Antony Hung, Merrill Lynch's head of wealth management in Asia-Pacific, will retire after a career spanning almost 18 years at the US firm, this publication can confirm.

Wilson Ho, head of North Asia wealth management for Bank of America's wealth unit, will serve as interim head of the Asian unit, a spokesperson said.

"I can confirm that Antony is retiring to spend more time to pursue alternative professional interests.

We expect to announce his successor shortly," the firm said. "Wilson Ho will serve as head of Asia Pacific Wealth Management on an interim basis," it added.