Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) has entered into a strategic partnership with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset management firm, to expand investment opportunities for Thai clients. This collaboration is part of SCB’s commitment to advancing the wealth of Thais and providing access to world-class financial solutions.
Through its SCB Wealth division, the bank aims to position itself as Thailand’s leading wealth management institution. SCB Wealth clients will now benefit from privileged access to exclusive investment products, comprehensive research, and strategic insights drawn from BlackRock’s global network. Kris Chantanotoke, SCB’s chief executive, emphasised that the partnership, which took about a year to finalise, was designed to distinguish itself from previous alliances by significantly enhancing wealth management capabilities.
The collaboration focuses on three key areas: investment products, research and technology, and human resources. SCB Wealth will combine its understanding of local investors’ needs with BlackRock’s global expertise, creating customised investment strategies that align with clients’ financial goals. A joint committee has been established to evaluate and curate exclusive offerings for SCB’s wealth clients.
As part of this initiative, SCB has launched the SCB Wealth Academy to upskill its relationship managers (RMs), equipping them with the knowledge and tools to meet evolving client needs. The academy aims to support SCB’s core wealth segments, including SCB Private, SCB First, and SCB Prime, while also catering to emerging affluent individuals interested in personal and retirement financial planning.
The partnership is also leveraging digital innovation to enhance accessibility. SCB is committed to using digital channels to broaden its wealth management services, supported by BlackRock’s advanced technological capabilities. One such initiative is the integration of BlackRock’s Aladdin Academy, a digital learning platform offering tailored content and certifications for investment professionals, including portfolio managers and risk analysts.
Andrew Landman, deputy head of Asia-Pacific and head of Southeast Asia and Oceania at BlackRock, highlighted that digital tools will help expand customer access to wealth management services. He noted that the Aladdin Academy will enhance the skills of financial professionals, supporting a broad spectrum of roles within the investment lifecycle.
Landman also stressed the importance of co-research, given the current global economic volatility and geopolitical risks. BlackRock’s research-driven approach aims to provide credible, high-value insights, allowing clients to make informed investment decisions amid an increasingly complex financial landscape.
By prioritising long-term investment strategies, SCB and BlackRock are working to help clients secure sustainable growth and reliable returns. Landman underlined the importance of filtering reliable information from unreliable sources, particularly given the proliferation of data from social media. Through this partnership, SCB is reinforcing its ambition to become Thailand’s foremost wealth management provider while empowering clients to build long-term financial security.
-Bangkok Post
