Bank of Singapore is dismantling traditional asset silos in favour of a “whole portfolio approach” (WPA) adapted from institutional frameworks. The strategy treats client portfolios as unified ecosystems, evaluating trades by net impact on total risk rather than performance within individual asset classes. The move comes as macroeconomic shifts and AI disruption challenge traditional assumptions about portfolio construction. Underlining the […]

The post Bank of Singapore breaks asset-class silos with new “whole portfolio” approach appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

External asset managers (EAM) are discovering that small-scale economics are severely choking their ability to adopt the game-changing AI capabilities needed to survive in Asia’s harsh EAM market. Three-quarters of EAMs in Singapore and Hong Kong manage less than US$1 billion in assets and are struggling with compressed fees alongside rising talent, technology, and compliance costs, according to a recent […]

The post Can Asia’s sub-US$1bn EAMs afford the AI revolution? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer has made a few senior hires in Hong Kong across its relationship management and financial intermediaries businesses, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Based in Hong Kong, Kelly Ho has joined Julius Baer as a senior relationship manager in the Southeast Asia team, reporting to Agatha Chan, group head for Southeast Asia, according to sources familiar with the matter. […]

The post Julius Baer boosts Hong Kong bench with rival bank hires appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

While hiring remained muted after an intensified talent war in the Greater China market in May, two major private banks restructured their leadership benches in June to position themselves for growth in Asia. Movers in June Elsewhere, RBC Wealth Management continued its hiring spree with the appointment of former China Construction Bank (Asia) deputy general manager and deputy head of […]

The post Movers & Shakers: Hiring cools as UBS, UOB reshape leadership benches appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Morgan Stanley is expanding its efforts to engage the next generation of wealthy families in Asia, hosting a week-long programme in Hong Kong as private banks seek to strengthen relationships with future wealth owners ahead of the region’s expected intergenerational wealth transfer. The initiative, in partnership with the University of Hong Kong, comes as banks across the region increasingly compete […]

The post Morgan Stanley courts Asia’s heirs ahead of US$5.8tn wealth transfer appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

J.P. Morgan Private Bank (J.P. Morgan PB) has hired an industry veteran with a strong background in FX advisory, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Based in Hong Kong, Edward Lam has joined the US bank, sources told APB. Lam’s license with J. P. Morgan PB on the HKMA website took effect this week. J. P. Morgan PB confirmed Lam’s appointment […]

The post J.P. Morgan PB hires ex-Deutsche Bank PB FX advisory head appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

RBC Wealth Management (RBC WM) Asia has appointed a financial intermediaries expert from UBS, continuing a string of hires in the region. Based in Singapore, Thomas Jost has joined RBC WM Asia as head of the financial intermediaries desk, the bank said on Tuesday. Jost has over two decades of industry experience in financial intermediary services. He was most recently […]

The post RBC WM hires ex-UBS banker to lead financial intermediaries desk appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

HSBC has appointed a veteran banker from its corporate and institutional banking unit to lead wealth platforms. Based in London, Nick Elias has been appointed as head of wealth platforms, wealth and premier solutions, effective 15 August 2026, according to a recent statement. Elias will report to Singapore-based Lavanya Chari, head of wealth and premier solutions, HSBC. Elias is currently the […]

The post HSBC appoints wealth platforms head to accelerate AI build out appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Barclays Private Bank has made a senior appointment to strengthen its coverage of the global Indian community. Based in Singapore, Nikhil Jha joined the UK bank as head of Non-Resident Indian (NRI), according to a statement. Jha will lead the continued build out of Barclay’s NRI franchise and also become a member of the private bank’s Singapore management committee. “Singapore […]

The post Barclays PB nets Bank of Singapore banker for NRI head role appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

William Fok, country head of HSBC Private Bank in Thailand, is making no secret of his ambitions: he wants to turn the British banking giant into the country’s dominant private bank, and he is restructuring the local business to do it. Just five months into the role, Fok is already shifting the bank’s lean Bangkok operation into growth mode. To […]

The post HSBC Private Bank plans to scale in Thailand—but how? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

With the first half of 2026 now behind us, a review of Asian Private Banker’s most-read feature stories over the past six months highlights what has captured readers’ attention. The results point to a few clear themes shaping interest across the industry. At a high level, the most read stories span senior executive interviews, regulatory developments, cost and fee pressures, […]

The post Bottom Line: What readers clicked on H1 2026 appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Islamic wealth management is increasingly attracting investors beyond the traditional Muslim client base, according to Maybank Private’s Alice Tan. While Islamic finance has long been associated with religious compliance, investors are increasingly recognising its broader investment philosophy, which emphasises real economic activity, stewardship and responsible long-term wealth creation and preservation, Tan, the bank’s head of wealth planning, said. “Our starting […]

The post Maybank Private’s Shariah fund draws over 70% non-Muslim inflows in Singapore appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

With artificial intelligence-driven enthusiasm creating potential concentration risks, BNP Paribas Wealth Management (BNP Paribas WM) is leveraging an advisory model to steer onshore clients to long-term portfolio diversification. The bank’s onshore Taiwan business has achieved double-digit revenue growth every year, according to Che-Kun Hsu, head of wealth management for Taiwan at BNP Paribas WM. “Looking ahead, we aim to maintain […]

The post Concentration risks drive BNP Paribas WM’s advisory push in Taiwan appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Spotlighting energy infrastructure as its highest-conviction theme, DBS Private Bank is advising ultra high net worth (UHNW) clients to utilise private funds to capture the structural electricity boom driven by artificial intelligence. The bank is encouraging its UHNW clients to adopt a portfolio construction model similar to that of large institutional investors, where alternative assets account for a significantly larger […]

The post DBS CIO picks energy infra as high conviction for UHNW portfolios appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

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The post Deutsche Bank exits onshore India private banking in Kotak Mahindra deal appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

When Tucker York first started as a private wealth advisor four decades ago, the firm’s average account size was nearly US$5 million. Today at Goldman Sachs, that figure wouldn’t even get you through the front door. Driven by global wealth creation, the veteran has seen average account sizes rise to about US$90 million. But he says the bigger change is […]

The post Goldman’s Tucker York on AI, talent crunch and high bonuses appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

China’s tax authorities are increasingly utilising Common Reporting Standard (CRS) disclosures to review the offshore wealth structures of mainland UHNW individuals, prompting greater scrutiny among families who have traditionally viewed trusts as “set-and-forget” vehicles. Clifford Ng, managing partner at Zhong Lun Law Firm in Hong Kong, told Asian Private Banker recently that tax rules and their enforcement can change quickly, […]

The post China tax shift: Offshore trusts face reality check as CRS disclosures bite appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

HSBC Private Bank (HSBC PB) has hired a former senior market head at DBS Private Bank to strengthen its Taiwan coverage, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Based in Hong Kong, Gloria Sun will join HSBC PB as market head of offshore Taiwan, reporting to Kanas Chan, head of private banking for North Asia and Hong Kong, effective 13 July 2026, […]

The post HSBC PB taps ex-DBS private banker to strengthen Taiwan push appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

One of Thailand’s largest lenders has made a senior appointment to its private banking business, Asian Private Banker has learnt.  Jaturont Usahacharoenporn recently took up the role of head of private bankers at Bangkok Bank, responsible for private banking relationship management. Bangkok Bank has been contacted for comment. Usahacharoenporn has over two decades of experience in the financial industry. He […]

The post Bangkok Bank appoints private banking relationship management head appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A veteran UBS executive has retired from a senior leadership role in Asia after a long-standing career with the Swiss bank, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Singapore-based Dino Rinaldi, who co-led the APAC wealth management integration of Credit Suisse and UBS, has stepped down from the firm, sources told APB. UBS has been contacted for comment. With more than three decades of […]

The post UBS veteran Dino Rinaldi retires after decades-long career appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asian Private Banker’s second annual China Global Wealth Summit, held in Hong Kong last week, brought together around over 450 delegates from leading Chinese wealth management firms, banks, global private banks, asset managers and family offices to discuss the internationalisation of Chinese wealth and the evolving needs of global Chinese investors.  Across a day of panel discussions and fireside chats, […]

The post Bottom Line: China Global Wealth Summit — diversify, de-risk, go global appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A senior executive is set to leave UBS Global Wealth Management (UBS GWM) in Singapore amid a broader leadership reshuffle, Asian Private Banker has learned. Dominique Boer, head of private wealth Singapore and Australia International, will depart the bank, according to sources familiar with the matter. UBS GWM confirmed Boer’s departure to APB. Sources said Boer is expected to join […]

The post Senior UBS GWM executive Dominique Boer to exit Singapore role appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Standard Chartered’s private banking arm has backed Wall Street’s new “MANGOS” tech trade, ramping up its allocation to 23% of its global tech portfolio. However, Deutsche Bank Private Bank is urging caution, warning that the acronym — which introduces unlisted heavyweights like Anthropic and OpenAI — should be treated as an analytical lens rather than a formal allocation bucket. MANGOS […]

The post StanChart, Deutsche Bank CIOs split on MANGOS tech trade appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

BNP Paribas Wealth Management is tying its artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions directly to the bottom line, using a newly established Singapore hub to squeeze out “operational alpha” and lower the cost to serve the region’s wealthiest clients. Driven by a need to streamline complex onboarding, the bank is tracking strict operational metrics — including error rates and manual step reduction […]

The post BNP Paribas WM targets “operational alpha” as Singapore AI hub goes live appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Chinese high net worth (HNW) clients are prioritising liquidity preservation and a traditional 60/40 balanced portfolio over chasing tech-sector momentum. According to Asian Private Banker’s China Global Wealth Survey Summit 2026, conducted during the summit in Hong Kong, nearly half of wealth managers identify liquidity as the primary driver for portfolio shifts, with more than half favouring a balanced approach […]

The post Liquidity and 60/40 split shape Chinese HNW portfolios, APB survey finds appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Nomura International Wealth Management (Nomura IWM) is betting that its small scale will allow it to outmanoeuvre global mega-banks, targeting underserved families in the US$15-20 million bracket with bespoke solutions and an increasingly rare in-house trust entity. “Our wealth business continues to be strong – if not stronger – in the last many months,” Anurag Mahesh, head of coverage for […]

The post Nomura IWM targets US$20mn wealth segment with bespoke wealth play appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Hong Kong private bankers are streamlining client interactions, and rescheduling some mainland marketing events as compliance teams refine internal practices in response to Beijing’s closer scrutiny of cross-border capital flows. Following China’s recent US$330 million in cumulative fines against three online brokerages for unauthorised offshore trading, Hong Kong regulators have tightened oversight, requiring banks and brokers to enhance scrutiny of […]

The post Hong Kong wealth managers adapt as cross-border rules change appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Singapore’s drive to shorten private bank onboarding timelines is lifting the role of AI and automation while reinforcing demand for experienced KYC and compliance talent.  The move follows new guidelines from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Private Banking Industry Group (PBIG) aimed at eliminating redundant vetting protocols. MAS managing director Chia Der Jiun said in a speech […]

The post Singapore’s four-week onboarding push puts AI and KYC hiring in focus appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Private banking relationship managers (RMs) in Asia are overseeing larger books than at any point on record, reflecting a structural shift in how wealth management businesses are being run. In 2025, average assets under management (AUM) per RM reached a record US$473 million, with books growing by an average of US$62 million, or 15% – the fastest rate in five […]

The post Average private banking book size grew by US$62m in 2025 appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Cathay United Bank’s offshore private banking unit is exploring opportunities for closed-end structures to expand its product shelf for the second half of 2026, according to Hyde Sun, section head of private banking investment consultant for the lender’s Hong Kong branch.  The move targets wealthy clients willing to lock up capital and endure the “J-curve” – the typical early period […]

The post Cathay United Bank eyes closed-end funds for offshore clients appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

India is facing a version of the same tension seen in other Asian markets, but expressed through a different stage of capital market development and regulatory design. For years, the idea in India was simple: as the economy opened up and grew, it was normal for wealthy individuals and companies to move money abroad. It was seen as part of […]

The post Bottom Line: India joins the clampdown on overseas money flows appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

As the next phase of the AI cycle broadens beyond the familiar mega-cap names into infrastructure, energy and natural resources, Citi Wealth believes returns are more likely to be driven by savvy allocation decisions than by broad market beta. “The ‘Goldilocks’ phase is increasingly fragile. With sticky inflation, limited rate-cut flexibility and elevated fiscal pressures, we expect a more volatile […]

The post Citi Wealth sees allocation-driven returns in the next phase of AI cycle appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Private banks are expanding their platforms for trading physical gold, driven by growing demand from private wealth clients. Meanwhile, Singapore looks to position itself as a precious metals hub. Last week, DBS Bank announced it would allow clients to trade tokenised gold backed by physical bullion on its platform, while Bank of Singapore said it was introducing the option for […]

The post Gold rush 2.0? Private banks double down on bullion as Singapore builds hub appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

RBC Wealth Management (RBC WM) has made a raft of senior hires from rival banks to strengthen its Hong Kong team. Amanda Yeung has been appointed as a managing director and team head, according to a statement on Thursday. Yeung has over 25 years of wealth management experience. She joins RBC WM from China Construction Bank (Asia), where she was […]

The post RBC WM boosts Hong Kong bench with senior hires from rivals appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Cathay United Bank(CUB) has made a senior appointment to strengthen its private banking team in Hong Kong, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Maggie Lau recently joined the bank’s Hong Kong Branch as head of sales for private banking. Her licence with the bank, registered on the HKMA website, took effect in late April. CUB has been contacted for comment. Lau has more […]

The post Cathay United Bank hires ex-Credit Suisse banker in Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A surge in Taiwanese private wealth, driven by AI-driven equity market gains and a push to repatriate offshore wealth, is triggering a fiercely competitive talent war for rare top private banking talent. This talent crunch, coupled with the growth in onshore-booked capital, is also narrowing the gap between onshore Taiwan and traditional wealth management hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore […]

The post Private banks in Taiwan race for RM talent as onshore wealth swells appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The growth of multi-jurisdiction family offices is complicating wealth planning matters for Asia’s ultra high net worth families, exposing them to heightened risk, ranging from matrimonial laws to migration to tax, and could ultimately threaten the stability of the family unit if not tackled head-on. “As families become more global, the jurisdictions that they have connections with become more diversified. […]

The post Global ambitions demand better governance, says DBS PB appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

UOB Private Bank (UOB PB) has hired a former senior executive from Bank of Singapore to strengthen its talent bench. Based in Singapore, Dennis Hong will join UOB PB as a regional market head for Greater China and North Asia, effective September 2026. He will report to Chew Mun Yew, head of UOB Private Bank, according to a statement on Monday. In his […]

The post UOB Private Bank hires former BoS exec as regional market head appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Standard Chartered Private Bank is expanding its ultra high net worth (UHNW) platform, with Greater China relationship manager (RM) headcount on track to rise by 25% to 30% this year. Peter Tung told Asian Private Banker that a counter-cyclical hiring strategy initiated during the 2022 market downturn has helped the bank attract talent from rival institutions as it seeks to […]

The post StanChart PB’s Peter Tung on track for 30% RM headcount growth appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

While Southeast Asia’s emerging wealth markets have historically been driven by transactional brokerage and advisory trading, a structural shift is underway. According to Abhishek Mehrotra, HSBC Private Bank’s market head of Southeast Asia international, younger wealth generators across Thailand and the Philippines are pivoting toward discretionary mandates and alternative investments – fundamentally altering how international lenders scale their operations in […]

The post HSBC PB targets ASEAN growth with discretionary mandates appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

For years, the assumption was simple. The easier it was to move money across borders, the more wealth a financial centre would attract. That equation is starting to change. China is the clearest example. Its private banking sector is still expanding rapidly, with record assets and rising numbers of wealthy clients, according to Asian Private Banker’s latest China AUM League […]

The post Bottom Line: Cross-border wealth just got complicated — or just better controlled? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Lengthy client onboarding processes in Singapore are inadvertently giving private banks an edge in retaining top relationship managers (RMs), as compliance-driven delays slow the transfer of client books to external asset managers (EAMs), according to Michel Keiser, CEO of Marcuard Heritage Singapore. As onboarding timelines stretch from weeks to months due to source-of-wealth (SOW) and enhanced due diligence checks, clients […]

The post Singapore’s compliance jam is helping private banks retain top RMs – US$5.5bn EAM CEO appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Despite years of liberalisation and market hype, a significant portion of Thai wealth remains stubbornly localised. The latest Asian Private Banker Thailand Global Wealth Summit Survey reveals that nearly 30% of Thai high net worth (HNW) portfolios still carry 10% or less offshore exposure. This local concentration gives global private banks a prime runway to target these clients directly via […]

The post Are Thai HNWIs slow to go offshore? APB survey finds appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Bank of Singapore has expanded the remit of its chief investment officer (CIO) amid a broader change to its leadership structure, Asian Private Banker has learnt. In addition to her current responsibilities as global CIO, Jean Chia will assume the interim role of global head of investment & wealth solutions, a new pillar that integrates the bank’s investment solutions group with […]

The post Bank of Singapore expands CIO’s role amid leadership restructure appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The private banking industry is quietly retiring one of its favourite marketing buzzwords. Conceding that the phrase “semi-liquid” anchors clients in a false sense of daily liquidity, private banks are slowly phasing the term out of their vocabulary and instead shifting toward a language of “intellectual honesty,” thereby forcing transparent, mandatory conversations about illiquidity, suitability and long-term investing. “The volume […]

The post The term “semi-liquid” is now used less often, private banks say appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Bank of Singapore has relocated a veteran banker from Singapore to Dubai to drive the bank’s business in the Middle East. Effective 1 July 2026, Lim Leong Guan (林良源) will assume the role of head of private banking for the Middle East, South Asia & international. Based in Dubai, he will also be chief executive of the Dubai International Financial […]

The post Bank of Singapore appoints private banking head for Middle East, South Asia & int’l appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Boutique financial services firm Klay Group has appointed a wealth planning expert from EFG.  Based in Singapore, Rohit Ganguli has been appointed as group head of wealth planning, according to a statement released today.  Ganguli will work closely with ultra high net worth individuals and families to deliver tailor-made wealth planning solutions across succession planning, family governance, tax, insurance, pensions […]

The post Ex-EFG Asia head of wealth planning joins Klay Group  appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Today’s US$5 million client could be tomorrow’s US$50 million client, and that simple idea is driving a strategic shift at UBS. While ultra high net worth (UHNW) clients continue to anchor asset growth, UBS sees its next phase of expansion in better capturing and scaling engagement within the broader high net worth (HNW) universe. At UBS, HNW clients are defined […]

The post UBS targets Asia HNW growth with Adeline Chien at the helm appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A senior executive at Bank of Singapore is set to leave the lender, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Singapore-based Dennis Hong, a market group head at the bank, is departing, sources told APB. Bank of Singapore confirmed Hong’s resignation. APB has been unable to determine Hong’s next career move. Hong has more than 15 years of experience in the financial industry. He […]

The post Bank of Singapore loses Asia Pacific market group head appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

HSBC Private Bank has launched HSBC Access, a new offering aimed at ultra high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) and family offices, giving eligible clients access to selected venture capital funds, private market opportunities and technology investments sourced across the bank. The platform combines investment opportunities, market insights and networking events focused on technology and innovation sectors. For the first time, […]

The post HSBC Private Bank brings innovation banking deal flow to wealthy clients appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Mainland China’s private banking sector has scaled an unprecedented new peak, with aggregate assets under management (AUM) for the top 20 players climbing 13% year-on-year to reach RMB 29.7 trillion (US$4.4 trillion) in 2025. According to Asian Private Banker’s latest China League Tables, this asset surge coincides with a historic expansion of the country’s high net worth (HNW) demographic, which […]

The post China 2025 AUM League Tables: Top 20 hit US$4.4tn as HNW client count crosses 2mn appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

BNP Paribas Wealth Management (BNP Paribas WM) has hired from UBS to strengthen its advisory capabilities in Taiwan, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Based in Taipei, Hiko Lee has been appointed as head of investment counselling for Taiwan, effective 8 June 2026, according to an internal memo seen by APB. Lee will be responsible for developing and implementing the bank’s […]

The post BNP Paribas WM hires UBS talent for Taiwan push appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Another week, another sign that the economics of wealth management are under strain. This time, we take a look at fee compression and the uncomfortable reality it is creating. Fee pressure on external asset managers in Asia is no longer a short-term issue. It is becoming a long-term shift in how the industry makes money. On the surface, nothing looks […]

The post Bottom Line: Costs or fees? The margin problem no one can ignore appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Bank of Singapore’s Yazid Mahadi is ramping up the development of the bank’s hedge fund shelf under his expanded mandate for the business unit, he told Asian Private Banker. The bank’s increased focus on hedge funds comes amid potential tailwinds. The asset class struggled in recent years to add value in a market dominated by an easy beta rally, but […]

The post Bank of Singapore expands hedge fund shelf as selector sees turning point appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

RBC Wealth Management is tapping rising demand for complex cross-border wealth planning, supported by its bank-owned trust infrastructure, as it expands in Asia’s wealth market. The Canadian wealth manager was among the most active hirers in Asia in 2025, with higher RM headcount and redesigned team structures that place greater accountability on team leaders. “If we drill down to wealth, […]

The post RBC WM grows RM ranks in Asia — scale or shift to advice-led banking? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

In a bold departure from its previous focus on South and Southeast Asia, Liechtenstein pure-play LGT raided Chinese securities firm China Merchants Bank International (CMBI) for a team of private wealth professionals in Hong Kong last month. The move underscores an intensifying Asian talent war, in which global firms are increasingly hunting within Chinese institutions to secure critical onshore experience. […]

The post Movers & Shakers: LGT’s CMBI raid signals intensifying battle for Greater China talent appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Structured products have gained significant momentum among Asia’s wealthy, fuelled by industry automation that enables relationship managers and clients to trade flow products more seamlessly alongside increased client education. Demand has risen sharply over the past few years as investors navigated a difficult fixed-income market and aggressive interest rate hikes. While fixed-income notes remain highly popular for locking in yields, […]

The post Arta Finance undercuts private banks with low-fee structured products appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A massive intergenerational wealth transfer in China is fundamentally altering the wealth-planning landscape, as globally educated, next-gen heirs increasingly bypass traditional family generalists in favour of institutional-grade, specialised advisors, according to Union Bancaire Privée (UBP). Previously, Chinese clients were guarded, often gathering fragmented information from different sources for wealth planning in the past, observed Nelson Hon, senior wealth planner for North […]

The post China’s next-gen heirs driving shift to specialised advisors, says UBP appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

As international wealth giants race to capture Thailand’s fast-expanding wealth market, a critical bottleneck has emerged at the “last mile” of execution. Speaking at Asian Private Banker’s Thailand Global Wealth Summit 2026, regional leaders warned that having sophisticated global platforms is not enough; success now hinges on highly trained, onshore relationship managers (RMs) capable of translating complex offshore strategies into […]

The post Thailand’s “last mile”: SCB Julius Baer, HSBC PB, BNP Paribas scale up onshore RM talent appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

RBC Wealth Management (RBC WM) has hired two senior bankers from rivals to strengthen its South Asia coverage, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Based in Singapore, Sudarshan Athreya has joined the Canadian bank as a managing director and senior relationship manager covering the ultra high net worth segment for South Asia. Meanwhile, Sandesh Assao has joined the bank as an […]

The post RBC WM hires from BoS, BNP Paribas WM for South Asia coverage appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

In Taiwan’s burgeoning private banking scene, the most valuable currency isn’t just capital — it’s the relationship manager (RM).  As a late surge of local banks rushes to establish private banking arms, a bidding war has erupted for top-tier talent. While some competitors engage in a costly game of musical chairs, Cathay United Bank is bypassing the aggressive poaching wars. […]

The post Cathay United Bank bets on internal talent to dodge RM pay war appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A series of bruising market sell-offs in recent years has triggered a fundamental behavioural shift among Asia Pacific’s ultra-wealthy, driving record inflows into discretionary portfolio management (DPM). At UBS Global Wealth Management (UBS GWM), this momentum has propelled regional DPM assets to nearly US$100 billion, as clients increasingly abandon self-directed trading in favour of institutional-grade risk management amid persistent geopolitical […]

The post UBS hits record DPM growth in Asia as volatility drives adoption appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Private banks have been known to train their relationship managers (RMs) in all manner of things — from fine art, whiskey and wine — to understand and meet the needs of their wealthy clients. But what if this is all misguided, and RMs should really be trained in the arts of yoga, mindfulness and meditation? To get into the minds […]

The post “Longevity and mindfulness” now define modern Indian wealth — Kotak’s lux index appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Cathay United Bank Private Banking (CUBPB) has become the first private bank in Taiwan to go live on BlackRock’s Aladdin Wealth as the wealth management industry rushes to digitise its services to keep pace with growing demand. Combined with a recently completed core system upgrade, the implementation is expected to strengthen the bank’s advisory capabilities and deliver a better client […]

The post Cathay United Bank taps BlackRock’s Aladdin Wealth in digital push appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Last week, the Asian Private Banker team was in Bangkok to host the third annual Thailand Global Wealth Summit, an event that has evolved from a half-day gathering into a full-day forum, reflecting how quickly Thailand’s wealth landscape is deepening and becoming more sophisticated. Bringing together private bankers from both international and local institutions, the discussions went beyond comparing business […]

The post Bottom Line: Global vs local private banks in Thailand: Or something else entirely? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Union Bancaire Privée (UBP) more than doubled its net new money (NNM) in North Asia for 2025 while capturing surging brokerage and wealth planning revenues, North Asia region head and Hong Kong CEO Teresa Lee told Asian Private Banker. Revenue for the North Asia business grew nearly 15% yoy in Swiss franc terms, driven by brokerage fees — which accounted […]

The post UBP doubles North Asia NNM as brokerage and wealth planning surge appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Onshore Thailand client portfolios have shifted toward global and alternative investments, prompting private banks to expand their offerings and strengthen relationships with global managers to meet rising demand. Speaking at Asian Private Banker‘s Thailand Global Wealth Summit 2026, with over 150 attendees, leaders in Thailand’s private banking space focused their discussion on the evolution of the typical private banking client […]

The post Thai private banks race to meet demand for global, alts investments appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Bank has made a senior appointment to its private banking business, Asian Private Banker has learnt Effective 1 June 2026, Eric Li will assume the role of market head for Hang Seng Private Banking, reporting to Theodore Mak, head of retail distribution at Hang Seng Bank, according to an internal announcement seen by APB. In response […]

The post Hang Seng Private Banking appoints HSBC veteran as market head appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Deutsche Bank Private Bank (Deutsche Bank PB) has hired a former Julius Baer banker to strengthen its Southeast Asia coverage, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Siang Jin Foo has joined the German lender as a team lead in its Southeast Asia team, reporting to Esther Wong, Southeast Asia Market Head and Head of Institutional Wealth Management. Deutsche Bank PB confirmed […]

The post Deutsche Bank PB taps ex-Julius Baer banker to boost SEA coverage appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Singapore’s move to shorten private bank account opening times from around six weeks to four is a positive development for the industry. As a leading wealth management hub and key booking centre alongside Hong Kong and Dubai, Singapore plays an important role for private banks serving global and ultra high net worth clients. Faster onboarding can improve client experience and […]

The post Singapore speeds up private bank onboarding — but can scrutiny keep pace? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

With the era of easy beta from passive equities drawing to a close, North Asian investors are being urged to see market volatility as an asset class rather than a systemic threat to their portfolios. Cora Chiu, Deutsche Bank Private Bank’s North Asia investment head, told Asian Private Banker that the German lender is leveraging cross-asset hedging and active alpha […]

The post Is volatility the new alpha? Deutsche Bank PB says yes appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A veteran senior executive at Bank of Singapore is set to depart the lender after a tenure spanning nearly 19 years, Asian Private Banker can reveal. Rodney Sin, who is currently vice chair for ultra high net worth client coverage, is retiring from the bank, sources familiar with the matter told APB. Bank of Singapore confirmed Sin’s retirement. “We would […]

The post Bank of Singapore vice chair for UHNW coverage Rodney Sin retires appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Since the start of the year, the private banking industry in Singapore and Hong Kong has recorded more than 150 senior executive departures, according to Asian Private Banker data. Many of these exits involve senior bankers and investment specialists moving directly to rival firms or transitioning into asset management roles. That marks a sharp increase from the same period last […]

The post Bottom Line: Over 150 senior exits — is ‘retention’ private banking’s weak spot? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

HSBC Private Bank has made a senior appointment to its onshore business in Taiwan as the bank looks to strengthen its Greater China franchise. Effective 1 June 2026, Edward Chiu will assume the role of onshore Taiwan market head, according to a statement on Friday. In his new role, Chiu will lead the onshore private banking business in Taiwan, working […]

The post HSBC Private Bank appoints onshore Taiwan market head appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

LGT has hired several former private wealth professionals at China Merchant Bank International (CMBI) in Hong Kong, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Liu Jihu, Yang Peng, Dong Ting, and Li Yipan have recently joined the Liechtensteinian boutique private bank, sources told APB. Their HKMA licenses with LGT took effect recently. LGT declined to comment when contacted by APB. APB has […]

The post LGT hires former CMBI bankers in Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

As women assume central roles in family wealth succession in China, HSBC Private Bank is sharpening its focus on this strategic client base, which has traditionally been underserved by the wealth industry. “These women are not passive beneficiaries; they are active decision-makers who demand clarity, structure, and real-world execution,” said Edith Wong, head of the southern region for the private […]

The post HSBC PB bets on women as key drivers of family wealth in China appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

RBC Wealth Management (RBC WM) has made a senior hire to strengthen its South Asia business, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Based in Singapore, Abhijit Shetty has joined the Canadian bank as a managing director and team head for the global South Asia business. RBC WM confirmed the hire. Shetty has over two decades of experience in wealth management. He […]

The post RBC WM hires from StanChart to boost South Asia coverage appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

J.P. Morgan Private Bank (J.P. Morgan PB) has promoted an internal talent to a senior investment management role, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Singapore-based Xinhui Su was appointed as head of portfolio solutions for Asia, reporting to Joshua Lewin, the bank’s head of investment strategy for Asia. J.P. Morgan PB confirmed Su’s appointment to APB. In the team, which was rebranded […]

The post J.P. Morgan PB appoints head of portfolio solutions for Asia appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

It’s Q1 results season, and while the usual financial metrics naturally take centre stage, one thing that caught my attention this time was the way private banks report net new assets (NNA) versus net new money (NNM). On the surface, it sounds straightforward. But the more you look into it, the clearer it becomes that these terms are both clear […]

The post Bottom Line: NNM or NNA? What counts as ‘new’ money appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Following a period of stagnation fuelled by the pandemic and a cooling Chinese market, private banks in Asia are resuming active hiring as wealth creation in the world’s second-largest economy regains momentum. However, competition for talent is also intensifying, with professionals with Mainland China experience in particular demand. Alongside increasingly competitive pay packages, banks are broadening their hiring criteria and […]

The post “China has been red hot”: Private banks in “high stakes talent war” for Mainland talent appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A desk head for the Taiwan offshore market has resigned from HSBC Private Bank, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Hong Kong-based Kendrick Lee is leaving the UK lender, according to sources familiar with the matter. HSBC declined to comment. Lee was part of the Taiwan offshore team under Eng Chien Chan, the former market head for Taiwan, who left HSBC Private […]

The post HSBC Private Bank Taiwan desk head resigns  appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

UBS Global Wealth Management (GWM) has appointed a new head of advisory and sales in Australia to strengthen its footprint. Effective 1 July, Wayne Gordon has been named GWM Australia head of advisory and sales, UBS said in a statement on Friday. In his new role, Gordon will integrate the bank’s Australian business into its broader regional and global platform […]

The post UBS GWM strengthens Australia advisory and sales leadership appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

An increase in private wealth in Taiwan, underpinned by the booming semiconductor market, has prompted private banks to scramble to meet the growing demand for first-rate onshore wealth management, spurring many to kick-start their digitalisation efforts or fall behind their peers. The TAIEX, the main index of Taiwan’s stock exchange, is up 42% YTD, outperforming the S&P 500’s 9.2% YTD […]

The post Taiwan private banks ramp up digital push amid chip-fuelled wealth boom appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

While several private banks have chosen to divest their trust businesses, Kotak Mahindra stuck to its guns in the belief that trusts would become the key vehicle for legacy planning in India’s growing wealth market. Kotak first unveiled a wealth management business in 2004. A year later, it established a dedicated trust business, Kotak Mahindra Trusteeship Services (KMTSL), and hired Gautami […]

The post Kotak’s US$5.4bn trust business bucks private banking divestment trend appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

KGI has tapped a UBS veteran for a senior leadership post, marking the firm’s latest move to bolster its wealth management capabilities, Asian Private Banker has learnt.  Based in Hong Kong, Michelle Shi has been appointed as CIO and head of asset management at KGI. KGI has been approached by APB for comment. A seasoned investment professional with over 20 […]

The post KGI hires UBS exec as CIO and asset management head appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

With more next-generation family members in the Asia Pacific stepping into wealth management earlier, demand for professionalised advisory services is rising, with many also choosing to stay with the same wealth managers, according to new findings from UBS. The Global Next Generation Report shows that 72% of respondents in Asia Pacific prefer wealth managers and family offices to seek guidance on […]

The post Next-gen stays put? UBS says yes—for now appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A senior investment executive has departed Citi Wealth in Hong Kong, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Ken Peng, head of investment strategy for Asia at the US bank, recently left the firm, according to sources familiar with the matter. Citi has confirmed the departure. Peng’s next move could not be ascertained at the time of reporting. Peng joined Citi Private Bank in […]

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J.P. Morgan Private Bank has hired an industry veteran to bolster its China coverage in Singapore. Sharon Xie has joined the bank’s China team in Singapore as a team head to serve ultra high net worth clients, APB has learnt. J.P. Morgan confirmed Xie’s appointment to APB and added that she reports to Elaine Zhang, J.P. Morgan Private Bank’s head […]

The post J.P. Morgan PB taps BIL Suisse’s Zurich-based APAC head for Singapore role appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

After setting new wealth fees and AUM highs in 2025, Singapore’s Big Three saw sustained momentum in 1Q26. DBS saw yet another record in wealth income and fees, with double-digit AUM growth, while Bank of Singapore saw wealth fees grow 34% YoY amid the acquisition of HSBC’s wealth business in Indonesia. UOB saw its wealth AUM increase 5% YoY on […]

The post Singapore’s Big Three capture sustained fee momentum in 1Q26 appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

When Rajmohan Krishnan picked up his first paycheque in 1993, India was a different place. A liberal-minded premier, PV Narasimha Rao, was reforming a fragile economy. The country’s first private lender, IndusInd Bank, wouldn’t open for business for another 12 months. Anyone with wealth and ambition moved to Hong Kong, London or New York. He moved up the financial value […]

The post India’s wealth dilemma: Who grinds, who inherits and who squanders appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A senior private banking executive will depart Bank of China (Hong Kong), Asian Private Banker has learnt. Judy Chan, private banking market head for China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, is leaving the lender, sources told APB. Bank of China (HK) has been contacted for comment. APB has been unable to determine Chan’s next career move. Chan joined the Chinese […]

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The post-bonus exodus intensified in April, following the wave of exits in March. Bank of Singapore was among the hardest hit, with numerous market and team leaders parting ways with the bank. The top moves in the private banking industry in April included the resignation of Reto Marx, co-head of the Singapore branch and chief risk officer for Asia at […]

The post Movers & Shakers: Who’s in, who’s out, and what’s next for Bank of Singapore? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

There is a leadership change underway in Julius Baer’s onshore India business as a top executive is set to leave the Swiss pure play. Umang Papneja will be stepping down as the chief executive officer for India after nearly four years in the role to pursue other opportunities. He will continue working for the bank through July this year to […]

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Deutsche Bank Private Bank (Deutsche Bank PB) has hired a J.P. Morgan veteran to boost its investment capabilities for its North Asia business, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Based in Hong Kong, Dominic Cheung has been appointed as a director in the investment management team for the North Asia region, according to an internal memo seen by APB. Cheung joins the bank with […]

The post Deutsche Bank PB hires from J.P. Morgan for North Asia investment team appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The US-Israeli joint military offensive on 28 February 2026 has significantly cooled the war for talent in the Middle East, as private banking candidates hesitate to make long-term commitments to the region. While banks remain committed to aggressive expansion targets, the record-breaking momentum of the first two months of 2026 is now meeting a new layer of candidate hesitation. January […]

The post Geopolitics stalls Middle East talent war as candidates think twice appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

HSBC recorded dramatic growth in its wealth net new money (NNM) and net new invested assets (NNIA) in 1Q26, despite private bank client balances dipping slightly. On top of growth in its wealth business as a whole, HSBC also reported growth in wealth fees for its International Wealth and Premier Banking (IWPB) and Hong Kong segments. This aligns with industry […]

The post HSBC 1Q26: Wealth NNM surges 70% as Hong Kong fees jump appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Despite prolonged geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Asia’s CIOs remained confident in US equities and gold, extending the trend seen in 1Q26, according to Asian Private Banker‘s review of major house views. While bullish sentiment on equities and gold lingered on, the constructive view on private markets from the previous quarter weakened amid recent headlines of private market stress. […]

The post CIO views 2Q26 visualised: PBs bullish equities, gold, but turn cautious on private markets appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asian Private Banker has entered a new market at a timely moment. Taiwan is moving beyond its identity as a technology hub and is becoming an increasingly important wealth market in Asia.  With our inaugural Taipei Global Wealth Summit, APB brought together more than 450 delegates, marking our entry into a market attracting interest from private banks, asset managers, and […]

The post Bottom Line: APB breaks new ground in a key North Asian wealth hub appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A former senior private banking executive at Bank of Singapore is set to join EFG, Asian Private Banker can reveal. Dubai-based Ranjit Khanna will take up a senior role at EFG, sources told APB. EFG declined to comment when contacted by APB. Khanna is a wealth management and private banking veteran with over three decades of industry experience. He was […]

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Maybank Private is leaning into the ongoing migration of manufacturing across Southeast Asia to fuel its growth, as the firm seeks to institutionalise its internal referral engine across the ASEAN corridor. Maybank Private has assets under management (AUM) of US$30.2 billion in Asia as of end-2025, up 29.1% from US$23.4 billion in 2024, and ranks 20th in APB‘s 2025 AUM […]

The post ASEAN industrial migration drives Maybank Private’s 29% AUM growth appeared first on Asian Private Banker.