Banque Degroof has a unique approach to serving the Asian asset management and fund administration industry. A private independent investment bank founded in Belgium in 1871, Banque Degroof is well positioned across Europe. In 2011 it made a significant strategic move into Asia via Hong Kong through its Luxembourg subsidiary. We spoke to Geert de Bruyne and John Pauly about the bank's plans.

Q&A: Geert de Bruyne, managing director, and John Pauly, director of fund services, Banque Degroof Luxembourg

What is special about how you serve institutional clients?

John Pauly: We care for our institutional and individual clients in the same way. We can do this because our parent company Banque Degroof is privately owned. This enables us to have a unique approach to clients, whether they be wealthy individuals or corporates such as investment fund businesses. This move is supported by decades of strong performance in our domestic markets.

What is your strategy and vision for Asia?

Geert de Bruyne: We are in the process of transforming our Hong Kong office to be able to bring our asset management and fund administration expertise to Asia. We realized our clients needed us to be in Asia to help them work in this time zone. No one can ignore Asia, particularly China given the growing interest in renminbi assets.

You are also targeting smaller players?

John Pauly: Yes. There are many boutique asset managers in this region that need our help to build middle and risk control functions that we have so much experience of in Luxembourg. This level of service is just not available in Hong Kong, so we are excited to be able to really make a difference across the region.

What are the unique features you are offering?

Geert de Bruyne: Our excellent, road-tested technology and regulatory expertise means we are close to clients at the crucial moments when a trade goes to market. We

are so confident that our offering will find favor that we believe the operation will break even after the first year.

What are your recommendations for Asian asset managers?

John Pauly: Luxembourg is the world leader in regulated, respected UCITS (undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities) and AIFs (Alternative Investment Funds) cross-border vehicles for retail and alternative funds. These quality labels have been proven to be the way to attract investors around the world. Banque Degroof Luxembourg has all the tools necessary to help clients distribute their funds cross-border.

Contact the writer at Fadrique@the-businessreport.com