Standard Chartered boosts RM hiring in Singapore, Hong Kong to tap rising Asian wealth
Standard Chartered wants to hire or promote 3,000 relationship managers (RMs) and wealth specialists across its Affluent and Business Banking segments over the next five years in Asia to cater to the region’s fast-growing wealth and business opportunities.
As part of this hiring campaign, the bank is running a Virtual Career Event in Hong Kong and Singapore for both relationship managers with experience in financial services and those looking to change industry.
In the affluent wealth hubs of Singapore and Hong Kong, Standard Chartered has an “open-ended approach to hiring”, especially for roles that require client relationship management, says Rajesh Kannan, Head of Priority and Premium Banking for Asia at Standard Chartered.
“For RM roles, we are primarily looking for people who can think ‘client first’, are self-motivated, thrive in an international environment, enjoy learning, and are disciplined when it comes to managing client relationships,” says Rajesh who will be speaking at the November 25 career event, which Standard Chartered is running in partnership with eFinancialCareers. “Such skills are available in abundance in adjacent industries such as insurance and broking, and even in hospitality and real estate. We are committed to supporting the right candidates to succeed with us,” he adds.
In Singapore, Standard Chartered plans to double the number of relationship managers over the next five years. “Singapore is uniquely positioned as an international wealth hub, and the bank is well-positioned to serve the needs of our clients within the growing affluent segment, thanks to our innovative digital solutions and comprehensive product suite,” says Rajesh.
As mainland Chinese wealth, particularly in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), grows rapidly, Standard Chartered has also announced plans to hire 400 people across retail banking and wealth management in Hong Kong – especially RMs and wealth specialists. They will provide wealth management services to meet the rising demand for investment opportunities. “To support our strategic focus in the GBA, we have and will nurture a diversified mix of RMs who have deep market knowledge in the region and are fully committed to support the banking and wealth management needs of our affluent and international banking clients,” says Rajesh.
Standard Chartered RMs across the network receive competitive salaries and “flexible benefits”, says Kannan. The firm’s structured incentive plan, for example, which is regarded as among the best in the industry, is based on achievement of a transparent balanced scorecard and demonstration of the bank’s valued behaviours.
“Given our strong focus on client continuum and our current participation across segments, a role at Standard Chartered opens the door to a diverse range of client relationships, business experiences and career opportunities to an RM – both locally and internationally,” says Rajesh.
Whether they are first-time RMs or experienced hires, Standard Chartered offers a range of internal training and development programmes. “We use a mix of these along with external programmes and certifications to fulfil the needs of RMs, both from a skills and a regulatory perspective,” says Rajesh.
During their day-to-day work, RMs at Standard Chartered build meaningful and trusted relationships with their clients, supported by a team of specialists. “Delivering an outstanding service, making sure clients have timely and effective resolutions, and enabling all this via digital platforms with a human touch are key to the RM role,” says Rajesh. “RMs also need to embrace a continuous learning mind-set, and be focused on long-term relationship management, not just tactical sales. We believe achieving the trust of the client, team and organisation are crucial to helping you succeed,” he adds.
Standard Chartered is an international bank, with a heritage of over 160 years in some of the most dynamic markets of the world, especially in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. “With a sizeable footprint, we participate in all client segments – from the mass market to emerging affluent, affluent, and high net worth – which gives us the advantage of a continuum of clients as we can acquire and serve them throughout various life stages, which not many other banks in the region can do,” says Rajesh.
The emerging affluent and affluent segments are a sweet spot for Standard Chartered, which serves these client groups via its Premium and Priority Banking teams. “Our Priority Banking proposition, which has been in existence for over 25 years, is a pioneer in the affluent segment, and is helping our clients build, manage and protect their wealth. Whatever their financial priorities and investing style, our relationship managers and wealth specialists work with our clients to offer superior investment advice and personalised products and services to meet clients’ financial goals,” says Rajesh.
Rajesh started with Standard Chartered as a management trainee and has since progressed through a diverse range of roles across multiple businesses and countries. “Every time I felt the need to do something different, to expand my learning or re-energize with a new challenge, I have found that opportunity in the bank,” he says.
Standard Chartered Hong Kong & Singapore Relationship Manager Virtual Career Event
Browse RM career opportunities at Standard Chartered, book 1-2-1 chats with current relationship managers, and participate in a live Q&A with members of the senior leadership team.
