Having just celebrated 25 years at J.P. Morgan, Paul Thompson, who hailed from the West, has firmly planted his roots in Asia – first in Hong Kong and now in Singapore.

The Canadian moved to Hong Kong in 2008, amid the financial crisis, to lead initiatives in Asia business strategy and the Private Bank Asia financial sponsor team. Reflecting on his early days as a newcomer private banker, Thompson recalled, “I had zero connections and only a J.P. Morgan business card to open doors.” That journey laid the foundation for refining his relationship management skills.

His proven track record led him to become head of investments for the Hong Kong and the Philippines markets, and in 2021, he officially took on the role of head of the Hong Kong and Philippines markets.

What distinguishes Thompson is his commitment to relocating to Singapore in 2023 with his family, during a time of changes within the bank.

Just over two years into his new role, Thompson has successfully guided the US private bank through a smooth transition, further solidifying J.P. Morgan Private Bank as a leading private bank in Southeast Asia by setting a clear strategic direction and driving performance across the region.

He said: “These experiences have deepened my commitment to continuous learning, cross-cultural leadership, and delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.”

Working in one of the world’s largest organisations, Thompson is continually inspired by seeing his colleagues excel in their careers. “I understand how transformative these milestones are for advisors building their careers at J.P. Morgan, and I take great satisfaction in supporting and celebrating their success,” he said.

Though not your typical boxer, Thompson dedicates significant time to boxing, with 17 years of experience, including two white-collar fights. “I have developed enduring relationships with my trainers and learned invaluable insights from their diverse backgrounds. Training alongside fighters from Hong Kong and Singapore has broadened my perspective on leadership, culture, and adaptability,” he shared.

In boxing, the concept of “deep water” refers to the moment when you are utterly exhausted and must find a way to survive. To Thompson, enduring those critical moments has sharpened his stress-management skills, enabling him to remain composed under pressure and deliver his best work in times of crisis.

He holds a B.A. from LaSalle University with a concentration in marketing.