Q1: How did the business perform in 2025, and what drove its growth over the past year? How has the cost-income ratio trended this year, and what were the key factors influencing it? Looking ahead, what are your main priorities and strategic plans for 2026?

In 2025, EFG Asia delivered resilient performance, achieving robust asset growth and deepening client relationships across core markets. Growth was driven by strong net new asset inflows – particularly from entrepreneurial and next-generation clients – alongside ongoing expansion in Greater China and Southeast Asia. Our client-centric approach and innovative investment solutions enabled us to capture opportunities amid continued market volatility.

Our cost-income ratio improved significantly, reflecting disciplined cost management and targeted investments in technology and talent. The ratio benefited from the ongoing automation of operational processes and prudent expense controls, even as we navigated a dynamic market environment.

Looking ahead to 2026, our main priorities are to further elevate the client experience through personalised advisory, accelerate our digital transformation journey, and strengthen our presence in key growth markets. We remain committed to sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and upholding the highest standards of client service.

Q2: Looking at the investment outlook for 2026, which markets and asset classes are you prioritising for client portfolios to capture opportunities while managing risks? How are clients currently allocating their portfolios, and what trends are you seeing in DPM adoption and investment behaviour?

For 2026, we will be prioritising a balanced and diversified approach to client portfolios. We see selective opportunities in Asia’s developed markets, including Hong Kong and Mainland China, while emerging markets with resilient domestic demand and strong consumer spending also present attractive investment prospects. 

Thematic investments, particularly in AI-related areas, manufacturing, healthcare, and domestic services, are expected to gain prominence. US equities and high-quality fixed income funds continue to attract interest. Alternative investments, including private markets and hedge funds, are also gaining traction as clients seek products with low correlation to broader markets and the potential for sustainable long-term returns.

There is a notable increase in the adoption of discretionary portfolio management (DPM) solutions, as clients recognise the value of professional oversight in navigating complex investment landscapes. We are seeing a clear trend towards strategic asset allocation, with clients seeking balanced portfolios to support long-term capital growth. Risk management remains a key focus, and we are committed to providing tailored strategies to help clients navigate ongoing market uncertainties.

Q3: With artificial intelligence increasingly shaping the wealth industry, how has the firm leveraged technology and AI to transform processes and enhance value for both clients and the back office? What key technology upgrades were introduced in 2025, and what are your digital priorities for 2026 and beyond?

At EFG, we see the opportunity of AI to enhance our wealth management offerings, client experience, and increase productivity.

Technology is a key enabler of business growth and an essential factor in ensuring the bank’s operational resilience. EFG plans to increase its investment in technology over the next strategic cycle (2026-2028) with the aim of supporting the “augmentation” of EFG’s CROs, standardising and streamlining processes end-to-end across all regions, and increasing automation and digitalisation through AI-driven solutions.

Q4: With regulatory scrutiny and compliance requirements intensifying across the wealth industry, what updates can you share on how your firm is strengthening governance and compliance frameworks? How are you proactively managing risks while ensuring a seamless experience for clients?

EFG is concluding its 2023-2025 strategic cycle with a strong track record of delivering sustainable and profitable growth. This growth was translated into increasing profitability and attractive returns for shareholders. At the same time, EFG has transformed its business, maintained a low risk profile and further de-risked its balance sheet.

Effective risk management is both a regulatory expectation and a cornerstone of client trust. We continue to invest in the right people and technology to support EFG’s growth whilst maintaining high compliance and governance standards.

One of our key focus areas is supporting CROs with powerful investment management and risk analytic solutions so that they can more efficiently bring the best of the bank’s investment universe to our clients. This approach extends beyond the front office; back-office teams are supported with increased automation to reduce repetitive tasks and unlock their expertise.

Q5: The private banking industry saw a plethora of leadership and structural changes in 2025. Looking into 2026, what are your key priorities for attracting and retaining talent across the front, middle, and back office? Are there plans for new hires in key markets?

The dynamic landscape of 2025 underscored the importance of talent as a key differentiator. At EFG Asia, our priorities for 2026 include investing in continuous learning and development, fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture, and offering clear career progression across all functions. Asia will remain a region with substantial growth –by 2030, one third of the global wealth is expected to originate from APAC.

We remain focused on attracting and retaining top talent not only in client-facing roles but also in technology, risk, and compliance. Over the past year, EFG successfully executed its strategic plan, driving business growth. Our talent acquisition strategy has been particularly effective and has played a pivotal role in attracting net new assets. It will remain central to our strategy in 2026.

Looking ahead, we plan to selectively hire in strategic markets where we see strong growth potential and evolving client needs. Our ongoing commitment is to empower our people to deliver exceptional value to clients and to drive the future success of our business.