Why UBS is still top dog in Asian private banking
Since May 30, AsianInvestor has published explanations of why the winners of its marquee Asset Management Awards scooped their prizes (see below for the links). These were presented at a celebratory dinner on May 29 (click here for a gallery of photos).
We feature a detailed write-up on all our award winners in the June edition of AsianInvestor magazine.
Private bank of the year
UBS Wealth Management
Asia’s largest private bank won this year’s award for its continuing efforts to innovate.
A key highlight last year was its move from being product-centric to offering portfolio-based advice. This led it to combine various internal product specialists into a newly formed portfolio specialist division to give primary importance to portfolio construction.
In the alternative investment space, the bank expanded its hedge fund shelf from co-mingled funds to an advisory platform that offers access to offshore funds at negotiated terms. It also provided discretionary solutions that allow its investors to participate in the funds of emerging managers and get access to co-investment opportunities.
On the discretionary front, the bank launched a new offering dedicated to the ultra-high-net-worth segment, or those with accounts of more than Sfr50 million ($50.3 million). This provides dedicated client-specific investment committees, as well as tailored content and after-sales service.
In terms of investment solutions, UBS introduced a new discretionary investment strategy that relies purely on quant signals. It also launched the UBS Oncology Impact Fund, which generated strong interest from Asian clients (around 60% of investment assets were derived from regional clients).
The initiatives by UBS were big and were only possible for a firm with the Swiss bank's scale and commitment to these markets.
Overall, UBS Wealth Management had Sfr272 billion in assets in Asia Pacific as of year-end 2015, 1% higher than the previous year.
The other marquee winners highlighted so far:
Invesco: Asset Manager of the Year and Best Business Development
UOB Asset Management: Asian Fund House of the Year
HSBC Securities Services: Asset Service Provider of the Year
Andrew Narracott, Aberdeen Asset Management: COO of the Year
LGT Capital Partners: Alternatives Manager of the Year
Goldman Sachs AM: Institutional Solutions Provider of the Year
UOB Asset Management Malaysia: Institutional Product/Strategy