A global financial hub with top talent: Why UBS chose to serve the region from Singapore

At Swiss banking giant UBS, investing in the development of people and fostering diversity within teams are key priorities when it comes to building a workforce that can meet the diverse needs of their clients.

This is why Daniel Brandenberger, Head of Human Resources (Singapore) and Human Resource Business Partner for UBS Global Wealth Management (SEA) — the largest UBS office in the APAC region — believes strongly in creating positive and highly motivated teams where everyone can unlock their full potential by gaining access to the right opportunities and resources.

We spoke to the veteran HR professional on the company’s efforts in talent development, and how Singapore, as a trusted and well-regulated global financial hub, has enabled UBS to grow and capture opportunities in the region for the past 50 years. As someone who has worked and lived in six different countries across Asia, Europe and the Americas before choosing to come to Singapore more than a decade ago, he also shared with us about what sets the city-state apart in attracting global enterprises and talent.
 

Q: Can you tell us more about your role?

A: In my role as the Head of Human Resources (Singapore) and Human Resource Business Partner for UBS Global Wealth Management (SEA), I oversee all aspects of Human Resources management for more than 5,000 Singapore-based permanent employees. 

Q: How has being based in Singapore helped UBS to thrive and grow in the region?

A: As the first Swiss bank in Singapore, UBS has been in the city-state for over half a century. The growth of UBS in Singapore thus reflects the country’s success as a global financial hub. Today, Singapore has grown to be one of UBS’s top two Wealth Management centres in APAC, and our Investment Bank’s Southeast Asian headquarters. 

Among the key factors for UBS’s success in Singapore are the city-state’s well-developed financial sector, conducive business-friendly environment, and strong regulatory framework and policies. Singapore has also enabled UBS’s development of high quality and diverse teams through its cosmopolitan, highly educated and skilled workforce consisting of over 40 nationalities.

Q: What are some of UBS’s key priorities when it comes to talent development?

A: At UBS, we believe that diverse teams are able to better understand and relate to the needs of our diverse clientele. Diversity of thought, opinion, background and experience helps us to make better decisions and be more innovative, while inclusive leadership and a work environment with equal access to opportunities allow us to attract and retain highly talented individuals. 

We are committed in building a future pipeline of talent for the banking industry. The availability of diverse, skilled talent in Singapore, as well as access to resources to support firms’ talent development efforts, have enhanced Singapore’s value proposition as a key global financial centre. That is why Singapore continues to house the largest UBS University in APAC.

In line with such a goal, UBS has worked with local partners in Singapore on various initiatives to develop a high quality and diverse workforce: 

Increasing UBS’s gender diversity and parity is a strategic priority as well. UBS aims to support and enable more women to build long and satisfying careers in UBS, while increasing the representation of women at senior management levels.

Globally, UBS aspires to reach 30 per cent representation of women at director level and above by 2025, and the firm is progressing toward this by leveraging the components of UBS’s employee strategy: Accountable, Hire, Develop and Belong. In Singapore, UBS is proud that over 40% of director level and above roles are already held by women. 
 

Q: You have worked closely with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to send Singaporeans on overseas postings, via the International Postings Programme (iPOST). What motivated you to collaborate with MAS on this and how has the programme benefited UBS’s workforce?

A: Talent development has always been integral for UBS, and this includes international mobility. During their overseas postings, UBS colleagues were able to gain new perspectives and insights whilst on overseas assignments. They also became ambassadors of Singapore in showcasing the many capabilities and innovations that are coming out of the city-state.

Q:  As a global talent yourself, what do you like about Singapore and how do you find the experience living and working here?

A: During my career in this industry, I have worked and lived in six different countries across Asia, Europe and the Americas. I moved to Asia more than 10 years ago, accepting the job without ever having visited Singapore before. I made my decision largely due to the outstanding and attractive reputation, which Singapore enjoys in the rest of the world.

What sets Singapore apart are a variety of factors, including quality of living, safety and the multicultural coexistence of various ethnic groups. These factors have allowed Singapore to attract international talent at various stages of their careers. I am also impressed with the long-term strategies and policies by the Singapore Government, where companies have access to a wide range of schemes and grants to develop their talent pipeline.

Click here for more information on the grants that the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) offers to support financial institutions’ talent development.