UBS : launches the UHNW Academy in Asia Pacific

Singapore (22 January 2016)- UBS Wealth Management has launched the UHNW (Ultra High Net worth) Academy in Asia Pacific, a training program targeted at its senior UHNW client advisors in the region, as part of a global roll-out of the program.

Twenty-six senior client-facing staff and senior leaders from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan have joined the inaugural seminar in Singapore, hosted by Josef Stadler, Head Global UHNW, who is the global sponsor of the UHNW Academy.

The UHNW Academy aims to train its client advisors covering this sophisticated group of clients to further develop the core competencies needed to become a valued partner of its ultra-wealthy clients.

Said Josef Stadler, Head Global UHNW of UBS Wealth Management: 'At UBS, we believe there is more to building rewarding and lasting relationships with UHNW clients than just offering wealth management services and investment advice. Wealthy clients seek professionals who understand their unique challenges, passions and ambitions. By nurturing such relationships, we want to become the partner of choice for UHNW clients worldwide. We aim to join forces with them across generations. The UHNW Academy is at the heart of this commitment, bringing our client advisors the skills and insights necessary to help shape our clients' great wealth.'

Asia's billionaires make up 36% of self-made billionaire wealth, overtaking Europe for the first time and second only to the US according to the recent UBS PWC Billionaire Report 2015.

'As Asian billionaire families grow in size and complexity, succession planning and the engagement of the second generation have become increasingly important components in our discussion with our clients here. Ultra high net worth clients are becoming more and more sophisticated and, increasingly, exhibit institutional-like needs. The launch of the UHNW Academy in Asia will serve to ensure our client advisors are even better equipped to provide Asian billionaire families with more comprehensive and holistic solutions.' Joseph Poon, Head of UHNW SEA, UBS Wealth Management said.

About the UHNW Academy

By attending the UHNW Academy, client advisors will learn more about the new UHNW Value Proposition. They will also sharpen their interpersonal skills and gain the core competencies needed to become a valued partner of wealthy clients.

The UHNW Academy framework covers UBS's 'Ultra DNA' foundation and 'Four Competency' modules. The Ultra DNA foundation underpins everything in the curriculum, while the four competency modules would focus on the following key concepts including ultra and institutional investments; leading a dialogue with an entrepreneur from start-up to exit and the solutions that UBS has to offer; succession planning and multigenerational wealth management with the last competency module on passion and society. The curriculum aims to further strengthen the relationships by engaging clients emotionally, and uncovering their passion and purpose.

In all of the modules, client advisors will take part in real-life cases; get involved in pitching panels that blend technical knowledge and interpersonal skills, and share experiences with experts and peers.

About UHNW

Today, UBS Global UHNW is the world leader in the segment in terms of assets under management.

UBS Global UHNW has over 1200 client advisors in more than 20 countries, including around 70 specialists across wealth planning, philanthropy, family advisory and art advisory services. It operates UHNW hubs in Zurich, Hong Kong and Singapore.

In 2014, Global Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) celebrated the tenth anniversary of its establishment as a separate segment within UBS Wealth Management.

UBS has one of the largest teams globally and in Asia-Pacific dedicated to UHNW clients and employ the most experienced client advisors. There is a separate, dedicated team of UHNW client advisors who undergo specialized training to equip them to understand and meet the needs of their UHNW clients. They are supported by dedicated UHNW competency teams which leverage expertise across Wealth Management, Investment Bank and Asset Management businesses.

UBS UHNW offering includes:

• The Institutional Solutions Group (ISG) is a central entry point to provide exclusive access to a large universe of customized institutional investment ideas, transactions and services.
• Global Family Office (GFO) platform provides a unique institutional standard of trading and execution across asset classes, including leveraged solutions.
• UBS offers one of the most comprehensive offerings for family and succession related needs.
• UBS has offering and capabilities to fully support UHNW clients in all aspects of their philanthropic engagements.

About UBS

UBS is committed to providing private, institutional and corporate clients worldwide, as well as retail clients in Switzerland, with superior financial advice and solutions while generating attractive and sustainable returns for shareholders. Its strategy centers on its Wealth Management and Wealth Management Americas businesses and its leading universal bank in Switzerland, complemented by its Asset Management business and its Investment Bank. These businesses share three key characteristics: they benefit from a strong competitive position in their targeted markets, are capital-efficient, and offer a superior structural growth and profitability outlook. UBS's strategy builds on the strengths of all of its businesses and focuses its efforts on areas in which it excels, while seeking to capitalize on the compelling growth prospects in the businesses and regions in which it operates. Capital strength is the foundation of its success.

UBS is present in all major financial centers worldwide. It has offices in more than 50 countries, with about 35% of its employees working in the Americas, 36% in Switzerland, 17% in the rest of Europe, the Middle East and Africa and 12% in Asia Pacific. UBS Group AG employs about 60,000 people around the world. Its shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).