippines market head resigns appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

US-headquartered data and AI platform Addepar is stepping up its push into Asia-Pacific, opening a regional headquarters in Marina Bay Financial Centre as it looks to tap rising demand from family offices and asset managers. The firm currently serves around 50 clients in the region, according to CEO Eric Poirier, with its base largely made up of single-family offices and independent asset managers. These […]

The post US data and AI platform opens Singapore hub as family offices drive growth appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

UBS Global Wealth Management is doubling down on philanthropy in Asia Pacific, identifying Australia and Japan as its primary growth engines for 2026.  As part of this regional push, the Swiss banking giant has launched its donor-advised fund (DAF) in Australia in February, aiming to capture a larger slice of the nation’s rapidly evolving private wealth market. The Australia launch […]

The post UBS rolls out donor-advised fund in Australia, eyes Japan growth  appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Digital wealth platform Endowus is expanding its private markets push through a partnership with global energy infrastructure investor Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP).  The tie-up grants wealthy investors in Hong Kong and Singapore an entry point into greenfield renewable energy projects as global spending in the sector is projected to top US$4 trillion by 2030, according to a release on Tuesday.   […]

The post Endowus, CIP open green energy access for wealthy investors in Singapore, Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Barclays Private Bank has tasked a long-term internal talent to lead its business growth in Singapore, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Alexander Harrison has been appointed as the interim head of private bank for Singapore at Barclays, sources told APB. A spokesperson for Barclays confirmed Harrison’s appointment to APB. The appointment comes as Evonne Tan, the current Singapore head of […]

The post Barclays Private Bank appoints interim Singapore head appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Forget simple wills. For ASEAN ultra high net worth individuals, succession planning has morphed into a multi-jurisdictional arms race where common law trusts and civil law heirship rules run into direct conflict against a backdrop of 11 different legal systems and a combined GDP exceeding US$3.6 trillion. “Succession and transition conversations have become multi-faceted, shaped by asset situs, tax residency, […]

The post J.P Morgan, Indosuez, Julius Baer on Southeast Asia’s $3.6tn wealth puzzle appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

As markets worldwide continue absorbing the impact brought on by the ongoing war in Iran, wealthy Asian investors should expect uncertainty ahead in the long term and adjust exposures in favour of less correlated assets sooner than later, said Peter Branner. “Volatility will remain, and for investors, it’s less about staying calm and more about staying alert, understanding these scenarios, […]

The post Aberdeen CIO on Iran: EM equities, infra debt hedge as gold loses shine appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A surge in demand from mainland Chinese investors is fuelling rapid growth in structured products at BNP Paribas Wealth Management, as clients seek higher yields and more transparent alternatives to domestic offerings. A significant driver behind the recent uptick is a new wave of mainland clients entering fixed-income structures, who accounted for the majority of new inflows in 2025, according to Gabriel […]

The post Mainland flows drive BNP Paribas WM’s structured products boom appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

This week, we will announce the winners of the 2025 Asian Private Banker Technology Awards, spotlighting the most impactful innovations shaping Asia’s rapidly evolving financial technology landscape. We saw innovation at its most comprehensive, showcasing private banking technology that spans the full client journey, from end-to-end portfolio management to holistic total wealth frameworks, and increasingly, multi-dimensional views of a client’s […]

The post Bottom Line: Honouring wealth tech innovation. Questioning what’s next. appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

This is a sponsored advertorial from DNCA Investments, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers. In this Q&A, François Collet, CIO of DNCA and portfolio manager of its flagship fixed income strategy, DNCA Alpha Bonds, discusses the impact of the Iran conflict on the global economy and fixed income markets and how his portfolios are positioned for the ensuing volatility. Has […]

The post Iran’s impact on markets: Where there is volatility, there is opportunity appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

With hiring slowing down in March, the private banking industry saw a spike in exits over the past month, with retail-linked banks bearing the brunt of the turnover. Besides these departures, key moves for the month include former Citi Wealth head of partnerships and relationship management, Julie Koo, resurfacing at Allianz as head of distribution for Asia Pacific. Former UOB […]

The post Movers & Shakers: Wave of departures sets stage for next phase of talent war appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Standard Chartered Private Bank has hired a senior banker to strengthen its team in Hong Kong, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Lai Fai Yeung recently joined the emerging markets-focused lender as a team leader, reporting to Kenny Wan, market head for Greater China, sources told APB. Standard Chartered Private Bank confirmed Lai’s role to APB. Lai has nearly two decades […]

The post StanChart PB hires former senior Citi private banker in Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Citi Private Bank has tasked one of its market executives to strengthen its Southeast Asia coverage, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Singapore-based Lillian Liao, who was a market executive for China at the US lender, recently took on additional responsibilities to cover the Malaysia and Singapore markets, sources familiar with the matter told APB. Citi Private Bank confirmed Liao’s appointment covering […]

The post Citi PB strengthens Singapore-Malaysia coverage in regional push appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Maybank’s private banking in Malaysia saw assets and fees surge in 2025, with new assets rising 20% to RM 31 billion (US$7.78 billion) and fee income up 15%. The bank expanded its presence beyond Kuala Lumpur into Penang, Sarawak, Sabah, and opened a private wealth desk in Johor. Rising demand from wealthy individuals, who now allocate over half of their […]

The post From KL to Johor — Has Maybank found the right UHNW formula in Malaysia? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

After Asian Private Banker’s earlier scoop on the veteran banker’s move from Julius Baer to Bank of Singapore, the bank has officially confirmed her new role. Vi Sun Yang will serve as its head of private banking, ASEAN, reporting to CEO Jason Moo, the bank announced on Thursday. In this role, Yang will oversee the strategic growth and development of […]

The post Bank of Singapore confirms Vi Sun Yang as ASEAN private banking head appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A seasoned wealth management veteran in Singapore is set to move from Julius Baer to Bank of Singapore, Asian Private Banker can reveal. According to sources familiar with the matter, Vi Sun Yang, the Swiss private bank’s market head for Southeast Asia, will leave the firm to join Bank of Singapore. She is understood to be taking on a Singapore […]

The post SEA market head leaves Julius Baer for Bank of Singapore appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Is a DPM lead’s duty to protect clients by steering clear of what they cannot see, or to deliver outsized returns by mastering the complexities that frighten the broader market? This is the question that sparked a heated discussion by panellists at the Asian Private Banker DPM Leaders Conversation 2026 in Singapore.  For Bryan Goh, chief executive officer and chief […]

The post DPMLC 2026: Protect clients or chase returns? Tsao FO, Paragon Capital, Deutsche Bank weigh in appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Vietnam’s newly wealthy are beginning to hand control of their assets to professional managers, creating a vast new opportunity for firms such as Dragon Capital, the country’s largest independent wealth manager. Dominic Scriven, chairman and co-founder, says the shift has accelerated over the past year. “One of the most gratifying surprises of the last 12 months… is the number of […]

The post Succession and investor pivot spark Vietnam’s wealth boom appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Morgan Stanley’s Private Wealth Management (PWM) division in Asia recorded a revenue increase of over 20% in 2025, largely driven by ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients, with assets under management (AUM) reaching new highs. Asian Private Banker spoke with Vincent Chui, head of wealth management for Asia Pacific, to understand the firm’s next steps. Chui said sustaining growth will depend on a […]

The post Vincent Chui’s Asia playbook for Morgan Stanley PWM’s next surge appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

UBS’s head of women’s wealth says the industry’s traditional playbook wasn’t designed with female clients in mind. She is retraining advisors across the bank to change that. Emma Wheeler spends 80% of her time not advising clients, but retraining advisors.  “We are a relationship business operating in a relationship industry,” she told Asian Private Banker. “That requires a behaviour change from […]

The post Why UBS’s head of women’s wealth spends 80% of her time retraining advisors appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Chinese wealth manager Noah is seeing the impact of its artificial intelligence (AI) investments, with overseas assets under management (AUM) reaching US$6 billion amid global expansion. The NYSE-listed firm reported an 11% decline in headcount in 2025, while revenue remained stable, citing AI-driven operational efficiency in its latest annual report published in late March. Zander Yin, chief executive officer of […]

The post China’s Noah taps AI as overseas AUM hits US$6bn appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

LGT Capital Partners is seeing rising interest in endowment-style investing from Asia’s wealth management sector, citing its liquidity management and over 50% exposure to private markets from day one as a way to capture long-term opportunities. Historically, investors relied on the 60/40 model, assuming fixed income would provide a hedge. But 2022 proved there was nowhere to hide as traditional […]

The post Inside LGT Capital Partners’ US$24bn endowment-style playbook appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

UnionBank of the Philippines is stepping up its ambition to become a leading force in the country’s wealth management space, combining digital scale, strategic partnerships and recent acquisitions to target a fast-growing mass-affluent segment. The bank is “becoming one of the top players in the [domestic] wealth space,” its head of wealth, Gauraw Srivastava, told Asian Private Banker. To be sure, measured […]

The post UnionBank taps digital strategy to target Philippines’ wealthy appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

It’s that time of year again—bonus season has arrived, bringing with it the annual wave of movement across the private banking industry. As compensation lands and expectations reset, relationship managers and senior leaders alike begin weighing their next moves, setting the stage for another active hiring cycle. Of course, not every move is tied to a bonus cheque—some are driven […]

The post Bottom Line: Bonuses in the bank—time to move on? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Lombard Odier has added four bankers to its private clients team in Singapore and Hong Kong as the Swiss pure-play expands its private banking offerings in the region. Eugene Chan has joined the bank as team leader for Southeast Asia private clients, while Jason Yap has joined as a relationship manager. Both joined from Bank of East Asia Private Bank, […]

The post Lombard Odier adds four bankers in Asia growth drive appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The Singapore head of Barclays Private Bank is set to depart the UK lender, Asian Private Banker can reveal. Evonne Tan, who has held the role since July 2021, is leaving the bank, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. Barclays Private Bank has confirmed that Tan will leave the firm in the second quarter, saying: “Evonne has been […]

The post Barclays Singapore private bank chief Evonne Tan to depart appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

J.P. Morgan Private Bank (J.P. Morgan PB) has appointed a new head of Asia lending solutions, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Steven Hawkins, formerly the London-based head of speciality lending for J.P. Morgan international private bank, has relocated to Hong Kong to take on the role. J.P. Morgan confirmed Hawkins’ appointment, noting that he will report to Mike Keglovits, head […]

The post J.P. Morgan PB strengthens Asia lending with new head appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

HSBC Private Bank has tapped internal talent to bolster its Greater China coverage in Singapore, as the lender continues to sharpen its regional focus. Alice Chan, currently based in Hong Kong, will relocate to Singapore this month to take on the role of desk head for China, according to sources familiar with the matter. The bank confirmed her assignment when […]

The post HSBC PB expands China coverage in Singapore appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

With increasing conversations around discretionary portfolio management (DPM) as clients seek downside protection and allocations beyond conventional strategies, Asian Private Banker’s DPMLC Industry Pulse Survey shows that private banks in Hong Kong and Singapore report DPM penetration of 6–10%. Sixty-eight percent of participants plan to increase DPM penetration over the next 12 months, with outperformance against self-directed portfolios and family […]

The post DPM survey: Private banks eye bigger books, led by family offices and next-gen appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

HSBC has made two senior appointments to its wealth business in mainland China, as the UK lender steps up efforts to capture opportunities in the world’s second-largest wealth market. Max Xu has been appointed head of international wealth and premier banking (IWPB), HSBC China, while Samuel Chen has been named head of private bank, HSBC China. Both appointments are effective […]

The post HSBC names new China wealth and private banking heads appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The former regional head of the Southeast Asia market at UOB Private Bank has resurfaced at a Japanese financial institution in Singapore, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Khoo Lin Wein joined SMBC Nikko Singapore in March, according to licence registration records from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The records also show Khoo is licensed with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), […]

The post Ex-UOB PB Southeast Asia head lands new role in Singapore appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The head of funds at Bank of Singapore has taken on expanded responsibilities, Asian Private Banker has learnt, as the firm reshapes its fund selection leadership. Yazid Mahadi will continue to lead fund and manager selection across mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, and will now also oversee the bank’s hedge fund business, according to sources familiar with the matter. His […]

The post Bank of Singapore expands scope for head of funds appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The business sector head for the Philippines at UBS Global Wealth Management (UBS GWM) will depart the bank, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Robert Rohner is leaving after nearly three decades with the firm, sources familiar with the matter told APB. Rohner joined UBS GWM in 1997 and held multiple senior roles over the years. He became business sector head […]

The post UBS GWM Philippines sector head departs, successor named appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

If you ask Paul Lee, CEO and CIO of Paragon Capital Management, how the independent asset manager (IAM) has multiplied its AUM by six in under a decade, he might point to the firm’s discretionary model, and, perhaps surprisingly so, the complete lack of exposure to private credit investments. “Now, whatever I say at this point in the market, you […]

The post IAM that skipped ‘private credit’ sees AUM surge sixfold appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

UBS Global Wealth Management (UBS GWM) is shunning the branch-opening race in Mainland China, betting instead that a double-digit net hiring blitz in Hong Kong and its “One Bank” approach will better capture expanding private wealth in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Over the past three years, UBS GWM’s China international business, headed by Marina Lui, has grown AUM by […]

The post UBS GWM China AUM up 50%, eyes double-digit hires appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Last week, Asian Private Banker hosted over 250 senior wealth managers at our DPM Leaders Conversation 2026 in Singapore and Hong Kong, bringing together a cross-section of industry leaders at a time when markets feel less cyclical and more structurally unpredictable. From both locations, there was not just a shared sense of caution. There was also a reframing of what […]

The post Bottom Line: From chasing returns to managing reality in a DPM world appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

This is a sponsored advertorial from Avaloq. Regulatory reforms and solid economic fundamentals are driving a quiet transformation in Taiwan’s financial sector. The island’s push for more onshore wealth services is opening the door to high-quality advisory and investment offerings for local investors. Avaloq and NEC Taiwan explore this ongoing shift and its implications for Asia’s wealth management landscape. Taiwan […]

The post The shift to onshore: How Taiwan is transforming into a hub for private wealth management appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Bank of Singapore’s head of private markets and alternatives will leave the bank, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Chee Jiun Wen, who held the role for nearly six years, is departing the Singapore-based lender, sources familiar with the matter told APB. Bank of Singapore confirmed Chee’s resignation. Chee is an investment veteran with more than two decades of industry experience. […]

The post Bank of Singapore loses head of private markets and alternatives appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Southeast Asia’s family office surge is entering a more complex phase. After years of rapid proliferation — particularly in Singapore — many families are now reassessing whether the single-family office (SFO) model remains fit for purpose. The shift is not about abandoning the model altogether, but about confronting the realities of scale. What began as lean, founder-led structures are evolving […]

The post New phase for SEA family offices? Julius Baer, DBS PB, Raffles FO weigh in appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Erratic markets are making it increasingly difficult for advisory “DIY” clients to effectively manage their whole portfolios, panellists at the Asian Private Banker DPM Leaders Conversation 2026 in Singapore said. During the panel discussion, DPM mandate trends 2026: Navigating black swan events & lessons learned, Jia Hao Sng, head, CIO office mandate specialist, Singapore, at Julius Baer, commented that while […]

The post DPMLC 2026: Are erratic markets killing off advisory models in favour of DPM? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Pictet Wealth Management (Pictet WM) has explicitly eschewed the practice of distributing products to capture placement or retrocession fees, betting instead on its commingled fund-of-funds vehicle, bespoke mandates and co-investment capability to offer clients diversified private-market exposure. “We don’t establish feeder funds just to channel client money into individual strategies. We view this as a complex asset class that requires a […]

The post Why Pictet WM shuns feeder funds, retrocession fees in alts mandates appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

BlackRock will integrate iCapital’s alternative investments technology platform with its Aladdin Wealth, seeking to streamline private-market investing for wealth managers. Under this new partnership, advisors can find alternative offerings on their firm’s product shelf, initiate subscriptions and redemptions, and track status updates alongside portfolio analytics, according to a statement on Thursday. They will benefit from a more streamlined experience that […]

The post BlackRock’s Aladdin partners with iCapital for alts investments appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

As some of the world’s largest asset managers flood private banking channels with semi-liquid ‘evergreen’ vehicles, Lombard Odier’s global private assets team is drawing a line in the sand.  While many private banks have tapped into the evergreen space to unlock revenue from the massive, untapped wealth of high net worth (HNW) and mass-affluent investors as they seek diversification, the […]

The post Lombard Odier rejects semi-liquid hype, doubles down on private asset lock-ups appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Wealthy individuals in Asia with US exposure risk being caught out by recent changes in US tax policy, including measures under President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Jessica Cutrera of Leo Wealth, a Hong Kong-based independent wealth advisor, told Asian Private Banker. “There are a lot of individuals in Greater China and Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia and Thailand, […]

The post “Never advised properly”: Leo Wealth flags US tax risks for Asia’s HNW appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

As the escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to rock global markets, wealth clients in Asia are seeking greater downside protection alongside performance, and allocations that capture growth beyond the US dollar, according to panellists at the Asian Private Banker DPM Leaders Conversation 2026 in Hong Kong. The panel discussion, DPM mandate trends 2026: Navigating black swan events & […]

The post DPMLC 2026: Black swan risks trigger client flight to non-USD mandates appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Structured products specialist Goldhorse Capital has expanded its product suite and service capabilities for external asset managers (EAMs) amid rising competition to win over this booming segment. The Hong Kong-headquartered firm has integrated its affiliated securities business, Goldhorse Securities, into a unified operating framework, according to a statement on Tuesday. By unifying its businesses, Goldhorse Capital has expanded its product […]

The post Hong Kong’s Goldhorse Capital revamps business to boost EAM offerings appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Growing geopolitical instability in the Middle East is driving a reassessment of global booking centres, providing a tailwind for Hong Kong’s newly expanded “Family Office 2.0” strategy, according to Jason Fong, global head of FamilyOffice HK. “Legal certainty and continuity are exactly the kind of assurances super‑rich families look for when choosing a jurisdiction for their family offices,” Fong told […]

The post Family Office 2.0: Can Hong Kong’s ‘safe pocket’ narrative win over skittish global wealth? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

India’s wealth management sector is expanding rapidly, propelled by a surge in the number of new billionaires. The country now counts 358 billionaires, according to the Hurun India Rich List, making it the world’s third-largest hub for ultra-wealthy individuals after the US and China But this rapid accumulation of wealth has exposed a critical bottleneck: a shortage of seasoned advisory […]

The post Barclays PB, Nuvama Private feel the squeeze from India’s senior banker shortage appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Deutsche Bank Private Bank (Deutsche Bank PB) has hired a former Goldman Sachs relationship manager for its Southeast Asia business, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Based in Singapore, Pin Duangdee recently joined the German lender, focusing on coverage of Thai clients, according to sources familiar with the matter. Her registration with Deutsche Bank on the MAS website took effect on […]

The post Deutsche Bank PB taps ex-Goldman banker for Thai coverage appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

To keep up with the needs of Asia’s ultra and high net worth individuals, family offices need to pick up the pace and have plans in place to serve generations ahead, says Hemant Tucker. This is driving Farro Capital, a Singapore-headquartered multi-family office, to proactively devise new strategies for the Asian wealth segment amid a shift towards more “institutional” frameworks, […]

The post Quick wins or lasting wealth? MFO reveals what matters to UHNWIs appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Private banks are in the midst of a transformation. Last week, our COO Focus 2026 report mapped how the industry is recalibrating amid market volatility and rapid tech adoption. One clear trend? Banks are pouring into tech-driven operational change. But upgrading infrastructure is one thing; turning that into real business impact is another. Data is king. Banks are now analysing […]

The post Bottom Line: COOs speak – Redefining private banking operations, but at what cost? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

UBS Global Wealth Management (UBS GWM) is doubling down on a high-conviction bet on Chinese technology in 2026, forecasting a 20% earnings surge even as Beijing prepares to anchor national growth at its lowest level in over three decades, according to Tan Min Lan, head of the chief Investment office, APAC.   In a late-February email interview with Asian Private Banker, […]

The post UBS’s Tan Min Lan bets on 20% China tech rally amid Beijing slowdown appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

French private equity firm Ardian has deepened its presence in Asia Pacific’s private wealth space through a collaboration with fintech firm S64. Under the new partnership, the firms will launch the S64 Ardian Access Infrastructure Fund, an evergreen Australian Unit Trust, to provide Australia’s wealth management industry with access to Ardian’s infrastructure strategies, according to an announcement on Friday. The […]

The post Ardian unlocks infrastructure access for Australian private wealth in S64 tie-up appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The regional chief investment officer for South Asia Pacific at UBS Global Wealth Management will depart the Swiss bank, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Singapore-based Kelvin Tay will soon leave the bank after a two-decade-long tenure, sources told APB. UBS declined to comment. APB has been unable to determine Tay’s next career move. At UBS, Tay also served on the […]

The post UBS GWM regional CIO Kelvin Tay to depart appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

As data centres trigger a surge in energy demand, EQT is making the case that infrastructure investments should transition from a “niche” allocation to a core holding in Asian private banking portfolios. Private banks, including the likes of Julius Baer, HSBC Private Bank, BNP Paribas Wealth Management, and UBP, have also picked up on this growing trend. BNP Paribas Wealth Management, for instance, […]

The post EQT bets on infrastructure as private wealth’s new “core” appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Capturing growth in 2026 requires wealth portfolios to decisively rotate away from US tech-heavy strategies toward Asian markets buoyed by domestic policy, fair valuations and a softening greenback, according to Eastspring Investments’ Vis Nayar. “The reality is that markets have done well, and Asian markets really powered ahead again in January. We’re seeing quite material outperformance from Asia from a […]

The post Eastspring CIO: Wealth portfolios shift to Asia as US tech dominance fades appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

When Shun Wei Ong stepped into his role as head of discretionary portfolio management (DPM) Singapore for Barclays Private Bank in June 2024, his orders were direct.  “The mandate that was given to me was short and crystal clear — to build an investment management hub in Singapore for Barclays Private Bank. It quickly became apparent that the opportunity was […]

The post Barclays pivots to Asia-centric DPM ahead of Singapore booking centre launch appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asian private banks could be stifling the growth of external asset managers (EAMs) in Asia by failing to treat them as proper business partners, Mandeep Nalwa, CEO of Taurus Wealth, told Asian Private Banker. “We need banks to be partners to EAMs, so the rules of the game are the same in Switzerland and Asia. That would allow everyone to […]

The post “We need banks to be partners”: Taurus CEO slams EAM treatment in Asia appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management (J.P. Morgan AM) is accelerating its efforts to capture growing opportunities in Taiwan’s exchange-traded fund (ETF) market, a key pillar of the local government’s ambition to position it as an Asian asset management hub. The US firm has expanded its local ETF lineup with the listing of an actively managed derivative-income ETF which invests in Taiwan […]

The post J.P. Morgan AM accelerates ETF push in Taiwan amid wealth boom appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Krungsri Bank has partnered with global asset manager Invesco, marking the latest in a string of Thai-global tie-ups aimed at capturing growing private wealth. The partnership will aim to enhance Krungsri’s investment advisory and wealth management services by combining its local expertise in the Thai market with Invesco’s global investment experience, according to a recent announcement. Under the agreement, the […]

The post Invesco becomes “preferred partner” for Krungsri’s US$31bn wealth business appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

J.P. Morgan Private Bank has revealed that over 60% of its APAC advisers now regularly use internal AI tools, while client engagement has surged fivefold as the firm pivoted from generic LLMs to deeply embedded, proprietary data workflows. “Whenever I approach something initially, it’s never about technology first. It’s always about: What’s the business problem, opportunity and how to drive […]

The post Rethinking outreach? J.P. Morgan PB sees 5x engagement jump with AI appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Regional investment platform StashAway has expanded its alternative investment offerings with two new solutions for HNW investors. The new strategies aim to bring exposure to private tech companies and diversified hedge fund strategies, according to a statement released today.  The private tech strategy, called ‘The Unicorn Top 20’, tracks a rules-based Morningstar index exposed to late-stage private tech companies such […]

The post StashAway expands alts for HNWs with private tech, hedge funds appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

June Wong’s career trajectory is characterised by bold pivots: she first traded an engineering background for a future in finance, and more recently, bridged the gap between risk management and the front office. To Wong, who is now the APAC head of lending at Deutsche Bank Private Bank, these transitions drilled home the lesson that growth and comfort cannot coexist. […]

The post Deutsche Bank PB’s APAC lending head brings engineering rigour to art financing appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asian Private Banker is proud to unveil our 2026 COO Focus, an annual audit of how the region’s largest wealth managers are recalibrating operations following a year of volatile market shifts and rapid technological adoption. Senior executives and thought leaders contributed to this year’s edition, including: Wiwi Gutmannsbauer, UBS Global Wealth Management; Benoit Douchin, HSBC Global Private Banking; Patrick Dreyfuss, […]

The post COO Focus: How Asia’s top private banks are rewiring the middle office appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Bank of Singapore’s investment advisory unit reported a 40% revenue surge last year, driven by a pivot into AI-themed structured products, gold momentum and a timely bet on Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds. “The first month of this year has been fantastic, and we are also investing a lot into our processes and products. We can see those investments are […]

The post Bank of Singapore investment advisory revenue jumps 40% appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

As US valuations reach “rich” territory, Asian private banking clients are making a tactical rotation back to China. With US$7 trillion in mainland time deposits set to expire this year, wealth managers are bracing for a wall of liquidity that could cement China’s “new economy” as the primary performance engine for regional portfolios, asset managers told Asian Private Banker. “2025 […]

The post China’s “new economy” draws wealth clients away from US tech appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The Asian Private Banker team was on the ground in Bangkok last week, speaking with local and international private banking leaders to understand how the Thai wealth market is evolving. Several clear trends are emerging as banks respond to changing client behaviour, regulatory shifts, and a growing appetite for global diversification. The bottom line: Thailand’s private banking market is at […]

The post Bottom Line: Hello Bangkok! 10 trends shaping Thailand’s private banking market appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

In the early hours of the morning in Hong Kong, a wealth adviser found himself handling an unusual request from several clients — not about portfolio allocations or investment opportunities, but about arranging private jets out of the Middle East. The episode reflects a broader shift quietly unfolding as rising geopolitical tensions prompt wealthy Asians to reassess where their assets […]

The post Send the private jet — Asia’s rich weigh Dubai exit as regional risks mount appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

On any given day, Bryan Goh finds himself having to strike a delicate balance. This careful balance, said the CEO and CIO of Singapore’s Tsao Family Office, lies between creating value for the benefit of the firm and its beneficiaries and deciding when to forgo income-generating opportunities because those investments are simply too unsustainable and decidedly harmful to the planet. […]

The post “It can be tempting”: Tsao Family Office on returns vs impact appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

As private-market AUM continues to outpace traditional strategies, a structural migration is unfolding: Asia’s top-tier wealth talent is abandoning global firms for the leadership roles and autonomy offered by alternative boutiques. In addition to last month’s private-market-related moves, Andrew Bird was appointed head of Global Wealth Management Australia at UBS, succeeding Michael Marr. Former HSBC Private Bank market head for […]

The post Movers & Shakers: Private bankers eye boutique firms for big jobs appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Divorce, widowhood and business exits are transition points where control of wealth shifts, and client loyalty is tested. As more women inherit and create wealth, private banks face a simple challenge: listen better or risk losing assets. “It’s really important to listen,” said Gillian Gordon, head of alternative investments & responsible investing at JBWere, a private bank owned by Melbourne-based National […]

The post IWD 2026 — The moment women decide which advisors stay  appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Barclays has named a permanent head for its private banking business in India, signalling a reinforced commitment to one of its most vital global hubs.  The London-headquartered bank named Adrish Ghosh as head of private bank for India, according to a statement on Thursday. Ghosh, who has been steering the division in an interim capacity since August, previously served as […]

The post Barclays names India private banking head appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

China’s art market stabilised in 2025, showing resilience even as a protracted real estate downturn and cooling consumer confidence weighed on the world’s second-largest economy, according to the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2026 released on Thursday.  While a recovery in domestic-led mainland auctions offset a contraction in the more internationally exposed Hong Kong hub, the region’s […]

The post UBS: China retains third spot in art market as US dominance grows appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Ultra high net worth (UHNW) clients are increasingly seeking to tap everything from luxury assets to superyachts to unlock extra liquidity amid uncertain markets, as demand for strategic lending starts to rival that of traditional margin loans. In response, private banks are poaching from investment banking benches for rare talent with specialised lending experience to meet demand. Asian Private Banker […]

The post Private banks build “weapons-grade” lending platforms to meet surging UHNW demand appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A former head of wealth management at CIMB Thai Bank has joined DBS Bank Thailand.  Thiyachai Chong has been appointed as head of wealth management (private banking & affluent) at DBS Vickers Thailand, Asian Private Banker has learnt. A DBS spokesperson has confirmed the appointment with APB. Chong was formerly the head of wealth management & preferred banking, executive vice […]

The post Ex-CIMB Thai Bank wealth head joins DBS Thailand appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

When Grizelda Lee looks back on her almost 20-year career so far and pinpoints one pivotal moment that boosted her growth and development as a female professional in the private banking space, she chalks it up to a manager simply believing in her abilities and giving her a chance to prove herself. “A senior male manager offered me opportunities that […]

The post IWD 2026 — “If you can see her, you can be her”: Bank of Singapore’s Grizelda Lee on the power of self-belief appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Family office Lioner International Group has appointed a BNP Paribas veteran as a group strategic advisor. Brian Kenyon has been appointed as group strategic advisor for Lioner, the family office announced in a statement on Wednesday. In his new role, Kenyon will build the firm’s trust capabilities, drive growth, and enhance client services. Kenyon will also provide strategic insights on […]

The post Retired BNP Paribas WM wealth planning head joins family office appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The head of funds at DBS Private Bank has left the bank after a nearly nine-year tenure, Asian Private Banker has learnt. John Ng recently departed the Singapore-headquartered lender. Ng is currently on ‘gardening leave’ and will be joining another financial institution later this year, sources familiar with the matter told APB. A spokesperson for DBS confirmed Ng’s resignation to […]

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For Evonne Tan, head of Barclays Private Bank in Singapore, the trajectory to senior leadership didn’t follow the loud, aggressive path often depicted in financial lore.  Instead, it was defined by what she calls being a “quiet observer” — a trait developed as a child watching her elder siblings’ lessons and her mother’s meticulous discipline. Today, that observation has translated […]

The post IWD 2026 — Strict values, liberal choice: Evonne Tan’s non-linear path to the top appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Two Hong Kong-based bankers have recently departed Citi Private Bank, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Charles Sit, director and a banker for ultra high net worth clients, and Lai Fai Yeung, a senior private banker, have left the US bank, sources familiar with the matter told APB. Citi Private Bank confirmed the departures of Sit and Lai to APB. Hong […]

The post Two bankers depart Citi Private Bank in Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

As women come to control a growing share of Australia’s private wealth, Morgan Stanley’s Rebecca Hill said the industry must rebuild its pipeline of female advisors – a shift that will take years to reach senior ranks. As Australia’s wealth industry turns its attention to women as clients and creators of capital, one question lingers: why is the country’s private […]

The post IWD 2026 — “Private banking side is lagging”: Morgan Stanley Australia wealth head on gender gap  appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

China’s Haitong International Securities (Haitong International) is aiming to capitalise on the growing trend of Chinese companies ‘going global’ by collaborating with a Singapore-based single-family office. Haitong International, one of the international arms of Guotai Haitong Securities, signed a strategic partnership with Shaw Investment APAC to support Chinese enterprises seeking overseas expansion, compliant outbound capital deployment and access to international […]

The post Haitong secures US$3bn Singapore family office partner for China enterprise push appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The chief investment officer (CIO) for Asia at HSBC Private Bank and Premier Wealth has left the bank after nearly a decade of service, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Cheuk Wan Fan has departed the UK lender. Her registration with HSBC ended on 27 February 2026, according to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority records. A spokesperson for HSBC confirmed to […]

The post Asia CIO departs HSBC Private Bank and Premier Wealth appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Bank of Singapore has revamped its compensation framework for relationship managers (RMs), aiming to give bankers greater certainty and transparency over bonuses as competition for talent in Asia’s private banking industry intensifies, Asian Private Banker can reveal. The Singapore-based bank has introduced a new compensation structure tied directly to the profit contribution each RM generates, sources familiar with the matter told […]

The post Bank of Singapore introduces new RM pay model appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

While the standard wealth narrative often begins in a boardroom or with a sudden windfall, Yan Ping Wu’s realisation of capital’s power was far more visceral. For Wu, it arrived at the age of 18 in a Hong Kong storefront, shortly after her family emigrated from mainland China in 1981. “I remember the storekeeper looked at me up and down […]

The post IWD 2026 — “Don’t touch if you don’t buy”: A Julius Baer client’s wealth journey appeared first on Asian Private Banker.