New Office
Swiss Bank Eyes Asian HNWIs With Hong Kong Office

Banque Cantonale de Geneve, the Swiss bank, has announced the inauguration of its representative office in Hong Kong to support its growing business in the Asia-Pacific region.
The bank is one of the first cantonal Swiss banks to set up an
office in the jurisdiction, a spokesperson told this
publication.
BCGE received authorisation from the
Hong Kong Monetary Authority in late 2009. The branch will be
responsible for developing the bank's customer base and for
promoting its services for individuals, institutions and
companies, with particular focus on private clients who are
interested in wealth management services, the company said in a
statement. The institutional clientele will also be able to use
the office as an intermediary, linking directly with BCGE's asset
management centre in Switzerland.
The Hong Kong office will not conduct everyday banking business -
all accounts will be opened and managed within the parent
firm in Switzerland.
"This opening is very significant," said
Blaise Goetschin, the chief executive officer. "It confirms
the bank's ability and willingness to adapt to the very rapid
changes in the world economy and its desire to support the
growing numbers of its clients in Geneva and Switzerland who have
business and projects in the region."
The bank said in a previous announcement that the Hong Kong
branch will start with five Asian members of staff who will
report to
Michael Chan, the chief representative for the Greater China
region. All operations will led by
Jean-Louis Platteau, the head of private banking in
Geneva.