Bank Julius Baer continues to build its Asian investment solutions group with the recent addition of two industry specialists.

Mark Matthews was recruited last month as head of research for Asia, from Maquarie Bank where he was Asia strategist.

Dr Lee Boon Keng was promoted to sole head of the investment solutions group in Singapore. He was previously co-head of the division. Matthews reports directly to Dr Lee and is also based in Singapore. 

The Swiss bank said last year it wants to make Asia its second home market, given the vast growth and wealth potential of the region. In 2010, the company received full banking status in Hong Kong and is set to open a representative branch in Shanghai this year. It has also applied for a Singapore trust business licence early in the year.