KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia erased early gains to end slightly lower on Wednesday, as profit-taking emerged in selected heavyweight counters mainly in financial services and utilities sectors. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) fell 4.70 points, or 0.28 per cent, to 1,683.42 from Tuesday’s close of 1,688.12. The benchmark index opened 3.30 points higher at 1,691.42 and moved between 1,680.46 and 1,695.68 throughout the day. However, in the broader market, gainers outpaced losers 615 to 455, while 566 counters were unchanged, 1,057 untraded and 13 suspended. Turnover increased to 3.33 billion units worth RM3.02 billion from Tuesday’s 2.85 billion units worth RM2.67 billion.
DBS Group Holdings Ltd is seeing a growing influx of wealthy clients from Europe and the US, as investors increasingly turn to Asia for portfolio diversification and stability amid heightened global volatility.
Rising Demand for Asia-Based Wealth Solutions
According to DBS Private Bank, affluent investors are seeking investment opportunities and wealth management services in Asia, driven by concerns over:
- Geopolitical tensions, including the US-Iran conflict
- Rising energy costs
- Persistent market volatility
Some high-net-worth individuals are also exploring secondary family office setups in Asia, highlighting a longer-term shift in wealth allocation strategies.
Asia Positioned as a Stability Anchor
DBS noted that wealthy clients are prioritising “absolute stability”, with Asia increasingly viewed as a safe and resilient investment hub.
The region’s appeal lies in its economic growth prospects, diversified markets, and relative insulation from Western macro shocks, making it an attractive destination for capital preservation and growth.
Wealth Management Drives DBS Growth
The trend is supporting DBS’s strategic pivot toward wealth management as a key growth engine, particularly as loan margins face pressure.
DBS, along with local peers, attracted a combined S$77 billion in net new wealth inflows last year, reflecting strong demand from high-net-worth clients.
This momentum is expected to continue as global uncertainty persists.
Talent Expansion to Capture Inflows
To meet rising demand, DBS is actively expanding its relationship manager headcount, strengthening its ability to capture and service incoming wealth flows.
This aligns with broader industry trends, where banks are investing in talent and advisory capabilities to cater to increasingly sophisticated clients.
Structural Shift in Global Wealth Allocation
Market participants highlight that volatility is becoming “a feature, not a bug”, prompting investors to rethink geographic diversification.
Asia’s growing role in global wealth management suggests a structural shift in capital flows, rather than a temporary trend.
Investor Takeaways
- Wealthy clients from Europe and the US are increasing allocations to Asia, seeking stability and diversification.
- Geopolitical risks and energy price shocks are accelerating cross-border wealth flows.
- DBS and peers attracted S$77 billion in net new wealth inflows, highlighting strong demand.
- Asia is emerging as a key global wealth hub, supported by growth and resilience.
- The trend signals a long-term shift in global asset allocation, benefiting regional financial institutions.
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