MeesPierson has a rich history which continues today as the private banking arm of the Dutch Fortis group.
Today, MeesPierson has more than 60 billion euros (HK$549.53 billion) under management and employs more than 2,000 staff across 12 countries. It stakes a claim as one of the top 10 private banks in Europe.
MeesPierson head of private banking, Piera AuYeung, said Asian clients were attracted to the bank because of its long track record and European links. The bank's Asian operations, run from Hong Kong and Singapore with 65 staff, were very much tuned to local needs, while adopting European best practices.
'The Asian operation has been here since 1989. We are very much a localised operation now. Our bankers understand clients' needs in Asia.'
MeesPierson dates back to the 18th century when its founder, Gregorius Mees, established a business in the port city of Rotterdam trading in insurance and bills of exchange.
In 1975, the forerunner of MeesPierson, known as Pierson, Heldring & Pierson. It was later bought by Dutch bank Amro, which merged with ABN and created the MeesPierson known today. Dutch group Fortis bought MeesPierson in 1997, and it remains part of the group as a specialist private banking operation.
MeesPierson prides itself on its standing as a European specialist in wealth management. Its mission statement says: 'Private banking means dedication, integrity, discretion and transparency. These values are a natural complement to the Fortis slogan 'Solid partners, flexible solutions' and the group's emphasis on personalised customer care combining innovative flair with stability and openness.'