All articles by Meghna Mukerjee
Meghna Mukerjee
Asia-Pacific adds spark to lukewarm global wealth growth: WWR 2016
In terms of the number of HNWIs and total wealth, Asia-Pacific has overtaken North America according to the 20th annual World Wealth Report by Capgemini. The 2016 WWR reveals valuable insights around global wealth growth, geographical performances and behavioural shifts. Meghna Mukerjee explores the findings
The importance of being innovative
At a time when robo-advisors are standing tall and luring wealthy clients, particularly in North America, private banks need to up their ante to remain relevant and attractive to customers. Bank innovation consulting expert, JP Nicols, talks to Meghna Mukerjee about the dominant fintech trends in the US, and explains why being innovative is not optional anymore
QFB marks grand foray into private banking with new branch and logo
Qatar First Bank has undergone a transformation. It has launched a private banking proposition as well as a branch that targets wealthy customers in the region. UK-headquartered Allen International was responsible for creating the new brand identity logo, branch design and environment for QFB. Meghna Mukerjee discussed the details with Suraj Nataranjan, design director at Allen International
COMMENT: Panama Papers leak unlocks one too many Pandoras Boxes
The leaked Panama Papers come as a rude blow to the offshore wealth management world. The potentially biggest data leak in history has switched on a harsh spotlight above various tax evasion schemes for the wealthy globally and also the banks, lawyers, registrars, and the hidden network of facilitators involved.
Coutts: Playing to its strengths
The year 2015 brought about a slew of changes at Coutts & Co., with the sale of its international operations and a reshuffle of some top executives. As Camilla Stowell, head of Coutts International and Coutts Private Office, joins the PBI Editorial Board, Meghna Mukerjee speaks to the private banking veteran about what these changes have meant for the bank and how 2016 is shaping up
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BTG Pactual on BSIs sale to EFG International: “A step change but a step up”
BTG Pactual only completed the acquisition of Swiss private bank BSI in September 2015. However, by end-November BTG was looking for buyers for BSI, and has confirmed its sale to EFG International. BSI and EFG are due to merge, with BTG still owning 20% stake in the unified business. Steve Jacobs, managing partner at BTG Pactual, tells PBI why these are interesting times for the Brazilian bank
COMMENT: Still disruptors?
Its 2016 and we are still talking about robo-advisory the way we were two years ago. Or even three. However, even though the talks around how disruptive robo-advisors are seem to be continuing with gusto, it is time that we cut through the drama and see these [still relatively new] entrants for the role they are actually playing in the private banking industry.
Maintaining positive momentum
Consistent growth is difficult to maintain in the current private banking climate, while profit margins are squeezed and traditional revenue models are being challenged. Arbuthnot Latham, however, has remained profitable and plans to continue this growth momentum. It has also sharpened its commercial banking focus, which is a key priority for 2016. CEO James Fleming speaks to Meghna Mukerjee
Geneva roundtable: Putting the best ideas forward
The executive roundtable in Geneva to reveal findings from the white paper Tryst with Transparency: How private banks in Switzerland and Singapore are ensuring best-of-breed service in a demanding regulatory ecosystem led to enlightening discussions, potent questions and valuable insights. Meghna Mukerjee provides an overview of the event
Citibank Singapore creating a recipe for success with wealthy clients
Rapid growth of the mass-affluent segment in Singapore offers strong business opportunities for banks to differentiate themselves. Citibank Singapore has a robust strategy in place to gain and retain a spectrum of wealthy clients in a competitive environment. Meghna Mukerjee speaks to Shrikant Bhat, MD and head of wealth management, and Zal Devitre, head of investments, at Citibank Singapore