UBS unit launches training scheme for client advisers

UBS Wealth Management launched a training programme last week for 26 senior client advisers in the Asia-Pacific region who work with wealthy clients.

The trainees are client-facing staff and leaders from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan.

Singapore is the regional launch pad for the programme, which is being rolled out globally.

"Wealthy clients seek professionals who understand their unique challenges, passions and ambitions," said Mr Josef Stadler, head of global ultra- high-net worth at UBS Wealth Management.

"By nurturing such relationships, we want to become the partner of choice for (these) clients worldwide. We aim to join forces with them across generations."

Client advisers in the programme will analyse real-life cases, get involved in pitching panels that blend technical knowledge and interpersonal skills and share experiences with experts and peers.

Asia's billionaires account for 36 per cent of self-made billionaire wealth globally, overtaking Europe for the first time and second only to the United States, according to a report from UBS and PwC.

"As Asian billionaire families grow in size and complexity, succession planning and the engagement of the second generation have become increasingly important components in our discussion with our clients here," said Mr Joseph Poon, head of ultra-high-net worth South-east Asia at UBS Wealth Management.

"Ultra-high-net worth clients are becoming more and more sophisticated and, increasingly, exhibit institutional-like needs."

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 25, 2016, with the headline UBS unit launches training scheme for client advisers. Subscribe