India’s private banking industry saw another record high in 2025, with collective AUM from the country’s top 31 wealth management players growing by 12% to cross US$860 billion. This is according to Asian Private Banker‘s latest India League Tables. Alongside growth in assets, the country also saw its total private banking relationship manager (RM) headcount grow by 10% to surpass […]

The post India 2025 AUM League Tables: Top 31 firms cross record-breaking US$860bn as total RM headcount soars appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Ultra high net worth (UHNW) investors in Asia are moving beyond chasing headline yields in private credit. With high base rates and tight spreads, wealthy clients are demanding deeper proof of downside protection, underwriting discipline, and default risk before locking up their capital. Speaking at Asian Private Banker’s Alternatives Solution Nexus 2026 in Singapore on Thursday, alternative market heads from […]

The post Private credit enters a ‘prove it’ era: Julius Baer, StanChart 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.

Ongoing macroeconomic headwinds and currency fluctuations are pushing the cost of a premium lifestyle to new heights, with Asia Pacific now playing host to half of the world’s ten most expensive cities. According to Julius Baer’s 2026 Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report, the cost of living a premium lifestyle, tracked by its lifestyle index, rose by 10.2%. Singapore retained its […]

The post Singapore tops, Bangkok joins rich cities club: Julius Baer study 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.

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.

There is a growing demand from clients for bespoke structured solutions to serve as “core” components of their portfolios as the asset class witnesses a surge in volume, Rishabh Saksena, Julius Baer’s co-head of global asset class specialists, told Asian Private Banker. Asia’s structured products market surged in 2025 as equities claimed a 68% share of regional sales, according to […]

The post Bespoke structured products gaining traction in US$420bn market: Julius Baer’s Rishabh Saksena 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 […]

The post Julius Baer India CEO to step down, interim appointed 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Asian Private Banker recognised leaders in Asia’s private banking and wealth management industries for their exceptional achievements at a glittering awards ceremony last night.  Over 270 guests attended the gala dinner on the top floor of The Henderson, a landmark in Hong Kong’s Central district, including private banking leadership from the likes of Julius Baer, Bank of Singapore, HSBC Private […]

The post Awards for Distinction 2025: Highlights from APB’s glittering gala dinner appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The recent events in the Middle East may constitute the largest escalation in conflict in decades. But despite this, private banks, accustomed to volatile markets, are remaining calm, believing that disruption is likely to be only temporary, with trends such as AI capital expenditure more consequential in the long run. Attacks on Iran on 28 February 2026, led by the […]

The post Middle East shock fails to rattle private banks as CIOs hold firm appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

After more than 26,000 votes, Asian Private Banker‘s readers have made up their minds on the private banks and asset managers with the best red packets in the Year of the Horse. Here, APB presents the winners of this year’s private banking and asset management poll, along with the messages and meanings represented in the winning designs. Julius Baer once […]

The post Revealed: These are the best red packets in the Year of the Horse appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asian private banking clients have significantly increased their exposure to alternatives over the past year, yet many still remain highly concentrated in US and tech exposure, warned industry leaders at the Asian Private Banker Alternative Investments Summit 2026 Singapore. The panel discussion, Macro outlook of alternative investments: Innovations, potentials, new insights, delved into diversification within alts and how far Asia […]

The post AIS 2026 SG: Private banks flag concentration risk from heavy US, tech exposure appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

With performance dispersion widening in an increasingly uncertain world, very few alternative managers are now managing to meet the strict selection criteria of Asia’s private banks, according to private banking alts leaders at the Asian Private Banker’s Alternative Investments Summit 2026 in Hong Kong. The panel discussion, Macro outlook of alternative investments: Innovations, potentials, new insights, dissected how private banks […]

The post AIS 2026 HK: Private banks raise the bar for alts managers appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Galloping into the Year of the Fire Horse, the race continues among private banks and asset managers to see who can distribute the most spectacular red packets to clients. More than just traditional gifts for family and friends, these laisee, or hongbao, have morphed into cult collectables, often trading on secondary markets for prices that rival the currency inside. Horses […]

The post Vote now: Who has the best red packets in Year of the Horse? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

UBS has reported strong momentum in its Global Wealth Management (GWM) unit, with double-digit top- and bottom-line growth in APAC, driven by a 33% rise in transaction-based income. “The strength of our global, diversified franchise powered our excellent full-year performance as we helped clients navigate an unpredictable market environment. We made great progress on one of the most complex integrations […]

The post UBS GWM eyes US$5.5tn prize; APAC profit up 24% as advisor headcount dips appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a growth theme — it has become a core support for the US economy and equity markets. As consumption and manufacturing slow, AI investment has emerged as the standout growth driver, contributing more to US GDP expansion than consumer spending, according to Julius Baer’s group CIO, who warns this heavy reliance on a single […]

The post Who will win the US AI race—providers or users? Julius Baer CIO weighs in appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

After riding the AI growth wave of 2025, Julius Baer is eyeing broader opportunities in China, hoping that the country’s next policy moves will provide longer-term fixes to consumer and property sectors. “It’s not an overstatement to mention that it was a tech-led rally in China in 2025. I think 2026 would be more balanced,” Richard Tang, China strategist and […]

The post Julius Baer pivots China strategy to robotics and policy bets appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Southeast Asia saw sustained growth momentum and benefited from wealth spilling over from different corridors in 2025. As the private banking industry enters a new 2026, APB highlights five private banks to watch in Singapore. Standard Chartered is not done growing While Standard Chartered Private Bank reported a 57% YoY growth in assets under management in APAC in 2024, according […]

The post Five private banks to watch in Singapore in 2026 appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer has appointed HSBC’s former operations chief for global private banking as its new chief operating officer (COO), succeeding 21-year veteran Nic Dreckmann. Effective 13 April 2026, Jean Nabaa has been appointed as COO and member of the executive board, subject to final regulatory approval, according to an official announcement on Wednesday.  Nabaa, who most recently served as HSBC’s […]

The post Julius Baer taps HSBC for new COO appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

With UBS reporting a 40% surge in discretionary assets last year and Standard Chartered almost doubling its book, the industry is aggressively rolling out self-directed and AI-enhanced platforms to democratise access to the CIO office, intensifying competition in the expanding discretionary space. Multiple leading institutions Asian Private Banker spoke to recently enjoyed robust growth in 2025, and in some cases, […]

The post Discretionary assets surge in 2025 as DPM race heats up in private banks appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Despite the dramatic capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro by US forces, Asia’s private banks are urging UHNW clients to stay the course, dismissing the event as a “localised” shock with minimal impact on global supply chains. In a major escalation on 3 January 2026, US forces launched a military raid in the capital city of Caracas, capturing Venezuelan President […]

The post Venezuela raid or not, private bank CIOs see a clear path to 2026 growth appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asian Private Banker is delighted to present Final Word 2025, our year-in-review feature featuring regional heads from wealth management players across APAC. Click here to read Final Word 2025 In this exclusive feature, top executives reflected on what kept them up at night in 2025, covering everything from digital transformation to regulations, and business strategy to investment performance. Below are some […]

The post Final Word: Private banking leaders reflect on strong a 2025, reveal strategies for 2026 appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is moving rapidly up the private-banking agenda in Asia, reshaping how banks engage clients, support relationship managers (RMs), and run core investment and risk processes. What began as pilot experimentation with automation and natural-language tools is now becoming integral to advisory models from Singapore to Hong Kong, driven by rising client expectations and intensifying regional competition. Standard […]

The post Private banks take AI live — Julius Baer shows how it’s done appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer said on Tuesday that it has received final approval to open an advisory office in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, expanding its footprint in the Middle East. The new entity, Julius Baer (Abu Dhabi) Ltd, will open in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). It will be led by Amir Iskander, who joins as its chief executive officer. […]

The post Julius Baer opens Abu Dhabi office in Middle East wealth push appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

For the world’s elite private banks, office space is more than just a place to house staff. It’s where clients meet, deals are made, and generational relationships formed. Often housing bespoke artwork and well-being centres, while offering stunning views and state-of-the-art facilities, offices are a statement for the bank’s value proposition. And in private banking – being in the business […]

The post Revealed: This is the best private banking office in Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asian Private Banker is excited to launch the Power List Singapore to celebrate the city’s most influential private bankers shaping one of Asia’s fastest-growing wealth hubs. Not just managing wealth, these leaders are redefining their craft by combining expertise with empathy, innovation, and a commitment to lasting relationships. Click here to see the full Power List Singapore. The Power List […]

The post APB Power List: Meet the most influential private bankers in Singapore appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Increasing allocations towards emerging market equities could provide another layer of diversification needed to weather current and future financial and macroeconomic challenges resulting from United States-led uncertainty. With the “Magnificent 7” US tech stocks now representing roughly 37% of the S&P 500, an increasing number of investors are sounding the alarm, cautioning that share prices – while having achieved upside […]

The post APB Summit 2025: UBS, Julius Baer fund selectors spotlight emerging market trends appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

What are the top priorities for Asia’s ultra high net worth (UHNW) families today? According to a recent report by Julius Baer, the Family Barometer Report 2025, released on Tuesday, their priorities are shifting. In an environment of rising geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty, family legacy now ranks among the top concerns for Asia’s wealthy families. “For the first time, ‘Building […]

The post Julius Baer: Family legacy now a top priority for Asia’s UHNWs appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Southeast Asia’s private banks have been experiencing strong inflows and sustained growth momentum, according to private banking leaders at the APB Summit 2025 in Singapore today. The panel discussion, Business highlights: Progress in Singapore’s private wealth business revealed private banking trends in the region, differentiation strategies, and future industry challenges identified by private banking CEOs. International corridors supporting flows At […]

The post APB Summit 2025: Flows, edge, concerns – UBS, Julius Baer, BOS, DBS share insights appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

North Asia’s private wealth business is experiencing unprecedented growth, breaking records across the board in 2025, according to leading private bankers at the Asian Private Banker Summit 2025 in Hong Kong today. The panel discussion, Behind the Rebound: Momentum in North Asia’s Private Wealth Business, highlighted the convergence of massive wealth creation, strategic migration, and rapid technological adoption as the […]

The post APB Summit 2025: UBS, Julius Baer, BNP Paribas ride record North Asia wealth flows appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

In September, India led the hiring in Asia as LGT named seven managing directors from Barclays for its onshore India wealth business. The month also saw some major moves in the industry, including the former Bank of Singapore co-head of private banking, Robin Heng, joining EFG as vice chairman of Southeast Asia after announcing his retirement last year. VP Bank’s […]

The post Movers & Shakers: Who is LGT up against in India? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

With evergreen funds and numerous alternative managers flooding Asia, U/HNWs face a wealth of private market choices. For private banks, delivering real value means a discerning approach to manager selection. Jason Ng, Julius Baer’s alternatives specialist for Asia and the Middle East, explains how the Swiss bank selects partners and fine-tunes its alternatives platform. For Ng, the starting point is […]

The post To partner or pass? Julius Baer’s Jason Ng on private markets manager selection appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Swiss private bank Julius Baer has identified a breakthrough that could reshape the future of cancer care and open up compelling long-term investment opportunities for ultra high net worth (UHNW) clients. The technology known as liquid biopsy is emerging as a game-changer in diagnostics, offering earlier and more accurate detection of cancer compared to traditional methods. Speaking to Asian Private […]

The post Early cancer detection tech a UHNW opportunity? Julius Baer says yes appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

With US$5.8 trillion expected to be passed on to the next generation of wealth owners in Asia Pacific by 2030, private banks are faced with the task of staying close to future leaders or face the harsh reality of a shrinking client base. Just how this is achieved is another matter, with the younger generation wanting fewer banking relationships, not […]

The post Private banks turn summer into a next-gen bonding season appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

As the asset management industry continues to consolidate around larger names, the role of private bank fund selectors to identify the right partners and products is becoming ever more critical, industry experts shared with Asian Private Banker. Major deals such as Franklin Templeton’s acquisition of Legg Mason, BlackRock’s purchase of Global Infrastructure Partners, BNP Paribas’s takeover of AXA Investment managers, […]

The post Does size matter? Bank of Singapore, Julius Baer on asset manager consolidation appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The Julius Baer Lifestyle Index, which tracks the cost of luxury goods and services for high net worth individuals (HNWIs), recorded a rare 2% decline in US dollar terms. While the wealthy continue to spend, they are increasingly focusing on health, wellness, and long-term financial security. These findings come from Julius Baer’s Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report, which examined 25 […]

The post HNW spending turns to wellness amid luxury cost decline: Julius Baer appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The S$27.45 million in fines that Singapore’s regulator handed out last week is more than just a headline. It’s a warning. Nine financial institutions, including UBS, Credit Suisse, Julius Baer, Citi, LGT, and UOB, were penalised for lapses tied to the country’s most significant money laundering case. But let’s be honest. Are these fines significant for institutions that generate massive […]

The post Bottom Line: Culture eats compliance for breakfast appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asia’s wealthy investors are showing a rising appetite for hedge funds and private credit amid ongoing market uncertainties, as private banks in the region continue to diversify their offerings and enhance client engagement to drive greater penetration into alternative investments, industry leaders shared at Asian Private Banker’s inaugural Alternatives Selection Nexus in Singapore. “I think across all our private banking […]

The post Hedge funds rise to the fore at BoS, Julius Baer, and StanChart appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

We launched our India 2024 AUM League Tables this week, and the standout was Standard Chartered. Its AUM jumped 479.4%, overtaking Julius Baer to become the top foreign private bank in India. Back in April, Standard Chartered surprised many by entering Asia’s top five with a 57.2% AUM increase, raising questions about where the growth came from. Now, with India’s […]

The post Bottom Line: StanChart’s India AUM surge. Julius Baer, are you watching? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer has hired a senior intermediaries market head in the region, Asian Private Banker understands. Starting 1 August, Markus Haeny will join the Swiss private bank as market head of the APAC Intermediaries market, Julius Baer confirmed. Based in Hong Kong, he will report to Thomas Fr​auenlob​, co-head region western markets & Switzerland. Haeny joins from UBS, where he has […]

The post Julius Baer snaps up UBS exec to lead APAC intermediaries appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

In 2024, India’s top 30 private banks and wealth managers collectively managed US$812 billion in assets, and the number of relationship managers in the country crossed 10,000, but this growth was slower compared to 2023. Fresh data from APB Insights’ India 2024 League Tables revealed that, out of 30 banks, the majority reported double-digit AUM increases, while several saw growth […]

The post India 2024 AUM League Tables: AUM crosses US$800bn, StanChart overtakes Julius Baer appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Indian family offices are doubling down on private equity and venture capital, with a growing focus on formalising governance and succession planning, according to a recent joint report by EY and Julius Baer. The report, The Indian family office playbook, which surveyed more than 25 niche family offices in India, highlighted that 26% of those surveyed allocate more than 20% […]

The post Indian family offices zero in on private equity and planning – Julius Baer appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Tensions in the Middle East are pushing oil prices back into focus for private banks, as Iran-Israel hostilities escalate and the US steps in. With key supply routes at risk, markets fear disruptions that could drive prices higher, especially for Asia bound energy. The US conducted what President Donald Trump described as “very successful” airstrikes on three of Iran’s nuclear […]

The post Oil jitters rise as Julius Baer, Nomura IWM, and UBS weigh in appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer has taken its first step into digital assets, introducing a small allocation to Bitcoin within select discretionary portfolios. According to Bhaskar Laxminarayan, this is not a speculative bet, but a measured move aimed at preparing clients for a potential long-term shift in the global monetary system. “We are not telling clients to have 10% Bitcoin allocation in their […]

The post Bitcoin could dent gold demand in DPM: Julius Baer’s Bhaskar Laxminarayan appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer has announced key leadership changes in its Southeast Asia business, naming Shui Wei Ho and Vi Sun Yang as market heads for the region, effective 1 July. The appointments come as veteran banker Chin Lit Yee prepares to retire, concluding a career spanning nearly four decades. Both Ho and Yang bring close to 30 years of wealth management […]

The post Southeast Asia leadership shift at Julius Baer appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Amid a tangle of overlapping tariffs and shifting trade policies, investor uncertainty is on the rise. To find out how clients are reacting, Asian Private Banker caught up with Julius Baer’s head of client coverage and advisory to ask whether recent trade developments have sparked a pickup in trading activity or portfolio rebalancing. “We have observed a significant shift in […]

The post “Many actively rebalancing portfolios” – but how? Julius Baer’s Yves Klenk explains appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A former managing director and senior advisor at Julius Baer has resurfaced at J.P. Morgan Private Bank (J.P. Morgan PB), Asian Private Banker understands. Singapore-based Vincent Tang has joined the US giant as an executive director, according to several people familiar with the matter. J.P. Morgan confirmed Tang’s appointment.  He will join the team that covers Southeast Asia, which is […]

The post Ex Julius Baer senior MD joins J.P. Morgan PB in Singapore appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

China has unleashed new monetary measures designed to support its economy amid its trade skirmish with US President Donald Trump, but private banks in Asia are unconvinced it will be enough to add sustained momentum to local markets. Key measures announced by Beijing this week included a policy rate cut of 10 basis points; a re-lending and pledged supplementary lending […]

The post China unleashes new monetary bazooka – but private banks want more appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Specialised alternative strategies are gaining popularity with private wealth clients in Asia, as private equity firms seek to differentiate their offerings amid increasingly fierce competition, leading private bank alts heads told Asian Private Banker. “The growth of specialist alternative investment players is a significant trend in Asia’s private wealth market,” said Jason Ng, co-head of the alternatives and strategic solutions […]

The post Specialised alts strategies gaining popularity in Asia – PB alts heads appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asia’s private wealth investors are reassessing their exposure to the US market as President Donald Trump marks his first 100 days in the White House, which has been largely characterised by his trade policies disrupting financial markets. “With almost daily developments, investors are justifiably spooked by how the proposed tariffs would weigh on economic growth, corporate earnings, and the USD, […]

The post Trump’s first 100 days: Asian U/HNWIs reassess US exposure amid uncertainty appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asia’s private banking AUM has surpassed US$3 trillion, according to Asian Private Banker‘s Asia 2024 League Tables, reflecting both the region’s growing wealth and strategic shifts among top players. In one of the most profound moves, Standard Chartered cracked the top five for the first time, showing how fast fortunes can change. The UK-based bank posted an AUM jump of […]

The post Asia 2024 AUM League Tables: AUM hits US$3tn, StanChart enters top five appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

While some major private banks focused on restructuring management and rejigging reporting lines in March, others focused on sweeping up talent. Among those shaking things up was Julius Baer, which flattened its management structure, while Citi Private Bank implemented a new structure for Asia-based market managers. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management Asia (Morgan Stanley PWM Asia) and RBC Wealth […]

The post Movers & Shakers: Julius Baer flattens structure while Citi PB tweaks market managers appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer has shaken up its organisational structure as newly-installed CEO Stefan Bollinger continues to make his mark at the Swiss pure-play after establishing a new executive board and Global Wealth Management Committee (GWMC) in February. New global products and solutions unit Effective immediately, Julius Baer said on Monday that it had created a global products and solutions unit, combining […]

The post Julius Baer rejigs structure as Bollinger makes mark appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Eight Julius Baer team heads in Hong Kong and Singapore are set to leave the bank following a new round of restructuring, Asian Private Banker understands. These include four Greater China Hong Kong team heads: Andy Yuen, Ricky Chow, Andrew Tung, and Kenny Choy, multiple people familiar with the matter told Asian Private Banker.  Chow and Yuen joined the bank […]

The post Team heads depart Julius Baer in latest restructuring appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Leading private banks in Asia enjoyed strong net inflows and asset growth for their discretionary portfolio management (DPM) mandates in 2024, investment heads revealed at Asian Private Banker‘s DPM Leaders Conversation event in Hong Kong. At the event, which was attended by about 100 private bank decision-makers, leading players like UBS Global Wealth Management (UBS GWM), BNP Paribas Wealth Management […]

The post DPMLC 2025: What drove inflows for UBS, BNP Paribas and Julius Baer? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

After a blistering rally driven by domestic breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) and the rehabilitation of Jack Ma, private banks are becoming increasingly bullish on Chinese stocks following one of the country’s most important political gatherings. China’s Two Sessions, which closed on Tuesday, appeared to further cement a business-friendly policy pivot towards technological innovation, consumption revival and private sector development. […]

The post Two Sessions, one rally: Private banks eye more policy-driven gains in China appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Over 250 attendees from Asia’s private banking and wealth management sector gathered to honour the recipients of Asian Private Banker’s Awards for Distinction 2024 during an exquisite gala dinner held at The Henderson in Hong Kong’s Central district on Thursday evening. Below are some select photo highlights of the evening:

The post Awards for Distinction 2024: Photo highlights from our gala dinner appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

In the traditionally numbers-driven world of fund selection, success is often attributed to data analysis, risk management, and market foresight. Yet, beyond the figures, intuition, long-term vision, and a deep understanding of client needs play a crucial role – elements that female fund selectors bring to the table in unique ways. To explore how women navigate this space, Asian Private […]

The post IWD 2025 – Beyond the numbers, how women are leading in fund selection appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The leading lights of Asia’s private banking and wealth industries celebrated the winners of Asian Private Banker‘s Awards for Distinction 2024 at a glittering gala dinner in Hong Kong. More than 250 guests were in attendance at the awards ceremony at the state-of-the-art The Henderson venue in the city’s Central district, including the regional CEOs of private banking heavyweights UBS […]

The post Awards for Distinction 2024 gala dinner celebrated in Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

One of Julius Baer’s team heads in Hong Kong has departed the bank, Asian Private Banker understands. Raymond Cheung, managing director, senior advisor and team head, recently left, people familiar with the matter told Asian Private Banker.  Cheung joined the Swiss pure-play in 2016. He was a team head for the Hong Kong market at Citi Private Bank before that. […]

The post Team head departs Julius Baer in Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

In January, several high-profile bankers departed from major private banks in Asia. Meanwhile, US lender Citi looked to streamline its private banking leadership with a new organisational structure. The month’s series of departures began with Deutsche Bank’s North Asia head, Kanas Chan, resigning after holding the role since 2016. The German lender promoted Frederick Fong as her replacement later in […]

The post Movers & Shakers: Industry sees heavyweight departures as Citi rejigs structure, again appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Under the helm of new CEO Stefan Bollinger, Julius Baer is shrinking its Executive Board and has announced plans for job cuts in Switzerland as part of a cost-cutting programme to boost profitability. Following pre-tax profits that missed analysts’ estimates in FY2024, Julius Baer’s shares tumbled more than 10% on Monday morning. Shrinking Executive Board The bank presented its 2024 FY […]

The post Julius Baer unveils trimmed down Exec Board with no room for Asia appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer’s joint venture in Thailand has appointed a new CEO, Asian Private Banker can reveal. SCB Julius Baer has appointed Adrian Mazenauer as CEO to drive the next phase of growth for its high net worth wealth management business in Thailand, according to people familiar with the matter. Mazenauer was previously deputy CEO and head of wealth management for […]

The post SCB Julius Baer appoints Credit Suisse veteran as CEO appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

After almost 20,000 votes, Asian Private Banker’s readers have decided which private bank offers the best red packets in the Year of the Snake amid fierce competition. Here, APB reveals the winners of this year’s poll, as well as the meaning and messages behind the designs. Julius Baer won the poll again, with 38% of the votes. The Swiss bank also topped […]

The post Revealed: These private banks have the best red packets in the Year of the Snake appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

The world is undergoing significant changes, from shifting demographics to the transition to clean energy. At the same time, China is under pressure to roll out fiscal stimulus to counter potential trade tensions from Trump’s aggressive policies. China’s actions could positively impact oil prices, and there’s a chance it may resume regular gold purchases. As we navigate this new normal, […]

The post HSBC GPB, Julius Baer, Deutsche Bank PB share CIO perspectives on Trump, trade and China appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Singapore’s global reputation as a private banking destination has continued to thrive, underpinned by the city’s political and legal stability. In 2024, private banks in Singapore benefited from an influx of Greater China clients, the growing ASEAN wealth corridor and a supportive policy regime for new family offices, attracting more ultra/high net worth individuals to book assets in the city-state. […]

The post Five private banks to watch in Singapore in 2025 appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

With the year of the snake approaching, competition between private banks in Asia is hotting up when it comes to who can distribute the most dazzling red packets to clients. These envelopes – known as laisee or hongbao – are traditionally given to family members and friends. However, they can also be highly sought-after collectors’ items and fetch a premium […]

The post Vote now: Who has the best red packets in Year of the Snake? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer has been ramping up its Greater China-focused business in Singapore and Hong Kong, bringing in private bankers from leading firms, Asian Private Banker has learned, as it aims to boost its AUM in the region. This follows the recent hiring of two senior executives from Nomura International Wealth Management in Hong Kong, and Krist Wong, formerly head of […]

The post Julius Baer boosts Greater China teams with senior hires from top banks appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Private wealth investors are increasingly drawn to thematic investments, spurred by the success stories surrounding AI and tech funds. However, fund experts urge caution, highlighting the need for careful consideration amid the excitement generated by these emerging trends. “Investors today are increasingly seeking innovative strategies to drive growth, particularly through thematic strategies that can identify long-term structural themes and offer […]

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Julius Baer has hired two senior bankers in Hong Kong from Nomura International Wealth Management (Nomura IWM), Asian Private Banker has learnt. Amy Chuang and Harrison Ho both recently joined the Swiss pure-play in Hong Kong, reporting to Christine Soong, group head, Greater China Hong Kong, according to people familiar with the matter. Chuang joined as a team head for […]

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From the rise of the Magnificent Seven and AI, to resurgent Chinese and Japanese markets, 2024 represented a return to form in terms of private banking client activity compared to the doldrums of 2022 and 2023. Nevertheless, the industry in Asia was stunned by several notable departures and appointments at top private banks. Below, Asian Private Banker highlights the most […]

The post HSBC, Bank of Singapore, VP Bank: The exec moves that shocked the industry in 2024 appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

While private banks are working hard to attract clients and garner AUM, the competition goes beyond financial metrics, transcending into client experience and staff engagement. Previously, APB highlighted a selection of the most impressive private banking offices in the region, showcasing their unique features. With over two thousand votes, APB’s readers crowned UBS Singapore at Penang Road, featuring an extensive […]

The post Revealed: This private bank has the best Singapore office appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Political stability remains a top priority for wealthy families in Asia, according to Swiss pureplay Julius Baer’s new flagship Family Barometer Report 2024, while inflation protection has also emerged as a key concern. The report, which surveyed wealthy families around Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, also found that topics like succession planning, individual and family growth opportunities, […]

The post Tax, stability, inflation: Julius Baer reveals what’s on the minds of Asia’s wealthy appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer has seen a shift in client preference for solutions which offer long-term stability and strategic diversification, one of the bank’s most senior Asia investment executives said, with structured products, Japan, and India among the top themes for the year. “We observed a change in clients’ investment appetite as they express a preference for conservative investment strategies that prioritise […]

The post How Julius Baer clients in Asia are hedging volatile markets appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

While competitors are still in the planning stages of similar non-resident Indian (NRI) initiatives and lack the same level of integrated, global connectivity, Julius Baer is already reaping the benefits of its early foothold, according to Kunal Sumaya, head of global NRI. “Unlike other institutions that have fluctuated in their approach, Julius Baer has consistently stuck to its strategy, particularly […]

The post While rivals plan, Julius Baer profits from NRI, says Kunal Sumaya appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Asian Private Banker is proud to announce its inaugural Power List Hong Kong, the first of its kind in the region, highlighting the most influential bankers shaping the vibrant private wealth management industry in Hong Kong. Click here to see the full Power List Hong Kong With Hong Kong’s private wealth management industry inching towards the HK$10 trillion mark, APB’s […]

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Julius Baer has partnered with Cathay Pacific to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in an industry widely recognised as one of the most challenging to decarbonise, Asian Private Banker can first reveal. The collaboration is part of Cathay’s corporate SAF programme, which Yvonne Suter, head of sustainability at Julius Baer, described as “one of the few airlines […]

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EFG has appointed two experienced senior industry veterans to advise on its growth strategies in Asia. Urs Buchmann has joined the Swiss pure play as the vice chairman of the regional Asia advisory board, and Ashish Gumashta has joined as a member of the board, the bank said in a statement on Wednesday. The new hires “will provide crucial guidance […]

The post EFG enlists ex-Credit Suisse, Julius Baer senior execs to advise on Asia strategy appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

While business updates were a key focus at the APB Summit 2024 in Singapore, top leaders from Julius Baer, UOB Private Bank, and Barclays Private Bank also explored their strategies for the next generation of clients – a segment experiencing substantial intergenerational wealth transfer. Julius Baer reported an 11% increase in assets under management (AUM) to CHF 474 billion (US$549 […]

The post APB Summit 2024: How Julius Baer, UOB, and Barclays are (private) banking on the future appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

With an estimated US$83.5 trillion in assets to be passed down to the next generation over the next 20 to 25 years, private banks recognise the urgency of capturing the next-gen opportunity, private banking CEOs said at Asian Private Banker’s Hong Kong Summit. However, understanding the wants and needs of next-gen clients, as well as how to cater to them, […]

The post APB Summit 2024: BNP Paribas WM, Julius Baer, UBP on engaging next-gen clients appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer has appointed a new team head in Hong Kong, Asian Private Banker has learnt. Based in Hong Kong, Andy Yuen joined the Swiss pure play in August as managing director and team head, Greater China Hong Kong, according to his LinkedIn update. A spokesperson for Julius Baer confirmed Yuen’s appointment to APB. Yuen now reports to Eva Chan, group […]

The post Julius Baer appoints UBS veteran as team head in Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

SCB Julius Baer CEO Peerapong Jirasevijinda has decided to step down from the position, effective immediately, due to personal reasons, Asian Private Banker can first reveal. Jirasevijinda took on the role in April from Litphat Toranavikrai, former CEO of SCB Julius Baer, who is now a member of the board of directors of SCB Julius Baer. According to an internal […]

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On Tuesday, China’s authorities unveiled a package of measures to boost market sentiment as Asia’s largest economy continues to struggle with weak domestic demand and a drawn-out property market slump. Used to a cautious Beijing, private bank analysts were surprised with the extent of this latest round of measures. However, they still believe the package falls short of the stimulus […]

The post Private banks: Beijing’s stimulus package more aggressive than expected, but still falls short appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Private banks believe the US Federal Reserve is shifting its focus from controlling inflation to supporting the labour market with a 50 basis point rate cut. Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell stated on Wednesday that the 50 basis points cut “reflects our growing confidence that, with an appropriate recalibration of our policy stance, strength in the labour market can be […]

The post Fed shifts focus from inflation to labour market stability with latest cut – private banks appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer has hired a team head for Asia Switzerland from UBS. Based in Zurich, Reto Buerer joined the Swiss pure-play as team head, Asia Switzerland in September. He reports to Christian Cappelli, head of Asia Switzerland, according to a statement on Monday. Buerer has over two decades of experience in wealth management covering ultra high net worth clients across […]

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Julius Baer is using a multi-faceted strategy, while Bank of Singapore has added factor-tilted equities and Islamic fixed income, and Pictet Wealth Management is incorporating uncorrelated strategies, all in an effort to shift clients from cash to income generation, according to the banks’ product gatekeepers. Speaking at Asian Private Banker’s Fund Selection Nexus 2024 Singapore, fund selection heads shared how […]

The post A peek inside Julius Baer, BoS, and Pictet’s fund picks appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

While client sentiment has improved over the last 12 months amid expectations of interest rate cuts and a rally in US stocks, private banks still face challenges when it comes to shifting portfolios out of cash and into riskier investments, leading fund selectors said at Asian Private Banker‘s Funds Selection Nexus 2024 Hong Kong. With short-term risk-free deposits still yielding […]

The post Days of 5% deposits are over: Fund selectors urge clients to ditch cash appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

High-volume businesses with large client bases appear to immediately benefit from implementing generative AI to improve efficiency and reduce costs. However, it is less certain whether private banks, often with unstructured data and a need for bespoke face-to-face services, can justify the return on investment (ROI) at this stage, industry experts told Asian Private Banker. Compared to retail and commercial […]

The post Generative AI: More hype than opportunity for private banks? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

From expensive lunches in Michelin-starred restaurants, to afternoons on the golf course with high-profile clients, a career in private banking in Asia is undoubtedly one of the most exciting opportunities offered by the finance industry. However, in an evolving and complex industry landscape with high client expectations and a broad array of skills to master, from interpersonal client skills to […]

The post How are private banks turning today’s recruits into tomorrow’s rainmakers? appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Financial intermediary (FIM) giant VP Bank has waved goodbye to its Hong Kong business, becoming the latest private bank to exit dedicated EAM services in the city. In the context of other similar exits, the decision also raises the question of why some private banks in Asia struggle with dedicated intermediary teams. While VP Bank did not detail the reason […]

The post Mountain to climb: Private banks in Asia struggle with EAM desks appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

A former Julius Baer executive director has moved to an external asset manager (EAM) as managing director and partner. Based in Singapore, Arun Chopra is now managing director and partner at Cerebrium Capital, according to his personal LinkedIn profile. Cerebrium Capital is an EAM providing independent and customised wealth management services to HNWIs. With more than nineteen years of experience, […]

The post Former Julius Baer executive director joins EAM in Singapore appeared first on Asian Private Banker.

Julius Baer has hired a wealth management veteran to head its global Non-Resident Indian (NRI) team in Singapore, in the Swiss pure-play’s latest effort to better serve the booming rich Indian diaspora. Based in Singapore, Ashwin Jayaram’s appointment is effective Monday. He will will report to Vijay Solomon, group head for Global NRI at Julius Baer, the bank said in […]

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In Singapore, two Chinese former relationship managers (RMs) were charged in court earlier today for offences linked to a major money laundering case last year, including money laundering, forgery and obstruction of justice. Wang Qiming and Liu Kai were charged in court on Thursday morning for their roles in assisting a group of ten Chinese nationals now convicted in a […]

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