FOAHK x PWMA Panel Discussion on Private Markets Evolution

On 24th July, PWMA and the Family Office Association Hong Kong (FOAHK) co-hosted “Private Markets Evolution: Opportunities in Private Equity and Alternatives for Private Wealth Management and Family Offices” for over 100 PWMA Members, Apprentices, Apprentice Alumni, and FOAHK Interns.

The session kicked off with inspiring welcome remarks from Grant Ko, Vice Chair of FOAHK and Chairman of Wisdom Family Office, and Vivien Khoo., CEO & MD of PWMA. They highlighted the important partnership between PWMA and FOAHK, and the talent management initiatives of both within the wealth management landscape.

Moderated by Andrew Shale (CEO, Asian Private Banker), the panel featured leading experts in alternative investments:
🔹 Frank Yangwen Shen (Head of Greater China, Apollo Global Management, Inc.) shared recent trends in alternative investments, highlighting the differences between private and public market investing. The discussion also compared today’s landscape with that of 15 years ago, noting 90% of companies are private, and how they are choosing to remain private for longer, reshaping access and opportunities in the investment space.
🔹Gary Chan (Head of Private Equity, Sun Hung Kai & Co. Limited) shared some of his experiences in Private Markets investing, highlighting some exciting case studies around real life PE investments, and the relative IRR compared to public markets while emphasizing the importance diversification both geographically as well as by sector.
🔹 Marco Tsang (Associate Director, EQT Group) offered valuable insights into the different stages of PE investing, evergreen fund structures and partial liquidity, as well discussing definitions of risk in the context of liquidity. The conversation also delved into AI and Fintech as two major investment themes, and how approaches to digitalisation and sustainability can enhance operations and optimize client servicing.

To conclude the event, Jim Kwok from Vice Chair from FOAHK and CEO of Topaz Family Office Limited reaffirmed the importance of alternative investments in a diversified portfolio. Jim also encouraged all the Apprentices and Interns to make the most of their current work experience opportunities, emphasizing the lasting value of cultivating professional relationships.

The event marked another successful collaboration between PWMA and FOAHK – offering a valuable platform for both professional growth and meaningful connection for our Apprentices, FOAHK Interns, and PWM practitioners. Special thanks to UBS for generously sponsoring the venue.