The phenomenal growth in wealth in Asia-Pacific is creating a significant talent shortage among private banks and wealth managers. This is particularly acute in wealth hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai, and affects both frontline relationship managers ( RMs ) and specialist roles.

Many experienced RMs are nearing retirement, and younger professionals lack the same level of client-facing experience. As a result, there is intense competition for talent, especially for senior private bankers and wealth managers, which has led to frequent poaching of top bankers, raising recruitment costs and causing business instability.

Notwithstanding these challenges – and/or opportunities – there are private bankers and wealth managers who continue to work hard for their clients and institutions, many without getting the proper recognition or compensation that they deserve. As an industry sage once said: "No matter how much they pay you, they make you work three times what it’s worth.” But remaining true to their profession, the best perform to their utmost, measuring their worth not so much by the value of their paycheck and perks as by the impact of their service.

It is in this context that we recognize two top private bankers and one wealth manager under the Leadership Awards of The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards for Private Banks, Wealth & Investment Bank Advisers, Solutions and Index Providers 2025.

Private Banker of the Year – Asia

Joseph Poon, group head of DBS Private Bank, is recognized as Private Banker of the Year for Asia for his leadership in further building DBS into top private bank rivalling global peers in the United States and Switzerland. Under his stewardship, DBS adopted a unified “One Bank” model, positioned DBS as an early adopter of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and became the leading bank for family offices in Asia.

Private Banker of the Year – Taiwan

Robert Fuh, CEO of Cathay United Bank Private Banking ( CUB ), is recognized as Private Banker of the Year for Taiwan for consistently delivering double-digit AUM and profit growth, spearheading the expansion of the bank’s cross-border capabilities beyond Taiwan to Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as focusing on a client-centric wealth growth approach through agile, diversified, and portfolio-based strategies.

Wealth Manager of the Year – Indonesia

Verawaty Zhao, head of wealth development and wealth sales at HSBC Indonesia, is recognized as Wealth Manager of the Year for Indonesia for for driving the bank’s strong and consistent double-digit growth even through the pandemic, championing ESG and technology-led investing, as well as Islamic investing, and guiding clients through a full suite of wealth services, including financial planning, investment review tools, multi-asset solutions, and lifestyle benefits.

 For the full list of winners, please click here.

The awards dinner will be held on September 5, 2025. Please contact celebrate@TheAsset.com for details.