The new connectivity system by Ullink is provided as a service, where relationship managers will be able to update the clients in real time on the status of their trade orders and execute instructions in just seconds.

The system is timely as OCBC posted a 49 per cent decline in trading income for the three months to 30 September 2013, compared to the year-earlier period, due mostly to the US Federal Reserve's tapering of bond purchases. Nevertheless, OCBC's private banking business still saw its third quarter assets under management rise 15 per cent to $45 billion, from $39 million a year ago.