Wealth Management and Private Banking: Panels 2025

We had the privilege of hosting a distinguished panel featuring Shawnn Tan, Amol Desai, Patrick Peng Liu, and Nicholas Tan, each bringing unique perspectives from across the wealth management and private banking (WMPB) industry. From managing ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) portfolios to understanding macroeconomic impacts and building client trust, the speakers shared unfiltered insights into their career journeys, challenges, and personal philosophies that drive success in this dynamic sector.

Shawnn Tan: “In wealth management, success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about relationships.”

Shawnn Tan, a recent NUS Business graduate, manages portfolios for over 200 families across Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the Middle East. He walked us through a typical day—starting at 6 AM with market news, followed by portfolio reviews, trades, and client meetings, underscoring the high-pressure, fast-paced nature of the industry. One memorable anecdote involved sitting across from a billionaire early in his career—grappling with imposter syndrome while offering market advice. Shawnn emphasised the importance of diligent research, knowing the client’s investments inside-out, and communicating clearly—especially during volatile market conditions. He also stressed the value of networking and finding your niche, revealing that during his internship, his attention to detail in planning a trip for a CEO’s spouse helped him stand out—not his analytical skills alone. His takeaway: in family offices, relationships matter just as much as skills.

Amol Desai: “Your career should align with what you’re good at and what you enjoy.”

Currently managing over $80 billion in assets, Amol Desai works with some of the world’s wealthiest families and institutions. Covering Australia and Europe, he shared that his typical day includes client reassurance during market volatility, listening to finance podcasts, and handling complex wealth and estate planning matters. He candidly spoke about imposter syndrome and how early failures were valuable learning moments. Amol encouraged students to embrace trial and error, sharing his own path from consulting to private banking. His advice? Map your strengths, passions, and interests, and pursue roles that check at least two of the three. Amol also highlighted the value of CFA and CAIA qualifications in the first few years of one's career and the importance of emotional control in a high-stakes environment.

Patrick Peng Liu: “In asset management, results speak louder than hours.”

Representing APG, a leading pension fund with a focus on ESG investing, Patrick Peng Liu shed light on the differences between traditional asset management and private investment. Unlike investment banking, his role isn’t driven by daily market fluctuations but by long-term company performance and sustainable impact.

He reflected on his transition from IB to ESG-focused investing, praising the work-life balance and purpose-driven nature of his current role. Patrick urged students to try out different industries and not to fear expressing opinions—even in hierarchical settings. He also touched on infrastructure as a resilient asset class, and how APG’s investments are reshaping the financial landscape for good.

Nicholas Tan: “Sometimes being a financial advisor means taking responsibility for someone’s life savings.”

As the Founder of Odyssey Advisory, Nicholas Tan manages insurance portfolios for over 5,000 corporate clients and mentors a team of 70 consultants. His journey includes growing an education firm from $3.5M to $7M, and navigating high-stakes deals, including a $45M insurance plan.

Nicholas believes that transparency and ethics outweigh commission. He reminded students that while anyone can enter the financial advisory space, few thrive—only those with resilience, strong values, and a good mentor.

Essential Skills for a Career in Wealth Management & Private Banking

Across the panel, all speakers agreed on a few critical points that define success in the WMPB industry:

● Building Client Trust and Relationships Whether with billionaires or first-time investors, gaining trust is the foundation of the job.

● Adaptability in High-Pressure Situations With fluctuating markets, quick decisions and composure are essential.

● Strong Communication and Emotional Intelligence Explaining complex financial situations in a relatable way is just as important as the analysis itself.

● Technical Skills and Continuous Learning Qualifications like CFA/CAIA help, but real learning comes from experience.

● Networking and Mentorship Opportunities often come from the people around you—peers, mentors, and even hall neighbours.

Q&A Segment with the Audience

During the Q&A segment, the panelists offered practical advice on finding your niche and building a meaningful career. Shawnn suggested choosing a minor that aligns with your passion to complement your major, while Amol encouraged exploring diverse courses—even outside finance—as a way to broaden perspectives and build connections. Nicholas shared that selling luxury watches early in his career taught him how to build trust, raise funds, and develop grit, proving that unconventional experiences can offer invaluable lessons.

When asked how to deepen knowledge in Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), Patrick emphasised that while real expertise is gained on the job, students should build strong foundations in school and maintain a detail-oriented mindset. On the relevance of university learning, Nicholas noted that relationships built during his time in hall had a greater impact on his career than his degree itself. Patrick echoed this, adding that while modules like accounting and business law provide basic groundwork, it’s logical thinking and work ethic that truly carry over into the workplace.

Final Advice for Aspiring Professionals

Wrapping up, the panelists encouraged students not to fear failure, as it often leads to growth. Instead of chasing the “perfect” internship, students should stay curious, open-minded, and proactive in exploring opportunities. They also emphasised the value of forming strong relationships and seeking mentors who can provide honest guidance at different stages of life. Soft skills—like communication, empathy, and adaptability—were highlighted as essential in managing client relationships and navigating fast-paced environments. Finally, students were reminded that there’s no single path to success. With a growth mindset, resilience, and a willingness to learn, they’ll find the right fit in this evolving industry.

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