IN Hongkong, the words conservative and investment are not often linked, but Republic National Bank of New York is hoping its strong performance over the past three decades will more than balance its low-risk approach.
The bank's commitment to this philosophy was made very clear in an interview where the words prudent, safe and conservative were used on a regular basis.
Mr Kurt Andersen, executive director and regional general manager, said that while Asian investors had a higher appetite for risk, they were always aware of the safety and soundness of a financial institution.
''Yes, the investor in Asia does, from time to time, like a certain type of excitement but not with 100 per cent of his capital,'' he said.
Despite the staid image, it is difficult to ignore Republic's success.
With a heavy emphasis on deposit-taking, it has among the healthiest balance sheets and highest equity-asset ratios among the top US banks.