BNP Paribas appoints Serge Forti head of Wealth Management for Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia

The bank has decided to focus on areas with the greatest market potential and appointed a new head for each respective market, BNP Paribas said.

The six key markets identified in the Asia Pacific region are Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, India, Singapore (including Malaysia and Indonesia) and International & Other Asian Markets. This new organisational structure will expedite decision-making process and enhance service capabilities. In addition, a dedicated Ultra High Net-Worth Individuals unit will be set up in Asia Pacific to further strengthen the bank's commitment to serve these clients.

A Market Head is appointed for each respective market under the new organisational structure:

Head of Wealth Management Hong Kong: Serge Janowski

Head of Wealth Management China: To be nominated (Mignonne Cheng will be the acting head for the time being)

Head of Wealth Management Taiwan: Henry Pang

Head of Wealth Management India & Non-Resident Indian: Stephane Honig

Head of Wealth Management Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia: Serge Forti

Head of Wealth Management International & Other Asian Markets*: Eric Morin
* Including Korea, the Philippines, Thailand

In addition, Serge Janowski** and Serge Forti will be the CEOs for BNP Paribas Wealth Management Hong Kong Branch and BNP Paribas Wealth Management Singapore Branch respectively.
** Subject to regulatory consent

The appointment details for the UHNWI unit will be announced at a later stage. In the meantime, Mignonne Cheng, who will retain her responsibilities as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Wealth Management Asia Pacific, will also take up the responsibility as Head of UHNWI & Independent Wealth Managers for Asia Pacific.

Furthermore, Ernest Leung is appointed Head of Strategy & Business Development for Wealth Management Asia Pacific and will be working in collaboration with the Market Heads to develop and monitor business initiatives.

Stephanie Lair will continue her current role as Head of Products & Services for Wealth Management Asia Pacific with an expanded scope for Wealth Planning Services Asia and Trust & Fiduciary Services Asia.

Sharon Chou and Ricardo Sanchez-Moreno will continue their current roles as Head of Credit and Risk Management for Wealth Management Asia Pacific and Chief Operating Officer for Wealth Management Asia Pacific respectively.

All market heads and function heads will report regionally to Mignonne Cheng. Function Heads will also report to their respective Global Heads.

Thierry Dana, currently CEO for BNP Paribas Wealth Management Hong Kong & North Asia, will join the management team of the Wealth Management International Europe in Geneva, reporting to Pascal Boris, Head of BNP Paribas Wealth Management International Europe and Country Manager for Switzerland. Details of his position will be announced shortly.

All of the above appointments will take immediate effect.

Commenting on the new structure and appointments, Mignonne Cheng said, "the wealth management business is a people business. Infusing these elements into our existing system means fresh DNA and a boost of new ideas and insight on our business. With a new structure and a stronger team, our client-servicing capabilities will be further enhanced, enabling us to achieve our ambitions for Wealth Management in the Asia Pacific.