Industry Shake-Up: UBS Taps 28-Year Veteran Desmond Ng as Asia Asset Management Head, Aiming for New Heights in APAC Markets

Kristen Harris

By Kristen HarrisPublished June 19, 2025

Illustration of Desmond Ng leading a strategic meeting at UBS headquarters in Asia Pacific (AI-generated, non-realistic illustration). Credit: Ideogram.

In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to growth in the Asia Pacific region, UBS has appointed Desmond Ng as the new head of its asset management unit for APAC. This appointment, effective from October 1, reflects the bank’s ambition to strengthen its foothold in a rapidly evolving market. Based in Hong Kong, Ng will be pivotal in executing UBS’s strategy, leveraging his extensive experience in the asset management sector. As the financial landscape in Asia continues to expand, UBS’s decision to appoint a seasoned leader signals its readiness to navigate the complexities of the region’s diverse markets.

Desmond Ng’s Extensive Experience

Desmond Ng brings with him over 28 years of invaluable experience in asset management, marking him as a veteran in the industry. Before joining UBS, Ng was the head of APAC at Allianz Global Investors, where he honed his skills in managing large-scale operations across various markets. His previous roles include serving as the CEO for Greater China at Invesco, where he played a critical role in expanding the firm’s presence in the region. Ng has also held senior positions at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, further enriching his understanding of global and regional financial landscapes. Notably, he served as the chairman of the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association from 2009 to 2011, demonstrating his leadership and influence within the industry.

Ng’s extensive background and track record in asset management make him uniquely qualified to lead UBS’s initiatives in Asia. His deep understanding of the market dynamics and regulatory environment in the region will be instrumental in driving the bank’s growth strategy. As UBS seeks to capitalize on new opportunities and strengthen its client relationships, Ng’s leadership will be critical in navigating the challenges and seizing the potential that the Asia Pacific market offers.

Strategic Objectives for the Asia Pacific Region

UBS’s strategic objectives for the Asia Pacific region are centered around enhancing its investment capabilities and deepening its client relationships. Under Ng’s leadership, the bank aims to expand its collaboration with onshore joint venture partners in China, a key market with immense growth potential. This focus on China aligns with UBS’s broader strategy of leveraging its global expertise to cater to local market needs. By strengthening its presence in the region, UBS hopes to tap into the burgeoning wealth management and investment banking sectors, which are poised for significant growth.

The firm’s one-bank initiatives will also play a crucial role in its APAC strategy. These initiatives involve integrating UBS’s wealth and investment banking units to provide comprehensive solutions to clients. Ng will work closely with teams across Asia to ensure that the bank’s offerings are tailored to meet the diverse needs of institutional, wholesale, and wealth management clients. This collaborative approach is expected to enhance UBS’s competitive edge and solidify its position as a leading player in the region.

Leadership Transition and Team Collaboration

Desmond Ng’s appointment marks a significant leadership transition for UBS’s asset management team in APAC. He takes over from James Benady and Thomas Kaegi, who have been leading the team on an interim basis. Once onboarded, Ng will closely collaborate with Benady, the APAC regional operating officer and head of global wealth management and wholesale client coverage, and Kaegi, the head of asset management in Singapore and Southeast Asia. This collaboration is expected to ensure a smooth transition and continuity in leadership.

The seamless integration of Ng into the management team is crucial for maintaining the momentum of UBS’s growth strategy in the region. By fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, Ng aims to drive the team’s efforts in achieving the bank’s strategic objectives. His leadership style, characterized by a focus on teamwork and client-centricity, will be instrumental in strengthening the bank’s position in the highly competitive Asia Pacific market.

Driving Innovation and Client Engagement

Innovation and client engagement are at the heart of UBS’s strategy for the Asia Pacific region. Desmond Ng’s leadership is expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to addressing the evolving needs of clients. By leveraging UBS’s global investment capabilities, Ng aims to deliver tailored solutions that cater to the specific requirements of each market. This emphasis on customization and client engagement is crucial for building long-term relationships and driving sustainable growth.

Ng’s experience in leading large-scale operations and his deep understanding of the region’s financial landscape position him well to spearhead UBS’s innovation initiatives. As the bank seeks to enhance its product offerings and expand its market reach, Ng’s leadership will be pivotal in fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. By prioritizing client engagement and delivering value-added solutions, UBS aims to solidify its reputation as a trusted partner for clients in the Asia Pacific region.

As UBS embarks on this new chapter under Desmond Ng’s leadership, the bank’s strategic focus on the Asia Pacific region is clear. With a strong emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and client engagement, UBS is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the region’s dynamic markets. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, how will UBS’s strategies unfold, and what new opportunities will arise in the Asia Pacific region?

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Kristen Harris

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristen is a seasoned writer with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape our world. With a background in journalism and the humanities, she brings a thoughtful, inquisitive approach to everything she writes—whether it’s a deep dive into global events, a personal take on lifestyle trends, or an exploration of emerging scientific ideas. Her curiosity knows no bounds, and she thrives on connecting seemingly unrelated subjects in meaningful ways.

6 comments

  • Interesting move by UBS. With such a focus on China, are there any specific markets or sectors Ng plans to target first?

  • Wow, 28 years of experience! I can barely remember what I had for breakfast yesterday. 😅 Kudos to Desmond Ng and good luck with the new role.

  • easton_essence1

    UBS is making power moves! Desmond Ng’s extensive background is sure to bring innovation. Will this change the game for the industry in Asia?

  • theodore

    Thank you for sharing this update. Very insightful. How will Ng’s past experience at Allianz and Invesco influence his strategies at UBS?

  • Adeline1

    Another day, another big appointment in the finance world! Is it just me, or does Desmond Ng sound like someone who should be playing the lead in a finance thriller? 😂

  • Lincoln4

    Congrats to Desmond Ng! 🎉 With his impressive track record, it seems like UBS is set for great things in the APAC market. Can’t wait to see how this unfolds!

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