The private banking arm of Singapore lender OCBC, Bank of Singapore, has unveiled a dedicated sustainability advisory team at its inaugural Sustainability Summit, marking a further expansion of its advisory capabilities.
The sustainability partners team, led by Christine Cheong, sits within the bank’s chief investment office ( CIO ). Prior to assuming this role, she was responsible for formulating in-house environmental, social and governance ( ESG ) methodologies and ESG fund selection within the CIO.
The team, the bank notes, works alongside relationship managers and experts from across OCBC Group to support clients holistically across the three interconnected pillars of investments, businesses and multi-generational stewardship, bringing together expertise from private banking and commercial banking.
The launch of this team is aligned with its ultra-high-net-worth ( UHNW ) push. Such clients are often entrepreneurs and business owners who are seeking guidance not only on sustainability-related investment opportunities, but also on navigating the sustainability transition within their own businesses and creating lasting impact across generations.
Other efforts to support the bank’s UHNW push this year include the strengthening of its family office and wealth advisory senior bench.
“As clients’ wealth and business interests become increasingly interconnected, they seek advice that spans both domains,” says Jean Chia, Bank of Singapore’s global chief investment officer. “The sustainability partners team strengthens our ability to harness sustainability expertise from across the OCBC Group, supporting clients not only in their investment portfolios, but also across their businesses, family interests and broader community ambitions as they navigate the transition to a more sustainable future.”
Cheong adds: “For many UHNW clients, sustainability has evolved from an investment consideration into a broader question of stewardship. Our role is to help them navigate those connections and make informed decisions aligned with their long-term priorities.”
