Bank of the West Wealth Management has rolled out a new private client services model for high net worth customers, leading to more advisor hires.

Bank of the West Wealth Management, the US-based wealth management and banking firm, has launched a new private client services model to enhance offerings for its affluent and high net worth customers.

Under the new model, the company will provide a range of banking and investment solutions and hire more private client advisors and wealth experts to support its network of branches across 19 states. Central to the launch is the creation of a dedicated team of PCAs who will focus on HNW individuals and serve as the lead relationship manager on a range of financial concerns.

"Clients are looking for a strong relationship and advice from their financial partners. The new approach enables our team to focus on getting to know each client and better understanding their overall financial lives," said John Bahnken, the head of Bank of the West Wealth Management.

Over the next months, the company will be hiring additional private client advisors and personal trust administrators and portfolio managers for its branches. Five dedicated wealth management client centers will also be opened by the end of this year. 

Bank of the West Wealth Management is part of BNP Paribas' global wealth management business, which has some $10 billion in assets under management in the US and $365 billion in AuM globally as of 31 December 2010. Bank of the West has more than 700 retail and commercial branches in 19 US states and records $59 billion in assets.