Standard Chartered eyes threefold increase in wealth management revenues from Greater Bay Area
- Standard Chartered plans to hire 1,500 people over the next three to four years to support its overall Greater Bay Area plan as it eyes a slice of the US$46.5 billion Wealth Management Connect
- Bank says its has applied to the Hong Kong regulators to launch wealth products, some of which will invest in new economy and new energy sectors
The lender, one of Hong Kong’s three banknote-issuing banks, is keen to get a slice of the 300 billion yuan (US$46.5 billion) cross-border Wealth Management Connect and plans to hire 1,500 people over the next three to four years to support its overall bay area business development.
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China's ambitious plan to develop it own ‘Greater Bay Area’
Lin said the bank has submitted an application to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the city’s de facto central bank, to offer its investment products to mainlanders. He added that while it was confident of being among the first batch of banks to offer wealth management services, the final decision rests with the regulators.
The scheme will allow Hong Kong and Macau residents to invest in onshore Chinese fund products through banks in the development zone, while residents in the bay area’s nine mainland Chinese cities will be able to invest in Hong Kong fund products through local lenders.
Other banks in Hong Kong, including HSBC and Bank of China (Hong Kong), have also said they would apply to the HKMA to launch their investment products for mainland Chinese clients. Most banks expects to launch their products next month at the earliest as the HKMA is likely to take some time to process the applications.
Mainland Chinese investors will have the option of choosing from more than 100 of Standard Chartered’s products, mostly funds, said Vicky Kong, regional head of wealth management for Greater China and North Asia at the bank.
Here’s what you need to know on how to invest in the Wealth Management Connect
Standard Chartered has reached some exclusive agreements with fund management companies for the products, with some of them dedicated to new economy and new energy sectors.
The bank will initially work with Standard Chartered Bank (China) to offer wealth management services and it has also initiated discussions with several mainland banks to strike partnerships.
Sales of funds denominated in yuan have doubled year to date from a year earlier, Kong said, noting that it reflects Hong Kong clients’ demand for investments in yuan.
Standard Chartered has advantages with its brand and synergy, and a good online platform that not only offers product choices, but also educates and serves clients, Kong said.
