“We see Singapore not just as a gateway to Asia, but as a global hub for innovation in wealth management,” remarked Michael Lytton, CEO of Helios Capital, during a private press event in Marina Bay Sands. The renowned London-based investment firm has officially announced the launch of its Singapore Family Office division, a strategic move aimed at capitalizing on the city-state’s robust regulatory framework, tax advantages, and burgeoning appeal to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs).
Helios Capital, which manages over $15 billion in assets across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, has been eyeing Asia-Pacific for several years. The firm’s decision to establish a family office in Singapore underscores a growing trend among global wealth managers seeking to align with the region’s meteoric rise in private wealth. According to a 2023 report by Knight Frank, Asia is now home to more billionaires than any other continent, making it a natural magnet for institutions like Helios Capital.
The new family office division will provide bespoke wealth management services, including multi-generational estate planning, international tax structuring, and alternative investment strategies. Helios Capital has also hinted at incorporating digital asset advisory services, reflecting the increasing interest in cryptocurrency investments among its clientele. The firm has recruited a seasoned team of advisors, many of whom have prior experience at leading institutions such as Julius Baer, UBS, and Pictet.
Singapore’s allure lies in its well-established reputation as a financial safe haven. With its political stability, favorable tax regime, and a growing network of double tax treaties, the city-state has emerged as a top choice for family offices and private investors worldwide. Helios Capital’s entry is expected to deepen competition among wealth management firms operating in the region, but Lytton remains optimistic. “Our approach is not to compete on volume or scale, but on delivering tailored, high-impact solutions for families with complex global needs,” he noted.
The launch comes at a time when governments worldwide are intensifying financial transparency measures. Singapore, while compliant with OECD standards, offers a balance between regulatory compliance and client confidentiality, a factor that has made it especially attractive to family offices. Additionally, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has rolled out initiatives to encourage the growth of the sector, including tax exemptions under the 13O and 13U schemes. Helios Capital’s move to set up shop here aligns seamlessly with these developments.
“We believe the future of wealth management is deeply personal,” said Lytton, addressing an audience of private bankers and financial advisors. “As families grow more global, their financial strategies must adapt. Singapore offers the ideal ecosystem to execute these strategies.”
As Helios Capital plants its flag in Singapore, the firm joins a growing list of global players expanding operations in Asia, a region where wealth creation shows no signs of slowing down. Its focus on sustainable, forward-looking financial solutions could set a new benchmark for the industry, particularly in a jurisdiction that continues to attract the world’s financial elite.
Helios Capital’s Singapore Family Office is expected to be fully operational by early 2024, signaling yet another milestone in the firm’s ambitious global expansion strategy.
(Editors: admin)