Dear AIWM members and friends,

In my October 2024 note, we discussed the importance of staying ahead in an era of rapid regulatory and technological change.  Since then, escalating geopolitical tensions—particularly the resurgence of U.S. tariff policies under the Trump administration—have added new layers of complexity to global markets.

The Ripple Effects of Protectionism
The proposed tariffs on imports, ranging from Chinese goods to European automakers, threaten to:

  • Disrupt global supply chains and inflationary pressures.
  • Fuel volatility in equities, currencies, and commodities.
  • Accelerate regionalisation of trade alliances (e.g., ASEAN’s growing role).

Against this backdrop, education remains a powerful tool for staying ahead.  I am excited to highlight our upcoming AIWM Professional Excellence education event in May 2025.  This workshop will offer a robust platform for practitioners to engage in timely and impactful discussions.

Topics include:

  1. Streamlining Onboarding: EAM Desk Roundtable
    • Top EAM desks from leading private banks will share the following:
      • KYC hurdles in an era of heightened compliance.
      • Solutions to expedite client onboarding without compromising rigour.
  2. AI in Wealth Management: Beyond the Hype
    • Practical use cases: Personalized portfolios, predictive analytics, and chatbots.
    • Risks: Data privacy and overreliance on models.
  3. Digital Assets: Regulation & Client Demand
    • Institutional adoption trends and custody solutions.
    • Balancing crypto exposure with traditional assets.
  4. Japanese REITs: Yield & Diversification
    • Why Japan’s real estate market is attracting global capital.
    • Tax efficiency and stability vs. other Asian markets.
  5. Talent Wars: Incentivizing Top Performers
    • Creative compensation models for private wealth teams.
    • Retaining next-gen advisors in a competitive landscape.

Stay tuned for registration opening soon—participation will be limited to ensure an interactive experience.

As always, the hallmark of exceptional advisors is the ability to anticipate, adapt, and act decisively.  I look forward to exploring these themes with you in May.

Gary Cheo
AIWM Education