The mass affluent class is set to be a key battleground for the wealth management industry as banks previously targeting the top tier look further down the ladder while universal banks aim upwards. But will clients benefit?

PWM’s tenth annual sub-advisory research survey finds clients happy for private banks to outsource mandates to third parties, but these relationships need to be nurtured

In their pursuit of new money, private banks are trying to build up brand recognition, be it by highlighting their traditional values or the way they have embraced the digital revolution

Clients are expecting their wealth managers to offer philanthropy services, but is it possible for private banks to turn those into a profitable enterprise?

North America and Asia-Pacific have led global levels of wealth to new highs, while indications are that high net worth individuals favour a streamlined approach to management

Eager to source client assets, private banks are seeking out new wealth in emerging regions while also looking towards entrepreneurs active in more developed markets

Wealth management firms have suffered from falling valuations and need to adapt their business models to an environment of rising regulation and a frail economic recovery

Wealthy Asians are gradually coming round to the need to put firm plans in place for the transfer of wealth between generations, creating opportunities for private banks offering suitable structures