ISSUE 1 | 2026
BARCLAYS PRIVATE BANK ACCELERATES GROWTH ACROSS KEY INTERNATIONAL WEALTH CORRIDORS J.P. MORGAN PRIVATE BANK RETAINS WORLD’S BEST PRIVATE BANK TITLE FAMILY TRUSTS AND DISCRETIONARY PORTFOLIOS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS OWI RUIVIVAR BANK OF SINGAPORE SU QIAN INDOSUEZ MAE ANDERSON BNP PARIBAS
AI DEPLOYMENT
ACCELERATES IN PRIVATE BANKING BANKING INSIGHTS
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EXECUTIVE INTERVIEWS
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R E S E A R C H A N D A N A LY S I S
Editor’s Note The world of private banking is reaching an inflection point. Rising geopolitical tensions as well as questions around US exceptionalism and the New World Order are leading to increased diversification. While American tech companies broadly shined in 2025, President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement triggered a correction and rotation to emerging markets. For investors that are not denominated in the greenback, there are longer term structural drivers to consider, including the prospects of de-dollarisation and continued weakening. Beyond markets, the trend of booking centre diversification persists as high net worth individuals (HNWI) rethink concentration risk in a single jurisdiction. An ongoing historic wealth transfer is birthing the next generation of clients with profoundly different needs. In addition to offering succession and legacy planning solutions, this cohort will test private bank’s ability to achieve multigenerational client retention as they exhibit starkly unique characteristics. Meanwhile, technological advancements are accelerating, especially with the advent of artificial intelligence, resulting in the structural transformation of how business is done. AI enablement is now a staple tool for improving efficiency in the back office with increasing rollouts for the front office designed to enhance client interactions, anticipate needs, and provide personalised insights and advice at scale. In the face of such risks – and opportunities – the private banking industry continues to prove its resilience and demonstrate an innovative spirit. In the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2026, we were honoured to receive more than 400 submissions from around 100 global financial institutions, showcasing their best-in-class capabilities. Product shelves are being enhanced, with access to many offerings historically reserved for institutional investors and solutions that extend well beyond just financial services. Client engagement is being reinvented through hybrid models, with user-friendly digital interfaces paired with the traditional high-touch approach of a relationship manager. Cross-geography and cross-divisional collaboration is now the norm, bringing the best of financial groups’ capabilities and network to the fingertips of HNWIs in an integrated, seamless manner. More than just business growth and improved outcomes, our main takeaway in reviewing the submissions is that private banks and wealth managers are well-positioned to meet the needs of clients in an ever-changing landscape. This is a testament to industry’s continued resilience and relentless determination to innovate, evolve, and move with the times.
Richard Otsuki Editor and Head of Content
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Content
06 08 12 14 16
Barclays Private Bank accelerates growth across key international wealth corridors Barclays Private Bank is expanding across India, the Middle East and Singapore to serve globally mobile UHNW clients through integrated banking and investment capabilities. Owi Ruivivar: “We want to make sure uncertainty is embedded in portfolio construction” In our new series, [Inside the Chief Investment Office], Owi Ruivivar spoke about the desire to build portfolios designed to withstand uncertainty and positive client feedback on the new framework. HSBC to launch AI centre in Singapore with major hiring plans HSBC is expanding its AI capabilities in Singapore with a new global centre of excellence and more than 200 hires across technology and wealth management.
Indosuez’s Su Qian: “We act as a fund manager rather than a fund distributor for private markets” Indosuez uses in-house private markets expertise to manage portfolios directly, providing greater transparency, due diligence and control than traditional fund distribution models. Barclays Private Bank officially launches Singapore booking centre Barclays Private Bank has launched its Singapore booking centre, reconnecting Asian UHNW clients with integrated banking, lending, investment and wealth planning capabilities.
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HSBC Private Bank delivers Asian excellence with group-wide capabilities HSBC Private Bank combines groupwide banking capabilities, technology and specialist financing to deliver holistic wealth solutions for clients across Asia. How Additiv is redefining digital financial services at scale Additiv’s orchestration platform enables financial institutions to modernise wealth services, automate advisory journeys and launch scalable digital propositions on existing core systems.
How Fieldpoint turned banking industry disruption into a growth opportunity Fieldpoint capitalised on US banking disruption to expand its private commercial banking model through specialist teams, open-architecture lending and family office technology. Digital wealth push helps drive growth at Sabadell Urquijo Sabadell Urquijo expanded digital wealth management and portfolio servicing, improving client access and transparency while growing assets under management significantly.
Panhe’s continuously upgraded new-generation service capabilities and value creation capabilities in family succession Panhe Family Office combines AIpowered advisory tools, governance solutions and next-generation education to help entrepreneur families navigate wealth preservation and succession.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 3
Content
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Deutsche Bank Private Bank’s dedicated coverage garners acclaim from UHNWIs, family offices and entrepreneurs Deutsche Bank Private Bank uses dedicated coverage models and groupwide capabilities to deliver tailored investment and business solutions for UHNWIs, family offices and entrepreneurs.
WMCockpit drives differentiated wealth offerings with comprehensive estate view WMCockpit gives wealth advisers a consolidated view of complex family estates, combining portfolio insights, scenario modelling and AI-powered tax and risk intelligence.
SpeciCRED: Upgrading credit controls amid an uncertain environment SpeciCRED centralises private banking credit management, enabling real-time monitoring of exposures, collateral and limits while strengthening risk controls and operational efficiency.
J.P. Morgan Private Bank retains world’s best private bank title J.P. Morgan Private Bank combines global scale, digital innovation and AIenabled advisory to grow assets while enhancing client experience across international markets.
4 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
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“Trusted advisor or just a broker?” BNP Paribas WM bets on zero-fee philanthropy to deepen relationships BNP Paribas Wealth Management’s zero-fee donor-advised fund helps Asian clients pursue philanthropy while deepening the bank’s role as a holistic trusted advisor.
Bradesco Global Private Bank puts AI at the heart of its advisory model Bradesco Global Private Bank embeds generative AI into bankers’ daily workflows to reduce administrative work, improve advisory quality and deepen client engagement.
AI-led copilot helps Bradesco bankers deliver more personalized wealth advice Bradesco’s AI-powered mobile copilot automates client preparation and administrative tasks, enabling bankers to deliver faster, more personalised and consistent wealth advice.
Bordier brings 180 years of private banking stewardship to Asia’s evolving wealth landscape Bordier combines Swiss private banking heritage, open-architecture advice and regulated digital asset capabilities to serve Asian families and next-generation wealth holders.
Content
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Regions combines planning-led advice and fiduciary services to serve a new generation of highnet-worth clients Regions integrates wealth planning, fiduciary expertise and investment management to help high-net-worth families navigate complex financial, succession and legacy needs.
Volans modernises private banking through AI-driven Lombard lending Volans combines AI, portfolio intelligence and modern Lombard lending infrastructure to help wealth platforms offer institutional-grade financing without disrupting client relationships.
Kuwait Finance House’s private banking centralises global discretionary service to scale Islamic wealth management Kuwait Finance House combines Shariacompliant discretionary portfolios, digital wealth services and centralised investment oversight to scale Islamic wealth management globally.
Family trusts and discretionary portfolios: CICC’s integrated wealth model takes shape across greater China CICC integrates discretionary portfolio management, family trusts, digital administration and philanthropy to serve UHNW families and entrepreneurs across Greater China.
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EastWest expands wealth and investment platform as both segment assets surge EastWest is expanding investment products, digital capabilities and relationship-led advice to capture the Philippines’ growing affluent market and drive assets under management.
Digitalisation, priority banking and bankers’ excellence drove Maybank’s AUM growth Maybank combines digital investment journeys, relationship-led advisory and Shariah-compliant solutions to drive wealth growth across its Southeast Asian franchise.
Alfred Low: Lombard Odier is “ahead of schedule” for AUM growth target in North Asia Lombard Odier is ahead of its North Asia AUM growth target, supported by Greater China wealth creation, rising discretionary mandates and expanding AI capabilities.
Markus Müller: Investors can “no longer ignore” sustainability themes Deutsche Bank sees sustainability becoming embedded in mainstream investing as geopolitics, energy security, electrification and AI-driven power demand reshape long-term opportunities.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 5
BARCLAYS PRIVATE BANK ACCELERATES GROWTH ACROSS KEY INTERNATIONAL WEALTH CORRIDORS FEATURE ARTICLE
Positioning itself for the future, Barclays Private Bank is focused on some of the world’s most dynamic wealth markets, where rising entrepreneurial wealth, increasingly global families and growing cross-border needs are creating new opportunities. From India to the Middle East to Singapore, the bank continues to invest in capabilities, talent and infrastructure to serve ultra-high net worth (UHNW) clients with a truly global proposition.
A differentiated proposition for global Indian families As the Best Private Bank for UHNW Clients - India and the Best International Private Bank - India, Barclays has had a domestic presence in India for over 30 years with USD1.2 billion in invested capital and over 30,000 colleagues across the subcontinent. Its onshore private banking business focuses on UHNW clients, many of whom own established businesses as well as startups and emerging unicorns, with a fully-fledged offering covering needs across banking, securities, and fiduciary services. In 2025, the bank’s business strategy focused on three main pillars: enhanced coverage with the growth of senior relationship managers focused on UHNW clients; a refreshed proposition with a focus on portfolio management and private market solutions; and an upgraded platform to improve analytics, reviews, turnaround times, and overall client experience.
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Across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other regional hubs, clients are navigating a more complex landscape of opportunity, governance and cross-border needs.
Through its international coverage
interconnected wealth market,
positioned to capture opportunities
model, Barclays Private Bank has
Barclays Private Bank is focused
arising from the region’s expanding
been engaging its global Indian
on supporting clients whose
pool of entrepreneurial and
clientele in other major hubs,
personal, family and business
intergenerational wealth.
including the UK, Switzerland,
interests increasingly span multiple
Dubai, and Singapore where
jurisdictions. The region is no
Central to this ambition is the
it won the award for Best
longer simply a conduit for capital;
launch of its new Singapore
Private Bank for Discretionary
it is increasingly where wealth is
booking centre in 2026, a significant
Portfolio with fully integrated
being anchored, structured and
milestone in its Asia Pacific
global investment philosophy,
grown with long-term intent.
growth strategy. The new platform
governance framework, and
underscores Barclays’ long-term
risk oversight. In addition to
Across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kingdom
commitment to Singapore as
addressing the complex needs of
of Saudi Arabia and other regional
a leading wealth hub and will
global Indians beyond traditional
hubs, clients are navigating a more
enhance the bank’s ability to
wealth management through
complex landscape of opportunity,
connect UHNW clients and family
one-bank solutions through
governance and cross-border
offices to its global capabilities,
collaboration with its Corporate
needs. Barclays Private Bank brings
expertise and network.
Bank, Investment Banking,
together local relevance, global
Barclays Private Bank also boasts
connectivity and institutional
From its award-winning franchises
a unique one-of-kind offering in
insight, connecting clients to key
in India and the Middle East to
its in-house clean capital planning
international hubs.
its expanding presence across
solutions for UK resident non-
Asia Pacific, Barclays Private
domiciled clients in India and the
Bank continues to invest in its
UK.
Asia’s Rising Star
people, platforms and capabilities to support the evolving needs of
A Connected Middle East Wealth Ecosystem
As the Rising Star Private Bank -
globally mobile clients and their
Asia, Barclays Private Bank is well-
families.
As the Middle East develops into a more sophisticated and
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 7
OWI RUIVIVAR: “WE WANT TO MAKE SURE UNCERTAINTY IS EMBEDDED IN PORTFOLIO CONSTRUCTION” By Richard Otsuki EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Bank of Singapore provided an update on its asset allocation framework based on robust optimisation, which was launched a year ago. In our new series, [Inside the Chief Investment Office], Owi Ruivivar spoke about the desire to build portfolios designed to withstand uncertainty and positive client feedback on the new framework. In July 2025, Bank of Singapore launched a new strategic asset allocation (SAA) framework based on a model that adopts robust optimisation techniques. This framework utilizes a range of key inputs, such as expected returns and risks, with a particular focus on generating performance under worst-case scenarios. In a year-long study, the bank stress tested 120,000 portfolios and narrowed down to five model portfolios for clients to adopt. In comparison, the private banking industry generally adopts two approaches in portfolio construction, according to an interview with Owi Ruivivar, Bank of Singapore’s chief portfolio strategist. First is to build portfolios based on a pre-selected benchmark and attempt to generate alpha. Another is the mean-variance approach, which is based on maximizing returns for a given level of risk based on accurate forecasting.
8 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
Since its introduction, the new SAA framework has outperformed the traditional 60/40 portfolio benchmark – 60% and 40% allocated towards stocks and bonds, respectively – delivering higher returns while maintaining lower volatility.
Concentration and forecasting risk
US equities due to its strong
is really difficult to consistently
outperformance for many years.
deliver accurate projections
And for the second approach,
for so many asset classes in a
Ruivivar notes that there are two
performance is highly dependent
multi-year horizon, we wanted
primary shortcomings in the two
on forecasts being correct and
to take a more realistic approach
popular approaches.
there is also concentration risk
to build diversified portfolios
For portfolios based on first
because portfolios are built based
that could perform across a
approach of using benchmarks,
on exposure to fewer asset classes
range of plausible outcomes. We
larger market capitalisation will
where conviction is the strongest.
want to make sure uncertainty
naturally account for a larger
is embedded in portfolio
allocation, which effectively results
“Rather than assume we are
construction. This is robust
in high concentration risk from
fantastic forecasters, because it
optimization,” Ruivivar said.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 9
“While this is not new and has been in financial literature for about 20 years, it is very difficult and complicated to implement.”
Positive client feedback Despite the complexity of robust optimization, Ruivivar observed that clients across the board have been surprisingly receptive to the new SAA framework. “Professionally managed family offices are a natural match and we can have very technical conversations which they understand because of their background,” she shared. “But even clients who are not financial professionals by training have been very open-minded. We’ve had many meaningful conversations about the concept of how various assets in their portfolio play an economic role, be it for income, defense, or growth. We do not need to delve deeply into the math with them, as robust optimisation is quite intuitive at its core. It’s really all about creating portfolios that can weather different paths.”
CIO Lab and expansion to alts In addition to simply applying the SAA framework within Bank of Singapore, Ruivivar said that clients
1 0 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
are even exploring its application
credit. My team is 100% focused
However, Ruivivar admits that
to their overall assets across other
on improving the quality and
while the robust optimisation
banks. Through a platform called
consistency of that data, because
technique is powerful in building
CIO Lab designed to help multi-
this space is not mark-to-market,”
resilient portfolios, it does not
banking clients who are comfortable
Ruivivar said.
excel in every single scenario.
with sharing information about assets held at other private banks, Bank of Singapore is able to provide a more holistic perspective and apply
Weakness: Continued US exceptionalism
the robust optimization technique to the broader portfolio.
“It is most likely to underperform in a situation where US exceptionalism lasts longer,” she explained. “That
Since its introduction, the new
would mean US equities rallying
SAA framework has outperformed
strongly and a US dollar that is
The bank will look to further
the traditional 60/40 portfolio
upgrade its capabilities by extending
benchmark – 60% and 40% allocated
Global Private Banker’s [Inside
coverage beyond traditional asset
towards stocks and bonds,
the Chief Investment Office] is
classes.
respectively – delivering higher
new editorial series focused
returns while maintaining lower
on spotlighting the latest CIO
“We continue to enhance our SAA
volatility. The equity and bond
developments from industry
framework and after covering
allocations within the SAA have also
leaders, including market
public markets, we are now working
each outperformed their respective
insights, house views, asset
on alternatives, including hedge
market benchmarks by a few
allocation, innovations, and
funds, private equities, and private
hundred basis points.
more.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 1 1
HSBC TO LAUNCH AI CENTRE IN SINGAPORE WITH MAJOR HIRING PLANS FEATURE ARTICLE
London-headquartered HSBC will form an artificial intelligence centre in Singapore with plans to create more than 200 new roles in the city-state across tech and wealth.
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HSBC will establish a new Global AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Singapore in the second half of 2026, according to a statement. The centre will work closely with teams in wealth management and global payments solutions, as well as David Rice, the bank’s first chief AI officer appointed in March this year. The new AI CoE will hire over 100 AI specialists to build capabilities for global application. It will also further add 100 relationship managers across premier and private banking over the next two years in the city-state. “Singapore’s strong talent and dynamic ecosystem will help drive our global AI vision – to empower our colleagues to use AI to create a personalised experience for each customer, deliver it safely, in real time and at scale, while keeping human judgment, decision-making and accountability at the core,” commented HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery. HSBC has been accelerating the deployment of AI within its wealth management business in recent times. In September 2025, its private banking arm launched a generative AI-powered ecosystem, Wealth Intelligence, for client-facing staff, investment counsellors, and product specialists to provide clients with market insights and personalised investment strategies. In June 2026, it announced a multi-year partnership with Google Cloud to build AI capabilities across its global operations, including hyperpersonalised wealth management advice.
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INDOSUEZ’S SU QIAN: “WE ACT AS A FUND MANAGER RATHER THAN A FUND DISTRIBUTOR FOR PRIVATE MARKETS” By Richard Otsuki EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Demand for private markets is on the rise in the wealth industry. While many private banks are acting as a fund distributor, the role of fund manager has significant relative advantages in the asset class, Indosuez Wealth Management’s Su Qian told Global Private Banker. Private markets are on the rise in the wealth management industry with individual investors accounting for around one-fifth of assets under management and this figure is forecasted to reach 37% within five years, according to a 2025 Morgan Stanley report. While interest continues to grow, investors are gaining exposure to this asset class through varying approaches. One common method is to invest through funds being distributed by private banks. In an exclusive interview with Su Qian, Indosuez Wealth Management’s Asia head of investment management, there are certain disadvantages in such an arrangement. “When you are acting as a distributor, you don’t have very transparent details and there will be a delay in communication,” Su said.
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Tiera Capital
across primaries, secondaries, co-
DNA, whether it is Tiera Capital
investments, and semi-liquids.
for private markets or Degroof
At Indosuez, it has a relatively
“Our offering is quite unique
Petercam Asset Management for
unique approach to accessing
compared to the rest of the industry
public markets.”
private markets through Tiera
because we act as a fund manager
Capital, the French private bank’s
rather than a fund distributor for
dedicated in-house brand for the
private markets,” Su explained.
asset class. Tiera has 25 years of
“If there is any major event, we can
track record and more than 60
simply reach out to our internal
professionals managing or advising
colleagues and get information to
In late 2025, there were some
on over EUR 11 billion (USD 12.8
determine what is market noise and
concerns from private credit
billion) in assets. Through this
what is reality. When you are acting
investors due to several high-
internal capability, Indosuez
as a distributor, you don’t have very
profiled defaults, most notably by
conducts due diligence on individual
transparent details and there will be
First Brands Group and Tricolor
deals or funds and manages
a delay in communication. In-house
in the auto sector. These risks are
portfolios by structuring solutions
investment management is in our
once again appearing in headlines
Default rates still manageable
with a Fitch Ratings report citing a trailing 12-month US private credit default rate of 6.1% at the end of July 2026 – a record high maintained since April 2026. Nonetheless, Su believes this is still a manageable risk, especially when compared to the overall market size. “While there have been some media headlines about default concerns, we believe this is just market noise,” she noted. “Of course, we are seeing some defaults occurring but they are very sector and company-specific. We should not generalize across the broader private markets. Moreover, securities-backed lending within US private markets is just around USD 1 trillion. Compared to the size SU QIAN Head of Investment Management, Asia Indosuez Wealth Management
of the overall US financial market, at around USD 240 trillion, this is unlikely to trigger systematic risks.”
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BARCLAYS PRIVATE BANK OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES SINGAPORE BOOKING CENTRE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Barclays Private Bank strengthens its proposition in Asia with the launch of its booking centre in Singapore, marking a full reentry after exiting a decade ago.
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Barclays has launched its private
the right expertise across the bank.
“Singapore continues to play a
bank booking centre in Singapore
It is a powerful example of our one
pivotal role in the global wealth
to strengthen its ability to serve
Barclays approach, helping us deliver
landscape. The launch of our
ultra-high net worth clients and
more seamless and integrated
booking centre reflects Barclays’
family offices, according to an
solutions for clients wherever they
long-term commitment to the
announcement.
are in the world,” added Annabelle
market and our ambition to
Bryde, head of Barclays Private Bank
serve increasingly international
International.
client needs,” said Alexander
The move enables connectivity between Singapore and other
Harrison, country CEO,
international booking centres,
Singapore, and interim head of
allowing clients to access banking,
Reentry after a decade
private bank Singapore, Barclays.
lending, investments and wealth planning services seamlessly.
Barclays makes a full private
We are uniquely positioned
Clients can also benefit from the
banking reentry into Singapore after
to support clients whose
one-bank model to leverage the
exiting a decade ago. In 2016, the
businesses, families and
combined capabilities of Barclays’
British lender sold its wealth and
wealth span borders through
private bank, and corporate and
investment management business in
one integrated bank, bringing
investment banks, including global
Singapore and Hong Kong to Bank of
together the capabilities of our
expertise, financing, and market
Singapore, which had around USD 17
global franchise to help them
access.
billion in assets under management
navigate opportunities across
at the time.
markets and generations.”
“The launch of our Singapore booking centre marks an important milestone in delivering our growth strategy, it enables us to bring the full breadth of Barclays’ expertise to our clients, and reflects our investment in key international wealth markets,” commented Sasha Wiggins, CEO, Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management. “The new platform makes it easier for clients to access the full breadth of Barclays’ capabilities through one integrated team. Whether clients require lending, investment advice or support with complex family wealth and succession planning, we can connect them to
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HSBC PRIVATE BANK DELIVERS ASIAN EXCELLENCE WITH GROUP-WIDE CAPABILITIES FEATURE ARTICLE
Established in 1865 in Hong Kong, HSBC is synonymous with Asian banking and bridging the region to the global market, placing it in a favorable position to act as a trusted advisor to local clients. Today, it is a leading player in multiple fields of finance, enabling it to serve its private banking clients holistically beyond just their investment needs. And HSBC Private Bank is making the most of its group-wide capabilities by capitalising on such synergies. In 2025, it launched the Entrepreneurial Wealth Proposition to support clients at every stage of their wealth and business journey via collaboration with the commercial, corporate and institutional banking arms in Asia. Most recently, HSBC Private Bank launched HSBC Access in Hong Kong, a proposition designed to give ultra-high net worth (UHNW) and family office clients access to institutional-grade solutions, exclusive investment opportunities and specialist insights. The proposition is expected to roll out in more markets to meet the needs of clients globally.
1 8 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
While the bank boasts a heritage of 160-plus years, HSBC Private Bank is simultaneously positioning itself for the future with continuous technological enhancements. This includes HSBC Prism Advisory, which is a holistic portfolio-based investment service that uses institutional-quality portfolio and HSBC’s analytics driven through a proprietary tool which looks at 5,000 risk factors and their impact on client portfolios. In leveraging emerging opportunities from artificial intelligence (AI), the bank also launched Wealth Intelligence, an generative AI-powered ecosystem that delivers real-time, high-quality investment insights
Best Private Bank - Asia Pacific and South Asia
and market intelligence to client facing staff.
registered a significant increase
Regional leader in private banking
in net new money and client
Unique financing capabilities
relationships alongside a stable rise in revenue, despite market
One of the key differentiators at HSBC
headwinds. In South Asia, the bank
Private Bank is its credit capabilities
The combination of its unique,
also delivered diversified growth
within Asia with bespoke lending
comprehensive offering with
across key metrics, including
linked to securities, real estate, and
unrelenting effort resulted in the
its entry into the onshore India
even trophy assets like jets, yachts,
expansion of client assets in 2025
market in recent years. This has
and art. It continues to innovate its
throughout Asia.
culminated in the well-deserved
offering with new solutions including
trio of awards, including the Best
a private equity employee loan
In one of its key home markets of
Private Bank for Hong Kong, South
programme, leveraged investment
Hong Kong, HSBC Private Bank
Asia and Asia Pacific.
campaign, and collar financing.
HSBC Private Bank is simultaneously positioning itself for the future with continuous technological enhancements.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 1 9
With a significant expansion of the loan book size and high penetration among clients, its unique approach to deploying its balance sheet has led the bank to deepen client relationships and secure the title of Best Private Bank for Credit as well as Highly Acclaimed for Best Private Bank for Entrepreneurs.
Commitment to sustainability Beyond just supporting investment and financing needs, HSBC has also demonstrated a commitment to be a force for good, including the ambition to become a net zero bank by 2050. Within the private bank, it supports clients by offering sustainability education, engagement, and access to a broad range of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and sustainable
LOK YIM Regional Head HSBC Private Bank, Asia Pacific
investing solutions, leveraging the institutional expertise of HSBC
As the Best Private Bank for ESG
and circular economy, and social
Asset Management and HSBC
- Overall; Sustainable Assets; and
empowerment not only as means
Corporate and Institutional Banking
Most Innovative ESG Offering,
to improve the world but also
for product development, fulfillment
it has high conviction in themes
generate risk-adjusted returns for
planning, and implementation.
like energy security, biodiversity
investors.
One of the key differentiators at HSBC Private Bank is its credit capabilities within Asia with bespoke lending linked to securities, real estate, and even trophy assets like jets, yachts, and art.
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HOW ADDITIV IS REDEFINING DIGITAL FINANCIAL SERVICES AT SCALE FEATURE ARTICLE
In an industry long constrained by legacy infrastructure, the ability to innovate without disruption has become one of financial services’ most pressing challenges. Since its launch, additiv’s Financial Services Orchestration Platform has positioned itself squarely at the centre of this transformation, offering institutions a way to modernise and scale on any core system. At its core, the platform was conceived as an API-first orchestration layer, one that enables banks, insurers, and asset managers to design, build, and operate financial services across wealth, credit, insurance, and banking. Rather than relying on fragmented, bespoke integrations, institutions can leverage a single modular platform to streamline operations, reduce friction, and accelerate time to market. This approach has proven particularly relevant in an era where digital-first engagement and hybrid advisory models are rapidly becoming the norm. The clearest expression of that model is addAffluent, additiv’s newest offering. Its Guided Advisory journey turns a tablet-led client meeting into a discretionary: identification, risk profiling, strategy and signature captured together, with the client continuing afterwards on their own phone. That is hybrid advisory in the literal sense, one relationship moving between advisor-led and self-directed without changing systems. Underneath sits modular discretionary portfolio management: model portfolios matched to profile and goal, with drift monitoring and rebalancing running at a scale no advisor could service by hand. No individual advice is given at any point, which keeps the compliance burden per mandate low and the training required of the relationship manager minimal.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 2 1
Because it runs on the orchestration layer, the same deployment extends up into full advisory with personal recommendations, out into pension and protection sourced from regulated partners, across into direct-to-consumer journeys that start online and finish with an advisor. Each addition reuses the client record, the investment engine and the compliance logic already live. Nothing is rebuilt to add the next thing, and that is what changes the economics. Banks can extend the same investment engine down into MICHAEL STEMMLE Founder & CEO, additive
segments that were never economical for a relationship manager. Retail banks can move the other way and turn an existing client
logged, so what a regulator sees is
starts online and finishes in the
book into invested assets. Both run
deterministic, explainable logic.
branch, or the reverse, and it extends beyond investment into
on the systems already in place: preintegrated with Temenos Transact,
The other is everything the bank
pension and protection built with
or alongside any existing core, and
does not own. Execution, custody
regulated partners. A bank with
typically live in three to six months.
and tax-wrapped accounts come
no pension heritage can offer
from regulated partners already
retirement provision end to end,
connected to the platform, so an
from accumulation through payout,
institution can offer products it
without holding the licenses itself.
What sits between the core and the client
holds no license for and can swap a provider later without the client ever
In Germany, DekaBank deployed its
Two things sit in that layer, and
noticing. Between them they remove
Deka-Connect proposition across
the client sees neither. One is
the usual reasons a proposition
the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe,
intelligence. In 2025 additiv
stalls: work nobody has time for, and
bringing omnichannel digital
added AI Studio: not a general-
products the bank is not allowed to
wealth services to mass-affluent
purpose assistant, but a library
sell.
clients through the advisor portal
of agents built for specific jobs.
and online banking. Automated
The Onboarding Doc Agent pre-
workflows aligned with MiFID
fills forms straight from identity
Proven at scale
documents. The Proposal Agent
II replaced manual, paper-based processes, enabling faster rollout
generates compliant proposals
Guided Advisory is one journey
across savings banks. For Dr. Olaf
and the documents that stand
on the platform. The same engine
Heinrich, Digital Multichannel
behind them. Every action is
runs propositions where a client
Management at DekaBank
2 2 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
additiv’s orchestration-led approach offers a compelling blueprint, one that bridges the gap between legacy systems and digital ambition.
Deutsche Girozentrale, the bank
to evolve, the need for flexible,
two awards at the Global Private
is “setting new standards in
scalable, and intelligent platforms
Banker WealthTech Awards 2026:
terms of compliance, comfort and
will only intensify. additiv’s
‘Operational Transformation Vendor
customizability”, with the OSPlus
orchestration-led approach offers
of the Year’ and ‘Best Digital Client
integration allowing “a seamless and
a compelling blueprint, one that
Experience in Wealth Management –
fully digital advisor journey”.
bridges the gap between legacy
Cloud Platform’. In 2026, additiv was
systems and digital ambition.
acquired by Temenos and continues
All this has led additiv to win
to operate as an independent brand.
The pattern repeats elsewhere. In the Philippines, ATRAM Group launched Wealth360 for high-networth and institutional clients. By digitizing onboarding and advisory workflows, ATRAM achieved approximately 97% year-on-year growth in assets under management while improving advisor productivity and client engagement. As Deanno Basas, Chief Executive Officer at ATRAM Group, noted, the platform has “revolutionised wealth management” and reinforced the firm’s leadership in the local market. Adoption follows the same curve. Zurich Insurance onboarded CHF 40 million in net new assets in the first 50 days. PostFinance onboarded roughly 800,000 clients in the first six months after go-live. Compliance frameworks such as MiFID II sit inside the journey rather than bolted on afterwards, which is what makes numbers like these repeatable. As financial services continue
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 2 3
HOW FIELDPOINT TURNED BANKING INDUSTRY DISRUPTION INTO A GROWTH OPPORTUNITY FEATURE ARTICLE
A wave of bank failures and consolidations reshaped the U.S. financial landscape. Fieldpoint Private saw this as an opportunity to build a new kind of bank. The 2023 failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic left a vacuum in the US banking market. In the year that followed, 15% of US banks either closed or were absorbed into other banks. It represented a historic industry dislocation and erosion of the client experience, and for Fieldpoint, a rare opportunity. The Connecticut-based bank said it sharpened its strategic focus on a model it calls private commercial banking - essentially commercial banking with a wealth management mindset and a white glove service experience. By 2025 the model became fully active. Fieldpoint began by recruiting banking teams experienced in delivering a private commercial banking solution set and service model – including teams displaced by the 2023 crisis. The organisation was re-engineered around a single point of professional contact for each client, backed by a consistent team of dedicated support personnel, it said. It then established a new program to facilitate a dramatically expanded scope of loan types outside the capacity of its native balance sheet, enabling, effectively, an open architecture lending platform. More than a dozen partners were curated to deliver the Fieldpoint client experience and to never represent a competitive threat to Fieldpoint’s wealth management partners.
2 4 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
Loans include net asset value (NAV) lending, loans collateralised by private stock, leveraged employee stock ownership plans (ESOP), registered independent advisor (RIA) team acquisition financing, super jumbo mortgages, and art and aircraft finance. Then came technology. Fieldpoint expanded deployment of its family office banking platform, which unifies a client’s business interests, personal, trust and philanthropic entities into a single banking experience. Access, transaction permissions and approval roles are customised across users, external advisors, entities and accounts. DAVID BAGATELLE Chief Banking Officer, Fieldpoint
Fieldpoint also expanded its network to roughly 1,000 independent advisors, accessing tens of thousands of client relationships across 33 states. Clients are now located throughout 48 U.S. states and more than 20 countries.
strategic partnerships to deliver
For these achievements, Fieldpoint
scalable, client-centric solutions
was recognised as the Best Boutique
“We are redefining what a modern
that go beyond the limitations
Private Bank – USA, and Most
private commercial bank can be
of traditional banking,” said
Innovative Business Model at the
— leveraging open architecture,
David Bagatelle, Chief Banking
Global Private Banking Innovation
advanced technology and
Officer.
Awards 2026.
What helps differentiate EQT is its use of advanced data and technology-driven tools that enhance deal sourcing and investment decisions.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 2 5
DIGITAL WEALTH PUSH HELPS DRIVE GROWTH AT SABADELL URQUIJO FEATURE ARTICLE
The private banking division of Banco Sabadell has expanded digital access to its flagship portfolio management service while growing assets under management to EUR73.8 billion (USD85.1 billion). Sabadell UrquijoBanca Privada has rolled out a series of digital enhancements aimed at making wealth management more accessible and transparent for its clients. The Spanish bank is a premier private banking division of Banco Sabadell, one of Spain’s leading financial institutions, specialising in providing personalised wealth management services to high-networth individuals and families. In 2025, the bank said it had fully deployed digital onboarding and end-to-end servicing for Cartera Sabadell — its flagship discretionary portfolio management service — enabling clients to open new mandates from EUR500 (USD577) directly through their mobile app or website. Contributions, reimbursements, and portfolio adjustments can now all be completed online. Since rollout, inflows through digital channels have grown at a continuous pace, the bank noted, with contributions increasing month after month.
2 6 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
A new 24/7 reporting and analytics
To add to that, the bank introduced
introducing an in-app chat feature
platform was also introduced
a new communication format
allowing clients to contact their
across mobile and its website,
featuring short, regular videos in
banker and resolve consultations
giving clients daily portfolio and
which investment teams explain
directly from their phone. This will
benchmark performance, detailed
key portfolio rebalancing decisions.
subsequently be followed with a
instrument-level information, asset-
The videos provide updates in clear,
renewed brokerage platform for
class breakdowns, full look-through
accessible language, offering clients
securities, ETFs, and fixed income
analytics, and downloadable reports.
a more engaging alternative to
instruments the third quarter of
Clients can now assess valuations,
traditional PDF reports.
the year. A new product-matching
performance, and distributions
feature will also be introduced,
across advisory, discretionary, and
A new mobile app is expected to be
helping clients identify the most
execution-only portfolios at any time.
rolled out in the second half of 2026,
suitable solutions through a short set of questions. Additionally, work is underway to integrate accountaggregation capabilities, enabling clients to view positions held at other banks and see their entire wealth picture in one place. Assets under management (AUM) grew from EUR54.7 billion (USD63.1 billion) in 2023 to EUR73.8 billion (USD85.1 billion) in 2025. The bank’s asset management firm, Urquijo Gestión saw its discretionary portfolios AUM increase by 58.7% between 2023 and 2025, with the number of portfolios rising by 59.4%, driven by consistent outperformance across both equity and fixed-income strategies. Sabadell was recognised at the Global Private Banking Innovation 2026 awards for: •
Best Private Bank – Spain
•
Best Private Bank for Discretionary Portfolio – Spain
•
Best Private Bank for Client Experience – Spain
XAVIER BLANQUET Head of Personal Banking, Banco Sabadell
•
Outstanding Client Experience in Wealth Management - Spain
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 2 7
PANHE’S CONTINUOUSLY UPGRADED NEW-GENERATION SERVICE CAPABILITIES AND VALUE CREATION CAPABILITIES IN FAMILY SUCCESSION FEATURE ARTICLE
As Chinese entrepreneur families grapple with wealth preservation, leadership transition and long-term continuity, Panhe Family Office is expanding its suite of family governance solutions. Panhe Family Office is doubling down on its mission to help entrepreneur families navigate succession, governance and long-term wealth preservation. The firm was founded in 2013 as an independent multi-family office specialising in family wealth preservation and succession. Having served more than 300 entrepreneur families across mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, it provides one-stop solutions covering wealth preservation, growth and succession. Panhe’s approach is built around Ten Service Modules, which span areas including family succession planning, portfolio investment, family governance, family office establishment, philanthropy and new-generation cultivation. These services are organised around three stages – Defence, Offence and Succession – allowing families to customise solutions according to their specific circumstances. “What distinguishes us from other institutions in the market is that we stand completely with the family. Such services are difficult to quantify, but we have gained the trust and praise of many family customers,” says Andrew Yen, founder of the Panhe Family Office.
2 8 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
In 2025, the firm introduced a series of enhancements designed to address the increasingly complex needs of ultra-high-networth families. It developed two proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) powered advisory systems called Japass (Jade Compass) and Bupass (Butterfly Compass). Using nearly 12 years of family succession service data, Japass is a decision-support platform that assists families across business, wealth and family
Panhe senior management team receiving awards
governance matters. The system is designed to support common decision-making scenarios and
The firm also continues to build out
independent family chief investment
provide guidance throughout
its succession education capabilities.
officers capable of building and
the succession process. On the
In 2025, it expanded its “Infinite
managing family investment
other hand, Bupass leverages
Game” Family Succession Series, a
frameworks. Combining mentorship,
family office data to help advisers
programme consisting of 12 intensive
practical learning and AI-assisted
improve decision-making, identify
workshops designed for founders,
guidance, the programme reflects
trends and navigate complex
spouses and second-generation
the firm’s broader effort to scale its
stakeholder relationships.
family members. The programme
traditionally bespoke advisory model.
aims to provide families with a According to Panhe, both
practical framework for succession
Pahne was awarded Best Next-
systems have already
planning, leadership development
Generation Offering – China,
gained broad acceptance
and implementation.
Best Family Office – Taiwan and
among partners and clients,
Excellence in Intergenerational
with multiple case studies
An “Ultimate Buy-Side” Investment
Services by a Family Office at the
demonstrating the effectiveness
Study Tour programme was also
Global Private Banking Innovation
of AI-assisted decision support.
launched, which seeks to cultivate
Awards 2026.
Using nearly 12 years of family succession service data, Japass is a decision-support platform that assists families across business, wealth and family governance matters.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 2 9
DEUTSCHE BANK PRIVATE BANK’S DEDICATED COVERAGE GARNERS ACCLAIM FROM UHNWIS, FAMILY OFFICES AND ENTREPRENEURS FEATURE ARTICLE
While some players wish to be the trusted advisor for all clients, Deutsche Bank Private Bank has decidedly taken a sharpened approach to specialise in serving several segments, including ultra-high net worth individuals, families offices and entrepreneurs. In the current landscape where many rival financial groups in the industry are seeking synergies to achieve cost efficiency, the German private bank is bucking the trend by assigning resources for better coverage of specific types of clients.
3 0 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
For UHNWIs and family offices,
the bank has executed dozens of
attributable to the more focused
the bank has dedicated investment
flagship transactions including
approach. And this was all backed
managers to better align client
M&A and privatisation deals in
by continuous hiring of senior
segments with its comprehensive
a diverse range of sectors and
talent in developed and emerging
product offering, especially in
markets globally.
markets.
made strong efforts to expand
The myriad of success stories
In 2025, Deutsche Bank Private
across private markets, including
have translated into business
Bank demonstrated excellence
direct, co-investments, primary,
growth across the board. Net
in providing tailored solutions to
secondary, and evergreen strategies.
new assets rose most notably
three of the industry’s most coveted
Deutsche Bank Private Bank also
from “one bank” collaboration
segments, resulting in it winning
has dedicated trading coverage to
through liquidity events and
the title of Best Private Bank for
provide clients with deep liquidity,
client referrals. Revenues from the
Entrepreneurs, Best Private Bank
optimal pricing, and seamless
targeted segments also increased
for UHNW Clients, and Best Family
execution across European and US
significantly and was directly
Office Offering - Overall.
alternatives where the bank has
hours for equities, fixed income, FX, and structured products. Its Bank for Entrepreneurs (BfE) coverage model leverages the group’s full repertoire of capabilities to deliver solutions that address not only investments but also business needs. Through close collaboration with the Corporate and Investment Bank, its specialised One Bank Solutions (OBS) team holistically serves clients by helping their business achieve various objectives such as growth, borrowing, raising capital, de-risking or exiting.
Numerous success stories Through continued enhancements and efforts, the bank is seeing its dedicated coverage models come to fruition. It has delivered multiple large, customised discretionary mandates and bespoke structured product solutions. In its BfE model,
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 3 1
WMCOCKPIT DRIVES DIFFERENTIATED WEALTH OFFERINGS WITH COMPREHENSIVE ESTATE VIEW FEATURE ARTICLE
As wealthy families expand across jurisdictions and asset classes, their advisory requirements have grown more complex. As a result, demand for holistic coverage has been rapidly on the rise in private banking and wealth management. Many incumbent institutions still struggle to aggregate exposure beyond traditional holdings such as equities, bonds and funds. Launched in 2023, WMCockpit provides advisers with a consolidated view of clients’ family estates across jurisdictions and ownership. Its software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform consolidates information to provide a holistic view encompassing family members, asset holding structures and asset holding entities, jurisdictional risk and currency risks. Its capabilities are not limited to just reporting and extend to wealth projections, scenario-building as well as AI-driven tax and news insights. There is greater ease for conducting compliance procedures related to source of wealth or know your client (KYC) requirements. Investment behaviour and decisions can be better understood with a more complete view of risk from the inclusion of financial and non-financial assets. Perhaps more importantly, traditional financial institutions can better differentiate themselves to ultra-high net worth clients (UHNW), especially those in the next-gen segment who are digitally savvy and increasingly open to fintech rivals that are attempting to take market share with a focus on competitive fees, user experience and other factors.
3 2 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
WMCockpit has been steadily attracting new users amongst private banks and multi-family offices due to its holistic coverage of a family’s entire asset and liability base alongside a host of wealth advisory tools.
WMCockpit has been steadily
extensive network of private banking
is the winner of the Best Client
attracting new users amongst
and family office relationships to
Engagement and Retention
private banks and multi-family
support growth.
Platform (mobile-focused) as
offices due to its holistic coverage
well as the Best Wealth Planning
of a family’s entire asset and
Through its comprehensive offering,
Initiative at the Global WealthTech
liability base alongside a host of
unique tech capabilities and
Awards 2025, hosted by Global
wealth advisory tools. It continues
proven track record, WMCockpit
Private Banker.
to improve its platform, for example, with the release of local language versions for China and Japan, and refinement of its AI engine for applications like advice for liquidity and FX exposure or tax. Following success in Asia, where it is headquartered in Singapore, WMCockpit is seeking expansion to other regions via direct marketing and further rollouts from global financial institutions. In October 2025, it opened doors to external funding for the first time ever with USD 1,000,000 in strategic investment from a group led by Dubai-based Galaxy Investments Limited. In addition to using fresh capital to advance the development and deployment of AI technology, the firm will also leverage Galaxy Investments’
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 3 3
SPECICRED: UPGRADING CREDIT CONTROLS AMID AN UNCERTAIN ENVIRONMENT FEATURE ARTICLE
SpeciTec has been one of the longstanding leaders in credit management solutions, specifically for private banks, and its SpeciCRED platform will be even more relevant with increasing volumes, complexity and macro risks. Private banks deploy their balance sheets to support clients for a host of different purposes, be it to provide leverage to enhance investment returns or unlock liquidity for dormant assets. At the same time, the macro environment is becoming increasingly uncertain with risks in areas like economic growth, interest rate volatility, geopolitical tensions and more. To this end, the need for better credit control has become more critical as private banks navigate the challenges of being a willing partner without compromising their financial health. However, private banks grapple with a myriad of challenges when seeking to manage credit risk, amid growing volumes, increasing complexity and more stringent regulatory requirements. Many face credit blind spots as credit exposure, collateral values and limits are often spread across multiple systems and booking centres. Manual monitoring and delayed reporting are still common, limiting the ability to anticipate issues and increasing the chance of errors while slowing decision-making and strain resources.
3 4 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
Private banks grapple with a myriad of challenges when seeking to manage credit risk, amid growing volumes, increasing complexity and more stringent regulatory requirements.
A purpose-built solution
identification of breaches,
for credit portfolios, deeper
deterioration and exceptions. For
integration with digital banking
users in the Asia-Pacific region, it
and risk ecosystems and continued
Geneva-headquartered software
also provides local client support
alignment with evolving regulatory
firm SpeciTec specifically launched
through its regional hub in
expectations in Europe and Asia-
SpeciCRED in 2008 to address
Singapore.
Pacific.
such needs with a purpose-built credit management solution for private banks and wealth managers.
Roadmap for 2026-27
While other generic risk or lending
To further increase awareness and adoption, SpeciTec will focus on showcasing client use cases
tools already existed in the market,
Its efforts have led to long-term
and proof-of-value initiatives. It
SpeciCRED aimed to deliver
private banking relationships
will partner with top ecosystem
capabilities specifically designed
with renewals and expanded
providers to integrate into existing
for credit models relevant to the
deployment of the platform. Clients
environments for a seamless plug-
private banking industry, including
have consistently delivered positive
and-play experience. And it will
Lombard lending and bespoke
client, citing improved clarity,
also take a consultative approach
financing structures.
control and efficiency in credit
to working closely with clients to
management processes.
cater alignment with their credit
SpeciCRED’s centralised credit
policies and operating models.
management platform enables
Despite its accomplishments,
private banks to monitor exposures,
SpeciCRED is not resting on its
SpeciCRED accomplishment as a
collateral, limits and covenants
laurel with constant ambitions to
private banking specialist in risk
in real time, while supporting
upgrade its offering. Its 2026-27
management has led it to secure
structured credit processes and
roadmap includes enhanced AI-
the title for Best Credit Solution of
strong internal governance. It has
driven early-warning and predictive
the Year at the Global WealthTech
replaced traditional tools that rely
credit analytics, advanced stress
Awards 2026, hosted by Global
on static reports, spreadsheets
testing and scenario analysis
Private Banker.
or generic risk modules that resulted in fragmented, reactive credit processes with an integrated, data-driven approach to allow continuous monitoring of credit positions and automatic
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 3 5
J.P. MORGAN PRIVATE BANK RETAINS WORLD’S BEST PRIVATE BANK TITLE FEATURE ARTICLE
Amid growing competition, continued margin pressure, market volatility and changing client needs, J.P. Morgan Private Bank has stood out and secured the leading position as the World’s Best Private Bank for the sixth year in a row at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2026. Private banking has become a demanding endeavour with the needs of high-net-worth individuals becoming increasingly global and complex. Diversification of portfolios continues with investors seeking access beyond traditional investments into niche alternatives and multi-currency exposures. Wealth planning has become an issue that is top of mind as a historic transfer is underway and families seek not only to preserve their riches but also pass down their legacy and values. User experience is a priority as clients expect seamless, omni-channel access to information, insights, and advice. At the same time, pressure is also building up from within the industry. The stringency of regulatory requirements is still rising, leading to onerous compliance burdens. The talent war persists with the pursuit of senior private bankers being a constant. Global financial institutions are being challenged from all fronts by a host of new rivals, from emerging regional players to agile fintechs. Margin compression is the norm, especially in the midst of monetary easing. While the S&P 500 was up more than 15% in 2025, the path was not straightforward as events like Liberation Day tariffs and China’s DeepSeek moment led to a deep correction early and a major rotation out of US tech stocks, particularly to emerging markets which delivered outperformance for the first time in years.
3 6 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
Strong business growth Against this backdrop, J.P. Morgan Private Bank has stood out as a resilient stalwart. Assets under management globally grew 22% to over $1.4 trillion as the bank managed to guide client portfolios through volatility to capture returns while also attracting net inflows. Revenues were up 9% to reach $12.4 billion, driven by increased income across the board including management fees, brokerage commissions and interest income. deliver real-time, tailored advice and
The platform, which revamped its
The number of advisors rose to
eliminate repetitive tasks—freeing
mobile app in 2024, enables a series
around 4,000 with a continued
them to focus on high-value client
of functionalities including real-time
focus on upskilling as total training
engagement.
access to portfolio analytics and
hours tripled since 2019 while productivity also improved, most notably from the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions,
market insights, on-the-go execution
Transforming client experience
including Connect Coach, a
of trades and money transfers, and more. Key enhancements over the past year include a new liquidity overview dashboard, the ability
tool designed to enhance client
The bank has also made relentless
to place time deposits and money
engagement by equipping the
efforts to improve client experience,
market funds online, and expanded
bank’s front-office users with one
especially through J.P. Morgan
execution capabilities such as the
million personalized insights to
Online International (JPOI), an
new Volume Weighted Average Price
identify opportunities and deepen
all-in-one digital portal serving
(VWAP) order type.
relationships. AI is revolutionizing
Asia and EMEA clients in more
day-to-day advisor workflows,
than 20 countries to cater to the
Cognizant of growing cybersecurity
enabling advisors to respond faster,
growing need for seamless access.
risks, JPOI has implemented
The bank has made relentless efforts to improve client experience, especially through J.P. Morgan Online International (JPOI), an all-in-one digital portal serving Asia and EMEA clients.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 3 7
industry-leading fraud prevention
“Our objective is to make the first
a simpler onboarding journey, secure
capabilities with real-time
step into JPMorganChase Private
access to our proprietary thought
push alerts on suspicious
Bank as simple and confident
leadership, and a direct line to their
account activities, cutting-edge
as every step that follows. We’re
advisor.”
authentication, a dedicated security
creating a digital experience that
portal and other features to give
reduces friction, reinforces trust,
With a track record of more than
clients the peace of mind needed to
and keeps the relationship at the
200 years, a uniform business model
engage digitally.
centre—so prospective clients can
globally and leadership positions
engage with us digitally without
in multiple regions through its
“We believe that digital security is
compromising security or personal
presence in 75 offices, J.P. Morgan
key. While our goal is to help clients
service. Ultimately, it’s about helping
Private Bank has retained the throne
grow their wealth sustainably,
prospects feel the benefit of being a
as the World’s Best Private Bank for
protecting it and ensuring security
JPMorganChase client from day one:
the sixth consecutive year.
should always come first.” – Benson Wong, Head of Digital Client, Banking and Brokerage Solutions, J.P. Morgan International Private Bank Building on its continued investment in digital innovation, the Private Bank recently launched a new digital experience that supports prospective clients from their very first interaction with the bank. Through the portal, these individuals can securely share documents, access J.P. Morgan insights and their personalised goals-based plan, contact their advisor and more.
We believe that digital security is key. While our goal is to help clients grow their wealth sustainably, protecting it and ensuring security should always come first. – Benson Wong Head of Digital Client, Banking and Brokerage Solutions, J.P. Morgan International Private Bank
3 8 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
“TRUSTED ADVISOR OR JUST A BROKER?” BNP PARIBAS WM BETS ON ZERO-FEE PHILANTHROPY TO DEEPEN RELATIONSHIPS By Richard Otsuki FEATURE ARTICLE
Private banks that wish to be their clients’ advisor of choice, rather than a broker, need to be able to serve their needs holistically. This includes handling demand for charitable giving, BNP Paribas Wealth Management’s Asia head of philanthropy services Mae Anderson told Global Private Banker. Asia’s rapid wealth growth parallels the increasing desire in the region to give back for charitable causes. In Singapore, a report released in January 2026 by the Commissioner of Charities Releases said that SGD3.68 billion in donations were raised in 2024, up 3.4% year-on-year. Separately, a survey by the Hong Kong Institute for Monetary and Financial Research found that family offices in the rival Asian hub are projected to increase philanthropic participation from 45% to 64%, and impact investing from 30% to 43%. In response, private banks in the region are rapidly rolling out their own offerings to meet demand, including BNP Paribas Wealth Management which launched its donor-advised fund (DAF) platform, called Bridge Foundation, in February to support Asian entrepreneurs, high net worth individuals (HNWI), and family offices.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 3 9
DAF: Superior cost, flexibility, and tax efficiency
associated and we don’t require
of the type of giving, such as is
clients to have any minimum assets
increased interest in funding
with the DAF account or minimum
upstream, which contrasts with
donations.”
previously capitalistic approaches
Despite the demand, engaging in philanthropy can be a difficult and costly process. Foundations
that seek a return on donations.
Upstream funding
have a lengthy process to set up
“Now, there is more willingness in providing capital for capacity
with high costs, administrative
The French private bank’s DAF
building or even first-loss capital.
burdens, and the need to apply
platform has already received initial
This could be in areas like
for tax deductions. For charitable
commitments from family offices
upskilling workers or funding for
trusts, administrative work may
and entrepreneurial clients since
research,” Anderson said. “It’s like
be delegated to a trustee but the
inception and Anderson is seeing a
the saying about teaching a man to
costs tend to be even higher and the
number of trends emerge in terms
fish instead of giving him a fish.”
vehicle is inflexible for those who may later seek to change conditions such as beneficiaries, payouts, or intentions. According to Mae Anderson, head of philanthropy services, Asia, at BNP Paribas Wealth Management, DAFs resolve these issues with lower costs, greater flexibility, and high tax efficiency as there is upfront deduction in jurisdictions like Singapore. “DAFs are very common in the West, especially in the US, but they are still quite nascent in Asia. Generally, philanthropy is relatively new in the region as a lot of wealth is still tied with businesses and also because of lower awareness. For example, there is still no philanthropy course in universities and it is very hard to find an expert in this field,” she explained in an interview with Global Private Banker. “At BNP Paribas Wealth Management, there’s no fees
4 0 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
MAE ANDERSON Head of Philanthropy Services, Asia at BNP Paribas Wealth Management
Not always altruistic
chain disruptions. One way you
serious philanthropy offering is a
can offset this more smoothly
must,” she concluded.
Beyond doing good, Anderson
is through philanthropy. You
notes that “not all giving come
could donate to a clean water
“It is no longer enough just to
from pure altruism” with some
programme or marine biodiversity
provide a product to a client,
focused on pragmatism in the
research,” she commented.
especially because of the parity in
modern era, where businesses
the access to information and high
face various sorts of pressure,
sophistication amongst clients,
including evaluation metrics
Advisor versus broker
based on environmental, social, or governance-related factors.
some of which are or have hired former bankers. Instead, having a
While Bridge Foundation does not
deep understanding of client needs
directly generate income for the
and being able to operationalise
“If you are a shipping tycoon
bank, Anderson notes that it is
their intentions into impact is key.
with a high carbon footprint,
a critical component to deliver a
Whether or not you can develop
you can’t just change your
compelling proposition for HNWIs.
such a relationship determines if
model overnight. That will cause issues like job losses or supply
you are a trusted advisor or just a “For private banks, having a
broker.”
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 4 1
BRADESCO GLOBAL PRIVATE BANK PUTS AI AT THE HEART OF ITS ADVISORY MODEL FEATURE ARTICLE
Bradesco Global Private Bank has deployed generative AI to reshape how its relationship managers serve ultra-high-net-worth clients: reducing administrative burden, sharpening advisory quality, and driving measurable gains in commercial engagement across its Brazilian and international operations. The private bank manages BRL 611.1 billion (USD118 billion) in assets under management as of 2025, serving ultra high net worth client clients across Brazil, Luxembourg, New York, and Miami. Its latest strategic move centres on embedding artificial intelligence directly into the daily workflow of its private bankers — not as a back-office tool, but as a live copilot at the point of client interaction. These capabilities won the bank the award for Best Private Bank – Latin America at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2026.
The problem it set out to solve Relationship managers in private banking carry a significant administrative load — preparing client briefings, logging visit notes, updating CRM records, and drafting follow-up actions. This overhead competes directly with time that could be spent on wealth planning, prospecting and qualified client conversations. For a segment where personalisation and responsiveness are non-negotiable, that friction had a real cost.
4 2 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
The AI copilot in practice
million (approx USD581,000) in
enabler of our service model,
2023 to BRL5 million (approx
freeing time for bankers to focus
USD969,000) in 2025.
on business strategy and client
Launched in July 2025 as a controlled pilot with 70 users
relationships.”
The human case for technology
What comes next
bank’s mobile Salesforce CRM via
“The adoption of artificial
The 2026–2027 roadmap
Salesforce Agentforce.
intelligence agents reinforces our
targets advanced client-
including bankers, advisors and wealth planners, the generative AI solution integrates directly into the
future vision for Bradesco Global
profile personalisation, more
Core features include AI-generated
Private Bank, combining cutting-
targeted AI-driven commercial
client briefings accessible through
edge technology, intelligent data
insights, intelligent product
the mobile app, automatic
use, and the irreplaceable value
recommendations aligned to
transcription and summarisation
of human relationships,” says
individual client goals, and
of client visits, contextual next-
Mariana Bahia, a strategy and
broader deployment across
best-action suggestions, and
innovation manager at the bank.
additional areas within private
streamlined activity logging on
banking, extending efficiency
mobile, thus eliminating the need
“More than a technological
and consistency gains across the
for manual desktop entry.
solution, the project acts as an
organisation.
The architecture is built on a secure, cloud-based infrastructure compliant with banking regulatory standards, with modular customisation across user profiles and processes.
Measurable improvement The pilot delivered increased mobile CRM adoption, higher volumes of visit and activity records, improved data quality through automated capture, and a significant reduction in time spent on administrative tasks. Digital users grew from 13,456 in 2023 to 17,917 in 2025. Technology investment in the private banking segment increased from BRL3
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 4 3
AI-LED COPILOT HELPS BRADESCO BANKERS DELIVER MORE PERSONALISED WEALTH ADVICE FEATURE ARTICLE
The wealth management division of Brazil-based Bradesco’s AI-powered mobile copilot has helped bankers deliver a more personalised client service, improve productivity and reduce administrative workload, while preserving its relationship-led private banking model. Bradesco Global Private Bank has launched an AI-powered relationship management platform designed to support bankers, advisors and wealth planners across its private banking business.
4 4 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
Introduced in 2025 with 70 users, the initiative equips frontline teams with an intelligent mobile copilot that uses generative AI to streamline client preparation, automate administrative tasks and enhance client engagement. The bank says the objective was to improve the management experience by enabling relationship managers to prepare faster, deliver higher-quality client interactions and spend less time on manual processes. Built on Salesforce customer relationship management (CRM), Salesforce Agentforce and a secure cloud-based architecture, the solution embeds generative AI directly into the bank’s mobile CRM workflow. Core capabilities include AI-generated client briefings accessible via
the bank says they experience
towards AI-augmented advisory,
mobile devices, active contact
tangible benefits through
improving consistency, scalability
registration, automated visit
more prepared advisors, faster
and efficiency across the business.
transcription and summarisation,
response times and higher-quality
and contextual insights that
interactions. Internal feedback
Bradesco plans to expand the
support next-best actions.
from pilot participants have also
platform’s capabilities in 2026
improved confidence during
and 2027. Planned enhancements
According to Bradesco, the
client meetings, smoother follow-
include advanced client-profile
platform’s differentiation stems
up processes and a noticeable
personalisation, more targeted
from its responsible use of
reduction in administrative effort.
commercial actions driven by
generative AI within a regulated
data intelligence, smart product
private banking environment. The
The result so far has been
evaluation tools and broader
bank has embedded governance,
an increase in mobile CRM
deployment across additional
security and compliance controls
adoption, improved data quality
private banking functions.
into the solution while ensuring
and consistency, as well as
scalability through Salesforce’s
higher commercial engagement
Bradesco won the award for Best
cloud infrastructure.
and reduced time spent on
Digital Client Experience in Wealth
administrative tasks. The bank
Management – LATAM at the
Although the clients do not
also says that the solution is
Global Private Banker WealthTech
interact directly with the platform,
helping shift its operating model
Awards 2026.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 4 5
BORDIER BRINGS 180 YEARS OF PRIVATE BANKING STEWARDSHIP TO ASIA’S EVOLVING WEALTH LANDSCAPE FEATURE ARTICLE
Bordier & Cie Singapore serves as the Asian hub of the Bordier Group, an independent Swiss private bank founded in 1844. Combining nearly two centuries of private banking expertise with carefully governed digital asset capabilities, the bank delivers an open-architecture wealth management platform built around long-term stewardship, personalised advice and institutional-grade risk management.
4 6 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
Founded in Geneva in 1844, Bordier remains one of Switzerland’s few independent private banks still owned and managed by the founding family. Today led by the fifth generation, the bank operates as an unlimited liability partnership, a structure that reinforces accountability by aligning the interests of its partners with those of its clients. The Group operates across six countries with approximately 350 employees serving clients in
architecture model that offers no
Addressing gaps in private banking
more than 25 languages. Focused
proprietary products or cross-
and digital assets
exclusively on private banking
selling.
and family wealth management,
Bordier’s boutique private banking
Bordier supports high-net-
This combination of heritage,
model addresses a critical industry
worth individuals and families
client alignment and measured
pain point - the erosion of true
across Europe, Asia, and Latin
innovation has positioned Bordier
alignment between banks and
America through long-term wealth
as one of the private banking
clients. As an unlimited liability
preservation, investment advisory
industry’s pioneers in integrating
partnership, the bank’s partners
and family office services.
digital assets within a regulated
bear personal responsibility for
wealth management framework.
the bank’s commitments, aligning
Singapore plays a central role in
The bank received four honours
the firm’s interests with clients
the bank’s Asian strategy. From
at The Global Private Banking
to an exceptional degree. Bordier
its regional hub, Bordier combines
Innovation Awards: Best Boutique
operates a true open-architecture
traditional private banking with
Private Bank, Best Private Bank
platform with no proprietary
specialist capabilities in family
for Digital Assets, Best Next-
products and no cross-selling,
office services and regulated
Generation Offering, and Best
ensuring advice is not constrained
digital assets through a pure open-
Family Office Offering.
by internal inventory or sales
Bordier’s boutique private banking model addresses a critical industry pain point the erosion of true alignment between banks and clients.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 4 7
targets. Clients can connect directly
management platform, allowing
build internally. The bank’s Next-
with partners and members of
positions to be managed as part of
Gen offering embeds successors
the Bordier family, reflecting the
a client’s overall wealth, rather than
directly into the governance engine
bank’s belief that private banking is
as a separate silo.
of the family’s wealth, including
personal, not transactional.
certification pathways through “Digital assets are no longer a
Académie Bordier.
“At Bordier, private banking is
curiosity; they are becoming a real
personal. Our unlimited‑liability
part of the investment landscape.
model is not symbolic — it translates
Our responsibility is to give clients
to how every decision is made with
a way to access this asset class
care and intention. Clients feel this.
safely, thoughtfully and within
In 2025, the bank deepened its
They know we grow deliberately, act
a regulated framework that is
collaboration with Sygnum,
without conflict, and stand behind
integrated with their private
expanding trading and custody
our commitments. In a world of
banking relationship.
capabilities. Trading volumes
scale, we choose stewardship,” says
Plans in the pipeline
increased approximately eight to
Valérie d’Argembeau, CEO at Bordier
“Our partnership with Sygnum
nine times across the bank’s book.
& Cie Singapore.
allows us to bring genuine
Through Bordier’s consolidation
innovation to our clients, while
service, the bank enabled a large
staying true to Bordier’s heritage
multi-jurisdictional family office
of prudence and long‑term
to build a dashboard for over $5.4
stewardship.” adds d’Argembeau.
billion in assets held across more
Digital assets with institutional-grade safety Through the bank’s multi-year partnership with Sygnum, the
than 120 accounts.
Family office and nextgeneration offering
world’s first digital asset bank,
Over the next two years, Bordier plans to further strengthen crossborder coverage for Asian families,
clients can buy, hold and trade
Bordier’s Family Office offering
bring more wealth-planning
selected digital assets such as
spans discretionary portfolio
services to Asia, and formally
Bitcoin and Ethereum under
management, advisory services,
roll out a Next-Gen engagement
MAS-regulated arrangements,
Outsourced CIO, family office
programme. The bank will also
with segregated custody, clear
support, consolidated reporting
continue expanding regulated
risk frameworks and robust client
and digital assets capabilities. The
digital asset and tokenisation
safeguards. The digital assets
solution empowers families to
capabilities in a measured way,
capability is fully integrated
retain full control while delegating
guided by evolving regulation and
into Bordier’s broader wealth
the functions they choose not to
client demand.
4 8 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
REGIONS COMBINES PLANNING-LED ADVICE AND FIDUCIARY SERVICES TO SERVE A NEW GENERATION OF HIGH-NET-WORTH CLIENTS FEATURE ARTICLE
US wealth manager Regions Private Wealth Management is helping clients navigate increasingly complex financial lives through a combination of planning-led advice, fiduciary services, and a relationship-driven approach built on more than a century of trust administration.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 4 9
As affluent and ultra-high-networth clients seek increasingly comprehensive advice, Regions Private Wealth Management continues to strengthen its position in the high-net-worth market by bringing together wealth planning, trust services, investment management, banking solutions, and philanthropy through an integrated advisory model. “For more than a century, we’ve built deep, enduring relationships by helping clients navigate some of life’s most important financial decisions,” said Leslie Carter-Prall, Head of Private Wealth Management. “Our approach brings together wealth planning, fiduciary experience, investment management, banking solutions, and philanthropy to make
Regions Private Wealth Corporate Headquarters, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients and their families.”
services. With a 103-year history
guidance that often spans multiple
as a trust provider, Regions has
generations.”
With $48.5 billion in assets under
built a comprehensive fiduciary
advisement, the private bank
platform that spans traditional
Regions’ trust model is further
serves clients ranging from affluent
estate planning, sophisticated
strengthened by local relationship
households to ultra-high-net-worth
wealth transfer strategies, trust
teams operating across 70 offices
families. Its integrated model brings
administration, charitable giving,
throughout its 13-state footprint.
together investment management,
and long-term legacy planning.
Advisors work closely with clients
trust and estate planning, banking,
and their families to navigate
credit, philanthropy, and business
“Trust administration is about
complex financial decisions while
succession planning through a
much more than managing
fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities
coordinated advisory approach.
assets. It’s about helping families
through personalised advice and
For the second consecutive year,
carry out their wishes, preserve
guidance. More than 90 percent
the firm has been recognised by
their values, and create a lasting
of clients awarded their advisor
Global Private Banker for Best Trust
legacy,” said Tracy Sorzano, Senior
a five-star rating, underscoring
Services by a Private Bank and Best
Fiduciary Executive. “What makes
the strength of these long-term
Wealth Planning Execution.
our approach distinctive is the
relationships.
combination of deep fiduciary A key differentiator is the firm’s
experience, local relationship teams,
Wealth planning serves as the
longstanding leadership in trust
and a commitment to personalised
foundation of the client experience
5 0 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
The firm’s planning philosophy is rooted in proactive advice, personalised guidance, and multidisciplinary expertise.
at Regions. Teams of Wealth
other trusted advisors. Recognising
clients evaluate potential outcomes
Advisors, Wealth Planners,
that the needs of high-net-
and opportunities.
and Wealth Strategists work
worth clients continue to grow
collaboratively with clients to align
in complexity, Regions has also
The firm’s planning-led approach
financial resources with personal
developed specialised planning
has produced measurable results.
values, family priorities, and long-
pathways for business owners
Regions reports that thousands of
term objectives. The resulting wealth
and ultra-high-net-worth families
customised wealth plans have been
plans are designed to bring clarity
navigating liquidity events, business
completed, while advisor adoption
to complexity and help clients make
transitions, legacy planning, and
of the rTrac platform has reached
informed decisions across every
intergenerational wealth transfer.
90 percent. Wealth planning now
stage of life.
generates approximately half of all
Rather than focusing solely on
“Wealth planning serves as
new private wealth management
investments, Regions’ planning
the foundation for every client
revenue, and according to the
approach incorporates a wide
relationship because it helps
firm’s 2025 Voice of Client survey,
range of client priorities, including
transform complex financial
70 percent of clients reported
financial planning, estate and
decisions into a clear path
greater confidence in achieving their
wealth transfer planning, business
forward,” said Bryan Koepp, Head
financial goals.
transition strategies, philanthropic
of Wealth Planning. “Our role
planning, executive compensation,
is to help clients connect their
The firm’s commitment to planning-
family governance, and wealth
wealth to what matters most to
led advice, fiduciary excellence, and
preservation. Plans are designed to
them, whether that’s preparing a
long-standing trust experience was
evolve over time as markets change,
business for transition, creating
recognised at the Global Private
life events occur, and client goals
a multigenerational legacy,
Banking Innovation Awards, where
continue to develop.
supporting philanthropic goals,
Regions earned honors for both Best
navigating a significant life event,
Wealth Planning Execution and Best
The firm’s planning philosophy
and exploring the ‘why’ and
Trust Services by a Private Bank.
is rooted in proactive advice,
purpose of wealth decisions.”
personalised guidance, and multidisciplinary expertise. Wealth
To support these conversations,
planning engagements bring
advisors leverage the firm’s
together specialists across the
proprietary rTrac® wealth planning
organisation to provide integrated
platform, which aggregates financial
solutions and coordinate with
information into a single view and
attorneys, tax professionals, and
enables scenario modeling to help
Non-deposit products including investments, securities, mutual funds, insurance products, crypto assets and annuities are not FDIC insured, are not bank guaranteed, may lose value, are not deposits, are not a condition of any banking activity, and are not insured by any government entity.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 5 1
VOLANS MODERNISES PRIVATE BANKING THROUGH AI-DRIVEN LOMBARD LENDING FEATURE ARTICLE
Volans is an independent wealth infrastructure and portfolio financing platform focused on broadening access to institutional-grade portfolio financing. The company works with wealth platforms, fintechs and external asset managers, bringing one of private banking’s most valuable disciplines to the wider wealth management industry. Lombard lending has long been a cornerstone of private banking, allowing clients to borrow against investment portfolios without selling assets or triggering tax events. However, delivering it has traditionally required the balance sheet, credit expertise and risk infrastructure of private banks, leaving fintechs and independent wealth platforms largely unable to offer the service. Volans was built to close that gap. The Australian company calls the category “wealth financing infrastructure” — the capital layer of the wealth management stack, sitting beneath the platforms the way payment rails sit beneath commerce. It has developed a technology platform that combines financial engineering, artificial intelligence and modern Lombard lending, and is integrating it with major wealth management platforms across Australia and New Zealand. Through it, wealth platforms, fintechs and external asset managers can extend multi-currency loans secured against client portfolios, with collateral assessed and monitored continuously rather than on periodic cycles. Funding is provided through committed bank facilities. “Uber doesn’t own the cars. AWS doesn’t run the businesses built on it. Volans doesn’t manage the money — it finances it. Wealth platforms spent twenty years perfecting how the world invests. Nobody built the capital layer underneath. That’s the layer we own. Platforms have solved investing. Very few have solved capital — and the ones who solve it next will define the industry’s next decade,” said Hayden Matthews, Founder and CEO, Volans. Volans was awarded Best Investment Management Platform for a Private Bank/Family Office/ Wealth Manager/TrustCompany as well as for Rising Star Private Bank at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2026.
5 2 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
Lombard lending has long been a cornerstone of private banking, allowing clients to borrow against investment portfolios without selling assets or triggering tax events.
Portfolio-secured lending has long
platform itself — capacity that scales
artificial intelligence and portfolio
been limited not by demand but by
with its integrations rather than with
intelligence capabilities, advancing
legacy bank infrastructure, leaving
headcount.
dynamic loan-to-value modelling and
trillions of dollars of investible
scenario analysis, and expanding
wealth held on platforms and
Over the next two years, Volans
its multi-currency financing and
with independent advisers largely
intends to deepen the platform’s
institutional funding partnerships.
inaccessible for borrowing. Volans addresses this by separating the lending infrastructure from product distribution, allowing a wealth platform to offer financing within its own client relationship and an adviser to arrange credit without changing where the assets sit or who manages them. Underpinning it is the company’s proprietary loan-to-value modelling. Rather than valuing collateral periodically, the system assesses quality, liquidity and borrowing capacity across globally diversified portfolios as markets move — bringing the continuous, institutionalgrade risk monitoring of a Private Bank Credit desk to platformcustodied portfolios. The commercial result has been emphatic: Volans doubled its loan book between 2024 and 2025, with analysis that once required manual underwriting now handled by the
HAYDEN MATTHEWS Founder and CEO, Volans
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 5 3
KUWAIT FINANCE HOUSE’S PRIVATE BANKING CENTRALISES GLOBAL DISCRETIONARY SERVICE TO SCALE ISLAMIC WEALTH MANAGEMENT FEATURE ARTICLE
Kuwait Finance House’s Private Banking and Wealth Management operates as a fully Sharia-compliant private bank across five countries. With a robust digital ecosystem and independent Sharia supervision, the bank serves HNW and UHNW clients through discretionary portfolio investment management, multi-jurisdictional investment risk strategies, and via a dedicated wealth app. Kuwait Finance House’s Private Banking and Wealth Management (PBWM) is conducted by a fully Shariacompliant private bank across Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Turkey, and the UK. Its proposition brings together Islamic private banking, bespoke financing (Murabaha, Ijarah, Wakala), and global investment solutions. In 2025, KFH Group had a profit attributable to its shareholders of $2.04 billion (KWD 632.1 million), total assets of USD138.46 billion (KWD 42.8 billion), and a capital adequacy ratio of 19.81%. The organisation’s digital ecosystem has supported more than 600 million transactions. All products and operations are overseen by an independent Fatwa and Sharia Supervisory Board and supervised by external and internal Sharia audits.
5 4 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
Innovative finance solutions
unique research from one of the
“A multi-jurisdictional due diligence
top international asset managers.
team continuously scans global markets to identify value-adding
KFH’s Islamic governance
The service works onshore in the
boutique managers alongside
framework guarantees
Gulf Cooperation Council and
leading industry names, optimising
comprehensive compliance with
offshore in Turkey and the UK. It
the blend of active and passive
Islamic finance solutions such as
offers an open architecture to the
strategies across different asset
Murabaha, Ijarah, and Wakala,
Islamic money markets, the global
classes. This open architecture
as well as centralised model
Islamic equity and Sukuk markets,
framework allows us to combine
investment portfolios through
commodities, real estate, and trade
KFH Capital’s own funds with the
KFH Capital, global Sukuk
finance.
world’s best third-party Shariah-
opportunities, and diversified real
compliant solutions,” KFH’s Deputy
estate and leasing funds income
They utilise a cross-jurisdictional
Group CEO Private Banking and
vehicles.
due diligence Team’s experience to
Wealth Management, Alexander
scan global markets to find vehicles
Liddle says.
The bank’s digital ecosystem
which must adhere to Sharia.
connects customers to Sharia-
The bank for high-networth clients
compliant global equity markets
In addition, the bank’s Advent
through a dedicated trading app.
Investment Management platform
In addition to payments, it offers
provides dynamic risk monitoring
premium lifestyle and concierge
and automated rebalancing, with
KFH accounts for around 26% of
services - making it a top contender
centralised oversight. These
the Kuwait market, and PBWM
for the Digital Banker’s Best Private
capabilities earned the bank Best
caters mainly to UHNW and HNW
Bank for Islamic Services.
Private Bank For Discretionary
customers such as business
Portfolio Management – Kuwait.
owners and cross-border families.
Multi-jurisdictional and diversified risk portfolios KFH’s Global Discretionary Portfolio Management service is a Sharia-compliant, actively managed discretionary product and delivers a globally diversified, open architecture portfolio across three risk profiles (Cautious, Balanced, Growth).
KFH accounts for around 26% of the Kuwait market, and PBWM caters mainly to UHNW and HNW customers such as business owners and cross-border families.
The approach of its strategic asset allocation is developed by a central, multi-jurisdictional asset allocation team, together with
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 5 5
The platform combines daily
offering at scale, it sets a new
requirements across its worldwide
banking, investments, and Sharia-
benchmark for Sharia-compliant
network, provide richer app features
compliant financing with concierge
innovation, governance, and
(such as subscriptions, dashboards,
benefits for its top segments. A
scalability.
analytics) as well as to implement a
minimum threshold asset level of
Sharia-compliant Lombard financing
$970.56 million (KD 300,000) applies.
structure to allow leveraged
Plans moving forward
AUM or private banking fee income
investments in Global portfolios. Further risk profiles and structured
of USD46.9 million (KWD 14.5
In 2026-27, KFH PBWM aims
products compatible with Sharia are
million) was reported by 2025,
to implement scaling DPM
also on the table.
up from USD39.66 million (KWD 12.3 million) in 2024. Income on finance was USD322 million (KWD 99.6 million). Overall, the banking infrastructure recorded more than 600 million transactions in the bank and at any given time had more than 800,000 active digital users - securing The Best Private Bank in Kuwait at The Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2026.
Notable achievements and improvements Among the new group-wide digital enhancements introduced in 2025 were AI fraud detection, speech analytics, QR codes in letters of guarantee (LGs,) and AI letter of credit (LC) screening. The KFH Wealth App and investment portal were also enhanced, as well as the launch of a dedicated banking App for KFH PBWM clients. As part of its 2026 strategic reset, PBWM has further developed its Discretionary Portfolio Management (DPM). Its ESG-aligned Sukuk exposure topped USD2.38 billion, and as the first global Islamic DPM
5 6 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
FAMILY TRUSTS AND DISCRETIONARY PORTFOLIOS: CICC’S INTEGRATED WEALTH MODEL TAKES SHAPE ACROSS GREATER CHINA FEATURE ARTICLE
CICC’s Global Family Office and International Wealth Management arms demonstrated a consistent approach to serving ultra-high-net-worth clients and entrepreneurs across Mainland China and Hong Kong, combining investment banking heritage with digital integration, discretionary portfolio innovation, and structured philanthropy. CICC International Wealth Management, the international platform of China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC), has been serving clients for nearly two decades since its inception in 2008. Over the past year alone, the assets under management surged by nearly 60% —a testament to its accelerating momentum and deepening global client trust. In June, this momentum earned six awards at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2026: • • • • • •
Best Family Office – China Best Family Office – Hong Kong SAR, China Best Private Bank for Discretionary Portfolio – Greater China Rising Star Private Bank – Hong Kong SAR, China Excellence in Philanthropy Services by Private Bank/Family Office – Asia Best Portfolio Management Solution
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 5 7
CICC International Wealth Management, the international platform of China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC), has been serving clients for nearly two decades since its inception in 2008. Over the past year alone, the assets under management surged by nearly 60% —a testament to its accelerating momentum and deepening global client trust. In June, this momentum earned six awards at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards 2026:
Breakthrough in the “50 Series” Advisory Frameworks
•
Best Family Office – China
of this transformation for nearly
•
Best Family Office – Hong Kong
three decades. Since planting its
SAR, China
first overseas flag in Hong Kong
Best Private Bank for
in 1997, CICC International has
Discretionary Portfolio –
expanded into a global network
By the end of 2025, the total
Greater China
spanning Asia Pacific, Europe,
number of CICC wealth
Rising Star Private Bank – Hong
the Americas, and the Middle
management clients approached
Kong SAR, China
East, orchestrating landmark
10 million, with total asset value
Excellence in Philanthropy
cross‑border financings that bridge
of client accounts reaching RMB
Services by Private Bank/Family
Chinese enterprises with world
4.28 trillion (USD639 billion),
Office – Asia
markets. CICC International Wealth
which the firm says is a testament
Best Portfolio Management
Management carries this legacy
to the scale and trust the firm
Solution
forward, building a comprehensive
has built. Within this ecosystem,
wealth ecosystem that channels
the flagship “50 Series” advisory
strength in various directions. This
frameworks stand at the forefront.
year, CICC also rolled out initiatives
Since the 2024 launch of “China
to support high‑quality Chinese
50 International” and “Global 50”
managers in developing early‑stage
offshore buyer’s advisory services,
offshore products, harnessing the
the firm’s Discretionary Portfolio
With Hong Kong becoming the
firm’s integrated onshore‑offshore
Management (DPM) overseas
world’s largest cross‑boundary
resources to deliver precisely
business has seen robust growth
wealth management centre this year,
tailored cross‑border financial
in scale, investment performance,
this eastward shift in global wealth
services. Through its dual‑hub
and service capabilities, cementing
signals a deeper realignment, one in
platform in Hong Kong and
its benchmark status among
which Asia’s ascendancy and China’s
Singapore, CICC’s business growth
Chinese wealth managers in Asia.
financial connectivity are becoming
reflects the firm’s broader strategy
In 2025 alone, offshore DPM assets
ever more central to global capital
of serving clients across multiple
under management grew by over
flows. CICC has stood at the heart
international markets.
80%, reflecting acceleration of
•
• •
•
Hong Kong’s Ascendancy and CICC’s Dual Bridge
5 8 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
client adoption and deepening
digital platform CICC JiaXing enables
dedicated advisors, GFO designs
global recognition.
end‑to‑end trust administration,
charitable trusts and advises on
while cross‑border structuring
philanthropic strategies aligned
The “China 50 International”
advisory capabilities cover overseas
with clients’ business strategies
framework signed its first
asset allocation, H-share full
and family values, facilitating
memorandum of cooperation
circulation transactions and trust
charitable trust assets exceeding
with a Middle Eastern institution
frameworks—successfully served 15
RMB 270 million (USD40.3
in the same year, gaining strong
flagship families through its Hong
million). By engaging the next
endorsement from the Gulf region.
Kong platform in 2025 alone.
generation in structured giving,
In May 2026, CICC hosted the CICC London Wealth Management Forum and unveiled the COMPASS service philosophy, a systematic
GFO transforms philanthropy into
Philanthropy as a pillar of legacy
enhancement of its international
a strategic family asset—creating measurable social impact while reinforcing multi‑generational continuity and deepening client
advisory methodology that
Philanthropy is deeply integrated
relationships beyond pure
integrates Chinese wisdom with
into GFO’s service model. With
financial stewardship.
global best practices to navigate an evolving investment landscape.
Family Office: strategic advisory for generational prosperity CICC Global Family Office (GFO), one of CICC’s ten core strategic pillars, is the firm’s premier integrated service brand for family and high‑value clients. As of June this year, GFO has served more than 1,000 entrepreneur families over the past seven years, with family trust assets exceeding RMB 33 billion (USD4.9 billion) and AUM reaching RMB 160 billion (USD23.9 billion). Leveraging the full resources of CICC’s investment banking, asset management, M&A, and research divisions, GFO provides strategic advisory, equity value management, and wealth transition planning. Its proprietary
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 5 9
EASTWEST EXPANDS WEALTH AND INVESTMENT PLATFORM AS BOTH SEGMENT ASSETS SURGE FEATURE ARTICLE
EastWest Bank combines disciplined discretionary investment management with a digitally enabled wealth proposition for affluent Filipinos, and has delivered strong portfolio performance, personalised advisory services, and sustained growth in assets under management through its EastWest Priority franchise. The Philippines-based wealth and fiduciary services provider has seen strong growth across its wealth management, as the bank pushes further into the Philippines’ emerging affluent segment, rolling out new investment products, digital capabilities, and partnerships aimed at capturing a client base that falls between mass retail and traditional private banking. Total assets under management (AUM) at EastWest Priority, the bank’s dedicated affluent banking segment, grew 38% year-on-year in 2025, while its client base expanded 27%. The bank’s Trust and Asset Management Group (TAMG) grew AUM to PHP68.40 billion (approximately USD1.10 billion) as of June 2025, up 8.57% from PHP63 billion (approximately USD1.01 billion) a year earlier which it attributes to a lean 31-person team combining top-down macroeconomic positioning with bottom-up security selection across active and passive portfolios.
6 0 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
New Products and Digital Push
three unit-linked insurance funds
relationship management, we have
ranking first in their respective
built a platform that empowers
peer groups for one-year returns
clients to grow and protect their
New product launches and
as of June 2025. The EWA High
wealth with confidence. Our focus
digital integration was key in
Dividend Equity Fund returned
remains on delivering meaningful
driving growth. EastWest Priority
13.4%, outperforming the Philippine
client experiences that evolve
introduced an Asset Swap
Stock Exchange Total Return Index
with the financial aspirations of
Investment Solution developed with
by 1,086 basis points and its closest
Filipino families,” said Rafael Algarra
the bank’s Treasury and Financial
competitor by 127 basis points,
Jr., SEVP and Head of Financial
Markets Distribution Group,
while the EWA Asian Equity Fund
Markets and Wealth Management.
new promissory note offerings
and EWA Dollar Income Paying
created with TAMG, and access to
Fund surpassed their nearest
EastWest won the award for Best
physical gold investments. Foreign
rivals by 87 and 144 basis points
Discretionary and Advisory Service
exchange transactions became
respectively.
Offering – Philippines as well as
available directly through the
Outstanding Client Experience
bank’s EasyWay mobile app, and
Underpinning both businesses is
in Wealth Management at The
the bank enhanced its Visa Infinite
a strategy of lowering the barrier
Global Private Banking Innovation
and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
to relationship-managed wealth
Awards 2026, a testament to the
Mastercard travel benefits for
services. EastWest Priority’s
Bank’s focus on offering investment
affluent clients.
PHP2.5 million (USD40,200) entry
products and services that help
threshold sits well below the PHP3–
clients grow their wealth and
Meanwhile, TAMG has also
5 million (USD48,200–USD80,400)
diversify their portfolios.
launched new unitised funds
typical of rival priority banking
and is working to extend digital
programs and far under the PHP50
EastWest plans further Priority
investment access beyond banking
million-plus (USD804,000-plus)
Center expansion, additional
into fund management.
private banking floor.
alternative investment products,
Performance wise, TAMG
“EastWest Priority reflects our
cards in 2026 and 2027, while
strengthened its investment track
belief that wealth management
TAMG continues automating
record through the performance
should be both accessible and
client onboarding and portfolio
of funds it manages for EastWest
deeply personal. By combining
monitoring as it builds out its
Ageas Insurance (EWA), with all
digital innovation with dedicated
digital fund distribution channel.
and redesigned credit and debit
Total assets under management (AUM) at EastWest Priority, the bank’s dedicated affluent banking segment, grew 38% year-on-year in 2025, while its client base expanded 27%.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 6 1
DIGITALISATION, PRIORITY BANKING AND BANKERS’ EXCELLENCE DROVE MAYBANK’S AUM GROWTH FEATURE ARTICLE
From fully digitised structured deposit subscriptions to dedicated Premier Hubs, Maybank’s 2025 wealth strategy combined digital innovation, relationship-led advisory and Shariah-compliant solutions to accelerate assets under management (AUM) growth and strengthen its position across Southeast Asia’s affluent and private banking markets. Maybank has continued to strengthen its regional wealth franchise by combining digital innovation with relationship-led advisory across its private and priority banking businesses. Operating in all 10 ASEAN markets, with onshore booking centres in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, the bank has built an integrated wealth ecosystem that connects personal banking, wealth advisory and commercial banking through its Universal Banking Model. Maybank Premier, established in 2014, serves affluent clients with AUM between SGD300,000 (USD232,230) and SGD1.2 million (USD928,920), while Maybank Private provides bespoke wealth solutions for high-net-worth individuals across the region. Together, the businesses have focused on delivering a seamless client experience through digital investment capabilities, expanded Islamic wealth offerings and dedicated advisory services.
6 2 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
These initiatives translated into
digital subscriptions for structured
than SGD2 billion (USD1.55 billion)
measurable business results
deposits.
during 2025, while more than 12%
during 2025. The bank launched
of structured deposit volumes now
Singapore’s first fully digital
Clients can now access live
originate through digital channels.
structured deposit subscription
investment offerings, review product
Straight-through processing
platform, opened six dedicated
information and risk disclosures,
removed manual re-keying,
Premier Hubs, broadened its
execute placements online and
shortened processing times and
portfolio of Shariah-compliant
receive immediate confirmation
strengthened operational controls.
investment solutions and recorded
without visiting a branch. The
double-digit growth in AUM
platform combines greater
Together, these initiatives
across several client segments.
convenience with faster processing
differentiate Maybank through
The transformation also earned
while maintaining the bank’s
three complementary strengths:
Maybank five accolades at the
governance and risk management
a fully digital structured
Global Private Banking Innovation
standards.
product subscription journey, a
Awards 2026:
comprehensive suite of Islamic wealth solutions and a centralised
•
Best Wealth Management for $100k–$250k AUM
•
Best Wealth Management for $500k–$1.5 million AUM
•
Best Bank for Priority Banking
•
Best Private Bank for Structured Products
•
Best Private Bank – Southeast Asia
Digital structured deposits accelerate wealth growth
The platform combines greater convenience with faster processing while maintaining the bank’s governance and risk management standards.
advisory model supported by disciplined sales governance and execution frameworks.
Digital platform strengthens the affluent wealth franchise Maybank Privilege, launched in 2018, serves clients with AUM between SGD50,000 (USD38,705)
The digital platform forms part
and SGD300,000 (USD232,230).
of a broader strategy to expand
Maybank Premier serves clients
Structured deposits have
the bank’s investment offering.
with AUM between SGD300,000
traditionally relied on face-to-
Alongside the launch, Maybank
(USD232,230) and SGD1.2 million
face consultations, paper-based
introduced additional Shariah-
(USD928,920).
documentation and manual
compliant wealth solutions,
processing, often limiting
including Islamic Structured
To improve client engagement
convenience for both clients and
Deposits and Sukuk-linked
and remove geographical barriers,
relationship managers. Seeking to
investments.
Maybank Privilege introduced video
simplify the investment journey,
conferencing for wealth advisory in
Maybank launched Structured
The strategy delivered tangible
2020 before expanding its Islamic
Deposit on its digital platforms
commercial outcomes. Structured
Wealth Management proposition in
in 2025, becoming the first bank
deposit AUM doubled from SGD1
2024. Building on these foundations,
in Singapore to offer end-to-end
billion (USD774.1 million) to more
Maybank Premier launched six
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 6 3
From L-R: Edvin Lim, Premier Wealth Manager; Jamie Lim, Director; and Song Weiqiang, Premier Relationship Manager, Maybank Private Bank.
dedicated Premier Hubs in 2025.
straight-through processing. The
hub model supported by disciplined
Since 2018, Maybank Privilege has
platform has reduced administrative
sales governance.
recorded a 13.3% CAGR in its client
workloads, shortened turnaround
base to more than 87,000 customers
times and increased wallet share.
Rather than managing each wealth
and a 17.6% compound annual
Beyond digital capabilities, Maybank
segment independently, Maybank
growth rate (CAGR) in total assets,
differentiates its wealth proposition
has established a defined wealth
reaching SGD17.2 billion (USD13.31
through cross-border financing,
continuum that enables clients to
billion) in AUM. Investment assets
a comprehensive Islamic wealth
progress from Privilege to Premier
expanded at a 20.2% CAGR.
offering and a centralised advisory
and ultimately to Private Wealth.
Maybank Premier achieved a 21% CAGR in investment AUM and manages SGD14.5 billion (USD11.22 billion) for more than 35,000 clients.
Technology, advisory and disciplined execution reinforce growth Since adopting the AVALOQ Wealth Management platform in 2016, the bank has equipped relationship managers with a 360-degree client view while automating key operational processes through
6 4 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
Maybank has continued to strengthen its regional wealth franchise by combining digital innovation with relationship-led advisory across its private and priority banking businesses.
Four bankers who powered Maybank’s 2025 performance
Driving the next phase of regional wealth management
growth. By integrating digital investment journeys, expanding Shariah-compliant wealth solutions and investing in experienced
Song Weiqiang — Best Young
Maybank’s 2025 performance
relationship managers, the bank
Private Banker
demonstrates how digital innovation,
has strengthened its position
Joining Maybank Private Wealth
specialist advisory capabilities and
across Southeast Asia’s increasingly
in 2024 after a career as an equity
disciplined execution can reinforce
competitive wealth management
dealer, Song generated 53% net
one another to create sustainable
market.
new AUM growth, adding SGD99 million (USD76.64 million) in assets and SGD4.7 million (USD3.64 million) in net revenue—twice his annual target. Jamie Lim — Female Private Banker of the Year A Director within Maybank Private Wealth, Jamie combines commercial excellence with valuesdriven leadership, translating complex market developments into clear investment guidance for highnet-worth clients. Gerard Francis — Private Banker of the Year Since joining in 2019, Gerard has advised clients on sophisticated wealth planning, including real estate wealth structuring mandates involving properties worth up to SGD100 million (USD77.41 million). Edvin Lim — RM of the Year (Wealth Management) Edvin generated more than SGD4.4 million (USD3.41 million) in feebased revenue in 2025, achieving 800% sales productivity and ranking among Maybank Premier’s top five relationship managers.
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 6 5
ALFRED LOW: LOMBARD ODIER IS “AHEAD OF SCHEDULE” FOR AUM GROWTH TARGET IN NORTH ASIA By Richard Otsuki EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Lombard Odier’s goal of increasing assets under management in North Asia by double-digit percentages in 2026 is “ahead of schedule”, said Hong Kong CEO Alfred Low in an interview, citing drivers including the semiconductor boom in Taiwan. Geneva-based pure-play Lombard Odier has been positioning itself to capitalise on rapid wealth creation in Asia with investment in talent as well as technology. In an interview with Global Private Banker, Hong Kong CEO Alfred Low spoke about the bank’s 2026 goal of achieving double-digit growth in assets under management (AUM) in North Asia. “We are now past the mid-year mark and I’m happy to say we are ahead of schedule. The number of newly opened accounts has already exceeded that of 2025,” said Low, who is also the head of North Asia markets.
IPOs and semiconductor boom According to Low, there are few notable growth drivers, particularly from Greater China. One major source has been liquidity events in Hong Kong with 119 IPOs in 2025 and over 100 new listings in the first eight months of 2026. Taiwan has been another vital source, not only from the artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor boom but also due to growth from so-called “picks and shovels” involved in the ecosystem, such as demand in the steel industry to build data centres. “In the longer term, we are aiming for multifold growth in net new money,” added Low, who joined Lombard Odier in August 2025. In the first half of 2026, AUM at Lombard Odier reached a record high of CHF 239 billion (USD 287 billion), according to its financial results, up 7% compared to end-2025. The bank does not disclose regional breakdowns.
6 6 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
DPM penetration exceeds one-third
“First, our relationship managers
due to a history of financial self-
are able to use AI to extract
reliance.
content from our huge dossier, When it comes to investing, Asian
such as the house view on
“Next year is our 40th anniversary
high net worth individuals have
specific markets. Secondly, we
in Hong Kong. I’m proud to say that
been traditionally known for being
are also able to curate content for
Lombard Odier has grown over the
active, hands-on traders. While Low
clients to directly access through
last 230 years without any external
admits that this opportunistic and
our ‘My LO’ mobile app,” he said.
debt. That is very important in a
tactical nature has not “entirely
world where the balance sheets of
disappeared”, particularly in Hong
governments are very weak because
Kong, there is concurrently a move towards a more institutional
230 years with no external debt
if the next major financial crisis should occur, stability will be key,”
approach with broad diversification and rigorous risk management.
he remarked. Despite the positive developments, Low noted that
“This stability extends beyond our
“This bodes well for discretionary
the macro environment has
financial health to our talent. In
portfolio management where our
become increasingly uncertain
North Asia, the median tenure of our
penetration rate of assets in North
and he highlighted that Lombard
team is more than 10 years and the
Asia is north of one-third,” he
Odier was well-positioned to
average banker has over 20 years of
shared.
withstand potential turbulence
experience.”
“Alternatives have also garnered more and more interest. We see demand for hedge funds in market neutral and long-short strategies. Private markets are also important and we provide access not only through secondaries but even earlier phase venture-like investments.”
AI capabilities for relationship managers and clients With AI being all the rage across industries, Lombard Odier has been no exception in deploying the rapidly emerging technology. In this area, Low highlighted two key areas where the bank has worked on leveraging AI over the last 12 months.
ALFRED LOW Hong Kong CEO, Lombard Odier
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 6 7
MARKUS MÜLLER: INVESTORS CAN “NO LONGER IGNORE” SUSTAINABILITY THEMES By Richard Otsuki EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
The integration of ESG-related factors in investing is increasingly becoming mainstream not only due to top-down drivers like regulations but also bottom-up considerations from geopolitics and energy dependence, said Markus Müller, Deutsche Bank Private Bank’s chief investment officer for sustainability, in our new series, [Inside the Chief Investment Office]. In 2025, global sustainable funds registered a USD 84 billion in net outflows, according to a Morningstar report, marking the first year of annual redemptions since the research firm began tracking the segment in 2018. A notable reason cited by the report was the political backlash against ESG (environmental, social, and governance) in the US under the Donald Trump administration alongside spillover effects in Europe. Despite the headwinds, Markus Müller, Deutsche Bank Private Bank’s chief investment officer for sustainability, believes the outlook for sustainable investing remains positive due to themes that are driven by secular forces, particularly regarding energy.
Structural drivers According to Müller, the incorporation of ESG factors is increasingly becoming a norm in investing with sustainability-related regulatory requirements like reporting or disclosure, and the increasingly institutionalized approach in the decision-making processes of ultra-high net worth individuals, family offices, churches and foundations. But beyond the behaviour of any individual regulator or investor, he believes there are structural drivers that are reshaping markets. “Perhaps most importantly, there are sustainability themes that countries, markets and individual investors simply can no longer ignore – for example, the risks around geopolitics and energy dependence, further amplified by energy demand from AI and data centers,” said Müller in an interview with Global Private Banker. “We expect sustainability-related considerations to become increasingly integrated into mainstream investment processes.” In a report released by Deutsche Bank in June, the bank highlighted the investment opportunity in electrification. It cited not only decarbonisation ambitions as a reason, but also security considerations by policymakers from experiences in supply chain disruptions and heightened geopolitical tensions exposing vulnerabilities from dependence on concentrated sources fossil fuels. The report highlighted five key themes representing the building blocks of the electrified energy system: clean energy and renewable power producers; nuclear energy; batteries; critical minerals and rare earth elements; and electric vehicles. 6 8 | G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R
Emerging market opportunity
The bank has a dedicated function
restoration in alignment with the UN
through its chief sustainability
Sustainable Development Goals.
office to develop strategy and By geography, Müller noted that
drive initiatives. Within individual
“We believe sustainability-related
the ESG investment opportunity
divisions, including investment
considerations can provide an
in emerging markets, like Asia, is
banking and private banking, it has
additional perspective on long-term
“potentially even more exciting
sustainability experts sitting in
risks and opportunities and are
than in developed markets”.
the business to provide support in
becoming increasingly relevant for
identifying risks and opportunities.
investors, economies and markets,”
“Many Asian economies are
Müller added.
technologically very advanced
In November 2025, the German
and they have both the capability
lenders also announced its new goal
Global Private Banker’s [Inside
and the will to implement
of achieving EUR 900 billion (USD 1
the Chief Investment Office] is
infrastructure and technologies
trillion) in sustainable and transition
new editorial series focused
at a scale and depth that more
finance from 2020 to the end of 2030
on spotlighting the latest CIO
mature economies, like Europe,
and a nature ambition of facilitating
developments from industry leaders,
cannot easily do,” said Müller,
300 transactions by the end of
including market insights, house
who is also the global head of the
2027 to support biodiversity as
views, asset allocation, innovations,
German bank’s chief investment
well as ecosystem conservation and
and more.
office. “In China, for example, it is clear they want to embrace renewable energy technologies to underpin their multiple ambitions in AI, electric vehicles and other sectors.” In 2026, global sustainable funds are seeing a rebound with inflows of USD 3.5 billion in the first quarter of 2026 and USD 3.7 billion in the second quarter, according to Morningstar data.
Group-wide commitment Deutsche Bank’s convictions to sustainability is more than just about it being an investment theme and extends to commitments across the group.
MARKUS MÜLLER Chief Investment Officer for Sustainability, Deutsche Bank Private Bank
G L O B A L P R I VA T E B A N K E R | 6 9
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