Bank of Singapore names new investments chief

Bank of Singapore has named Benjamin Low as its new head of alternative investments, a role that will see him lead the expansion of the private bank’s offerings in private equity, private credit, venture capital, infrastructure, and real estate.

Low brings institutional experience

Low, who will report to global chief investment officer Jean Chia, joins from Cambridge Associates, where he most recently served as head of Asia hedge funds research. In that role, he advised on multi-billion-dollar portfolios for endowments, family offices, pension funds, and corporate investors. His experience across alternatives strategy, portfolio positioning, and manager selection will be key in his new role, as he will be responsible for leading the growth of the bank’s alternatives platform to meet the evolving needs of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients.

His appointment takes effect August 17 and strengthens the bank’s alternatives team, which has been building out its capabilities in recent months. Earlier this year, Yazid Mahadi, head of funds selection, took on additional responsibility for developing the bank’s hedge fund offerings to meet rising client demand. This move highlights the bank’s commitment to expanding its alternatives capabilities and providing clients with a fuller range of investment solutions.

Low’s institutional leadership experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the complexities of alternative investments. Chia said his experience advising sophisticated institutional investors will help the bank deliver a “whole-portfolio approach” to investment solutions. “His expertise will enhance our current capabilities to help clients build resilient, long-term portfolios with greater diversification into alternatives,” she said.

Alternatives gain traction amid market uncertainty

The bank noted that interest in alternative investments has grown as high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients seek to diversify portfolios, reduce risk, and secure more consistent returns. The global alternatives industry is projected to reach $32 trillion in assets under management by 2030, according to data from Preqin. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for non-traditional assets, as investors look to mitigate risk and achieve more consistent income and returns in an uncertain market environment.

The bank’s focus on alternatives reflects its efforts to deepen its expertise in complex asset classes. Low will be based in Singapore, where the bank is headquartered. His appointment follows a series of hires aimed at strengthening the bank’s capabilities in this area.