Standard Chartered’s international client expansion, with two new teams joining their Dubai office, is being driven by a majority of new money inflows according to the bank’s Global Head of Private Bank, Greater China and North Asia: Raymond Ang.
According to Ang, the bank is looking to focus on strengthening three core competitive advantages as part of its bid to expand its wealth management practise in Dubai.
The bank recently opened two new teams in Dubai according to Ang in a recent interview with AGBI.
Standard Chartered’s network is anchored by three global wealth hubs beyond Dubai: Singapore, Hong Kong, and Jersey.
UHNWI Target Market
The bank is “prioritising international and internationally minded affluent and high‑net‑worth clients,” says Ang.
Growth is being prioritised across four global wealth hubs — Hong Kong, Singapore, the UAE and Jersey — positioning the bank to serve clients across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and beyond.
Hong Kong and Singapore remain critical gateways into Greater China and ASEAN, while the UAE and Jersey play an increasingly important role in capturing international client flows and structuring needs.Â
International clients now contribute more than 50% of our affluent net new money, granting Standard Chartered a “key growth engine” for expansion in wealth management.
Expansion Despite UncertaintyÂ
The bank’s expansion across wealth management reaffirms client confidence despite geopolitical headwinds in the global economy.
Ang cited the bank’s “strongest competitive edge,” a sector where banks and trading have sustained gains from speculative investments.
The bank aims to invest $1.5B over the next five years to deepen our affluent business. Around 50% of this investment is invested into people, particularly relationship managers and wealth specialists. 25% is directed towards strengthening platforms and digitisation, which will accelerate innovation and enhance client journeys.
The remaining 25% is forecast to be allocated on brand and client experience, including upgrading our branch network and building additional Priority Private Centres.Â
Net New Money
Net new money continues to be driven primarily by their international client franchise and the wealth solutions platform.
In the first quarter of 2026, affluent net new money reached a record $18B, with the majority coming from wealth solutions inflows.Â
International clients contributed over half of this net new money, reflecting strong demand from globally mobile clients seeking diversification, resilience and professional advisory support across regions.
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