There’s no better way to start the year with a bang than by shining light on the private banks and independent wealth managers who truly made a difference in 2025. Yes, this is about the Asian Private Banker Awards for Distinction programme.

The APB editorial team reviewed more than 220 submissions and clocked over 110 hours of pitch meetings. By the time the final decisions were made last December, there was a genuine sense of satisfaction and joy in looking at the results. Kicking off 2026 by congratulating the winners and highly commended firms felt like the right way to start the year.

You would have seen the results roll out last week, but here’s a quick recap. UBS once again claimed best private bank, recognised for its strong all-round performance and leadership across the region. UBP was named best boutique private bank, reflecting robust AUM and net new money growth across key markets in North and Southeast Asia.

Julius Baer was again recognised as the best pure play private bank, supported by solid business performance and innovation beyond Singapore and Hong Kong. Jimmy Lee was named private banker of the year, a testament to his experience and steady leadership through multiple market cycles, particularly during a challenging 2025.

HSBC Private Bank received highly commended private bank, the first time this top category has included a commendation, underscoring just how strong the competition was. And this is just scratching the surface. There is so much to share about every winner. For the full list, see here.

So once again, congratulations to everyone, and thank you to all who participated. Whether in person or virtually, meeting teams and hearing your business highlights remains a personal highlight for us – a chance to learn, connect, and simply say hello, something that still matters in an increasingly digital world.

Looking ahead, what’s in store for APB in 2026?

On the editorial front, we want our reporting to remain useful. Sharp. Occasionally uncomfortable. Always honest. Expect more exclusive interviews with top private wealth executives on the issues that matter most, country-specific insights, sharper coverage of key people moves, AUM league tables, and in-depth special reports. And of course, our lighter but highly anticipated features will be back, from CNY red packets to the best offices and top private bankers. Who knows – we may even have something new up our sleeve this year. Behind it all, our newsroom is only getting bigger (yes, we’re hiring).

On the events side, APB will be engaging the private wealth community every month, well beyond Hong Kong and Singapore. Expect to see us in places like Bangkok, China, and Taiwan as well. The events calendar can be found here.

On the awards front, we’re gearing up for the China Wealth Awards, spotlighting firms and individuals delivering high-impact solutions for China’s high net worth clients. Shortly after, we’ll launch the Asian Private Banker Technology Awards, before the cycle begins again with our asset management and private banking awards.

2026 is already shaping up to be a busy and exciting year for private wealth in Asia – and for APB. As the industry evolves, our focus remains clear: telling the stories that matter, recognising excellence, and staying closely connected to the community we serve.

Here’s to a bigger, bolder and fun 2026!

Until next time,