HSBC Private Bank has appointed William Lawton as managing director, head of the private bank South Asia investment group, and Jeffrey Benjamin as managing director in its international private wealth team.

Lawton will be responsible for delivering appropriate investment ideas, solutions and services to the Bank’s clients across the region, reports said. He has more than 20 years of experience in investments across several leading institutions in London, New York, Switzerland and Singapore.

Benjamin, who will oversee relationship management for non-Asian resident clients, has extensive experience in wealth management and private banking for Asian and European markets.

“Asia is fast becoming the new axis for personal wealth as the region continues to drive global economic growth. In 2010, three quarters of net inflows into the Group’s Private Banking business originated from Asia,” said Nancie Dupier, chief executive of HSBC Private Bank for Southeast Asia.

“William and Jeffrey will strengthen our client-focused approach to help connect customers to global investment opportunities,” Dupier added.