Schroders Wealth Management today announces it has reached an agreement to acquire the wealth management business of Thirdrock Group.
Founded in 2010 and based in Singapore, Thirdrock is an independent asset manager with client assets under management of S$3 billion (£1.7 billion)*.
As part of the acquisition, Thirdrock will be merged with Schroders’ existing Singaporean business and operate under the Schroders’ brand. Further, Thirdrock employees, including Client Advisers and Portfolio Managers with proven investment expertise as well as the existing management team, will transition to Schroders Wealth Management offices in Singapore.
Jason Lai, CEO and founder of Thirdrock Group, will take on the leadership of Schroders Wealth Management in Asia as Head of Wealth Management Asia, and spearhead the drive to strongly grow the business across the region. Melvyn Yeo, Chair of Investment Committee and co-founder of Thirdrock Group, will take on the role of Deputy Head of Wealth Management Asia.
Both will work closely with Simon Lints, Head of Wealth Management in Singapore and Robert Ridland, Head of Wealth Management in Hong Kong.
Peter Hall, Global Head of Wealth Management at Schroders, commented:
“We have the opportunity to create a unique business model in Asia, combining the institutional investment expertise, leading brand and extensive network of Schroders with the entrepreneurialism, open architecture and personal service of an independent asset manager.
"This deal, combined with our recently announced partnership with Maybank, highlights our ambition to build a leading wealth management business in the region. Jason and his team are excellent additions to our existing team and Jason will now take the lead in achieving that ambition and hiring top talent within the region.”
Jason Lai, CEO and founder of Thirdrock Group, commented:
“We are delighted to be joining Schroders. Being part of a well-resourced global investment and wealth management business provides Thirdrock with access to greater investment expertise and enhances our proposition for clients. This, together with Schroders’ stable ownership structure, long-term approach, heritage and brand strength in Asia will be attractive to our clients and employees alike.”
The financial terms of the acquisition are not disclosed. The transaction is expected to complete in Q2 2019.
*as at 31 December 2018
For further information, please contact:
Estelle Bibby Tel: +44 (0)207 658 3431 estelle.bibby@schroders.com
Thomas Kwan Tel: +852 3008 3811/+852 9018 2500 thomas.kwan@humebrophy.com
Stephanie Choi Tel: +852 9100 4747 stephanie.choi@humebrophy.com