As asset owners and managers expand their footprint across emerging and developed markets, the demands placed on asset servicing professionals have never been greater. Today, distinctions between a service provider and a strategic partner have blurred. Clients are no longer simply looking for operational support. They are looking for individuals who understand their business, anticipate challenges, and deliver solutions with precision and urgency.

The Asset is pleased to announce the Best Individuals in Asset Servicing 2026, a ranking based on the Asset Servicing Insights Survey conducted by Asset Benchmark Research. The awards are part of The Asset Triple A Sustainable Investing Awards for Institutional Investors, ETFs and Asset Servicing Providers 2026.

This year, the depth of talent across the region was unmistakable: almost 80 individuals secured nominations, with more than 170 votes cast by asset owners and asset managers, including insurers, multinational asset managers, mutual funds, hedge funds, private equity firms, and other institutional clients. The markets that contributed the most exciting engagements include mainland China, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and India.

The ranking recognizes two distinct but equally vital categories of professionals – those in custody and fund services, and those in sales and relationship management – reflecting the dual pillars upon which exceptional client experience is built.

Based on the survey comments, several defining qualities emerge as the foundation of what asset owners and asset managers value most in their asset servicing partners. At the core lies proactive, anticipatory service. Clients consistently highlight individuals who are always ready to help, who respond promptly, politely, and accurately, and who demonstrate an ability to anticipate requirements before they are formally articulated. Whether addressing a routine custody inquiry or navigating the complexities of a new market entry, the most valued practitioners do not wait to be asked – they identify needs early, coordinate internal resources, and ensure that solutions are in motion before challenges escalate.

Equally prized is deep technical expertise paired with operational excellence. Clients place enormous trust in individuals who possess strong knowledge of securities services, understand market practices across jurisdictions, and can navigate regulatory and operational complexities with confidence. From guiding firms through Taiwan's securities trading landscape to managing the intricacies of in-kind ETF creation and redemption, standout practitioners combine hands-on know-how with meticulous attention to detail. They ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance at every stage – transforming potentially disruptive operational hurdles into seamless execution.

Beyond technical competence, clients value problem-solving resilience and innovative thinking. The most admired asset servicing professionals are described as operation experts, problem solvers, and individuals who propose innovative solutions even when constrained by difficult circumstances. They are solution-oriented, resilient, and effective at internal coordination – qualities that enable them to find practical pathways forward when standard processes fall short. This ability to think creatively while maintaining operational discipline is what separates competent service delivery from genuine value creation.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, clients emphasize relationship longevity and accessibility. Many of the strongest testimonials come from partnerships spanning a decade or more – relationships built on trust, accessibility, and a genuine understanding of the client's business. Clients treasure professionals who are always accessible, who handhold deals, and who invest in the relationship as a long-term partnership rather than a transactional engagement. These individuals do not merely provide products and services; they position themselves as extensions of their clients' teams, collaborating to deliver solutions that support growth and enable both parties to act as first movers in the market.

For the full list of winners, please click here.

To learn more about these awards, please go here.

To join the in-person annual celebratory dinner in Hong Kong on June 30, 2026 please contact us at celebrate@theasset.com.