*"The future of wealth management is increasingly global, but also deeply local," remarked Klaus Degenhart, Managing Partner at Lichtenstein Global Family Office (LGFO), during the announcement of their expansion into Southeast Asia. "Our clients demand solutions that not only transcend borders but also align with regional dynamics and opportunities."*
Lichtenstein Global Family Office, a renowned Swiss-based advisory firm specializing in ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and cross-border wealth structuring, has officially opened its first Southeast Asian branch in Singapore. This strategic move marks a pivotal moment in the firm’s evolution, as it seeks to deepen its footprint in one of the fastest-growing hubs for global wealth management. Singapore, often referred to as the "Switzerland of Asia," has become a magnet for affluent families and institutional investors drawn by its stable regulatory environment, robust financial infrastructure, and proactive policies on wealth preservation.
The new office will focus on delivering bespoke family office services, including multi-generational wealth planning, succession strategies, and access to exclusive investment opportunities tailored to clients in the region. LGFO’s decision comes amidst a surge in demand for localized expertise among Asian UHNWIs, many of whom are navigating complex transitions in family wealth and governance. As Klaus Degenhart emphasized, "Asia’s wealth is growing exponentially, but with growth comes the need for structure. Singapore provides the perfect intersection of legal clarity and financial sophistication, enabling us to serve our clients with precision and foresight."
Founded in Zurich in 1978, Lichtenstein Global Family Office has built its reputation on providing high-caliber advisory services to some of the world’s most affluent families. The firm’s expertise spans not only wealth management but also philanthropic strategies, tax optimization, and alternative asset investments—domains that are becoming increasingly relevant in Asia’s evolving financial landscape. LGFO’s entry into Southeast Asia is seen as a natural progression, given their existing clientele in the region and the growing trend of intergenerational wealth transfers among Asian families.
The Singapore branch will be led by Francesca Ling, a veteran private banker with over two decades of experience in UHNW advisory across Hong Kong, Singapore, and Europe. Ling’s appointment underscores LGFO’s commitment to marrying global insights with regional expertise. "Our priority is to create lasting legacies for families, not just manage assets," Ling stated during the launch event. "In Southeast Asia, that means understanding cultural nuances, regulatory frameworks, and the aspirations that drive our clients' decisions. It’s not just about wealth preservation; it’s about wealth elevation."
Market analysts view LGFO’s move as emblematic of a broader trend among European family offices seeking to capitalize on Asia’s wealth boom. According to a recent Bain & Company report, Asia Pacific is set to account for nearly half of global wealth growth over the next decade, driven by rising affluence in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Singapore, already home to over 700 family offices, has been aggressively courting international firms by offering tax incentives, residency packages, and streamlined regulatory procedures. For LGFO, the decision to set up in Singapore was not merely opportunistic but strategic, aligning with their long-term vision of serving clients across multiple continents.
In addition to servicing UHNW families, LGFO plans to collaborate with institutional advisors and local financial professionals in Singapore to create a more integrated ecosystem of wealth management expertise. The firm is also exploring partnerships with fintech companies to leverage cutting-edge technologies in portfolio optimization and risk management—an initiative that could redefine traditional family office services in the region.
As the firm embarks on this new chapter, the sentiment among stakeholders is one of cautious optimism. "We are not here to replicate our European model; we are here to adapt and innovate," said Degenhart in closing. "Singapore is not just a gateway to Asia; it’s a gateway to the future of wealth."
Lichtenstein Global Family Office’s Southeast Asia expansion is more than a geographical shift; it is a testament to the firm’s ability to anticipate and respond to the shifting tides of global financial power. With Singapore as its anchor, LGFO is poised to redefine what it means to manage wealth in both local and global contexts.
(Editors: admin)