In this episode of Banking Uncovered, Charles Green speaks to Gourab Kundu, Citi Wealth’s head of digital growth for Asia South, based in Singapore, about the latest trends and innovations in digital wealth management and how Citi is leading the charge.

They explore how Citi is leveraging technology to deliver a seamless, secure and highly personalised experience for its wealth clients. From the mobile revolution to cybersecurity, Gaurav shares how Citi is reimagining the client journey through a hybrid model that blends digital tools with human advisory services.

Topics discussed include:

• Cybersecurity measures that protect client wealth while maintaining a frictionless experience
• The growing role of mobile apps in wealth transactions
• Citi’s approach to increasing its share of wallet among affluent clients
• Integrating digital tools with relationship managers for hybrid experiences
• Innovations in cross-border banking for mass affluent consumers
• The transformative potential of generative AI in wealth management

Key insights include:

• Over 90% of Citi’s wealth clients in Singapore use the mobile app regularly.
• RFI Global data shows banks in Singapore typically hold just 40% of their mass affluent clients’ wallets, leaving significant room for growth.
• Loyalty among mass affluent clients has improved dramatically, with switching intent dropping from 1 in 3 in 2024 to 1 in 5 in 2025.
• Satisfaction with relationship managers (RMs) is the #1 driver of poor NPS among mass affluent clients.
• Discover how Citi is redefining digital wealth management, and what is on the horizon for AI-personalisation.

Wealth is rising rapidly across Asia, in both the number of affluent consumers and the value they hold. In this episode of Banking Uncovered, Charles Green speaks to Stefano Colombu, Managing Director of Asia at RFI Global, about the surge in mass affluent consumers across APAC, what drives their financial decisions, and how their money moves across borders.

From the booming China–Hong Kong corridor to the growing importance of Singapore and the UAE, they unpack how affluent and high-net-worth consumers are reshaping the regional banking landscape, and what banks must do to attract and retain them. They explore the rise of digital-only banks, the evolving role of relationship managers, and how regulations and AI are influencing investor behaviour and expectations.

These insights are fuelled by RFI Global’s data from over 40,000 interviews across 8 APAC markets and 50 cross-border wealth corridors.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The growth in affluence in Asia: The demographic and economic forces behind the rise of affluent consumers across the region.
• The rise of emerging affluents: Why banks should pay attention to this growing segment and how their behaviours differ.
• Cross-border banking motivations: They explore what is driving the trends in cross-border corridors and the behaviour of affluent consumers.
• Wealth hub dynamics: The importance of China, and how Singapore and UAE are gaining ground on the US as preferred destinations for Asian investors. 
• Share of wallet trends: Why consumers look beyond local players to global banks as their wealth increases, and how fintechs and digital-only banks perform.
• The future of AI in banking: Asian consumers’ expectations and experiences with AI and how to gain their trust.
• Balancing digital and human touch: How to get the balance right. Mass affluent consumers want seamless digital experiences but still value proactive relationship managers.

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green is joined by Rishi Lalwani, currently Global Head of Lending for SME Banking at Standard Chartered, to explore the evolving landscape of SME banking across Asia and the Middle East.

With over 17 years of experience in business banking and a focus on digital transformation, Rishi discusses his views on why now is a pivotal moment for SME bankers and how banks can better serve this dynamic segment.

• SME credit cards: Why 40% of SME owners use retail credit cards instead of business credit cards and the benefits of switching.
• The pain points for SMEs in APAC: From digitization to cybersecurity, to accessing finance, and how banks can help solve them.
• Digital-first solutions: Why digital innovation is the main driver for switching banks and how to meet the rising demand for digital offers at all stages of delivery, including onboarding, online banking and using alternate data for credit assessment.
• The future of bank branches: Rishi speculates on the future of bank branches in a digital economy, envisioning virtual and digital branches with personalised services.
• Foreign Exchange (FX): The role of FX in SME banking, highlighting the importance of a client-led approach, transparency and security.

And much more.

Join us for an insightful conversation as we uncover the intricacies of SME banking and the digital transformation shaping the future of the industry.