The art and science of personalised wealth management

As a client advisor at UBS AG Singapore, Applied Mathematics and Economics alumnus Liu Guanyu plays a critical role in helping individuals and families manage and grow their wealth across generations.

To earn the trust of clients to manage their portfolios and complex wealth needs is both an art and a science, where both digital and human skills come together, Guanyu says.

Wealth management clients demand more than just financial expertise; the relationship with their bankers is also a deeply personal one. Clients seek advisors who truly understand their needs and can tailor and execute strategies that will help them achieve their wealth management goals. In short, working closely with clients entails deep technical and interpersonal skills.

This is where Guanyu’s educational foundations lend much value.

“Mathematics enables me to approach problems with precision, logical structure and quantitative discipline – skills that are indispensable in financial analysis and portfolio construction. Economics deepened my understanding of market behaviour, macroeconomic trends and policy dynamics, which enhances my ability to provide informed investment advice. These foundations allow me to communicate complex financial strategies to clients clearly and confidently,” he says.

These financial strategies are wide-ranging and include investment strategy and financial planning advice, legacy and estate planning, philanthropy and sustainable finance. By supporting clients in capturing opportunities that align financial objectives with broader societal value, Guanyu enables clients to achieve their wealth goals while, at times, contributing to meaningful causes – supporting innovation, social progress and long-term economic resilience.

One of the memorable milestones in his career was being entrusted with managing portfolios for ultra-high-net-worth clients, which deepened his understanding of client advisory. The trust he earned from his clients, in no small part, contributed to his early promotion to Director within UBS in three years.

“What I find most rewarding is earning the trust of my clients and helping them navigate increasingly complex financial decisions,” he says. “By delivering tailored solutions that address their unique needs, I aim to provide clarity and peace of mind in an ever-changing investment landscape.”

The integration of digital tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning allows wealth managers to significantly enhance the customer experience by offering personalised and responsive services that cater to the unique needs of each client. Guanyu recognises that technology can significantly elevate both the efficiency and quality of client engagement. He is therefore passionate in “embracing digital transformation” such as leveraging data analytics, automation and personalised digital tools to streamline advisory processes and provide clients with more intuitive, real-time insights.

Looking ahead, Guanyu hopes to continue honing his leadership skills within collaborative, client-focused teams, and to play a meaningful role in delivering consistent value in an increasingly complex financial landscape. He also hopes to position himself as a trusted advisor to global families and help them navigate multi-jurisdictional wealth planning, succession planning and investment needs.

“With wealth transferring at an unprecedented pace in Asia, I hope to offer more holistic, forward-thinking advice that bridges traditional banking with the evolving expectations of the next generation – particularly around legacy purpose, and innovation,” he says.

Note: The comments are Guanyu’s own views, thoughts and opinions and they are not in any way representing UBS.