“We believe that Asia is not just the future of wealth creation but also the epicenter of next-generation family governance,” stated James Lockhart, Managing Partner of Astera Family Office, during the announcement of the firm’s expansion into Singapore. “Our decision to establish a presence here is both strategic and reflective of the region’s surging demand for bespoke wealth management solutions.”
Astera Family Office, a boutique advisory firm catering exclusively to ultra-high-net-worth families, has officially opened its first Asian office in Singapore, marking a pivotal step in its global growth strategy. The firm, which has a storied reputation in Europe for its discrete, multi-generational wealth solutions, is entering Asia at a time when the region is witnessing unprecedented wealth creation. According to a recent Capgemini report, the number of high-net-worth individuals in Asia-Pacific surpassed that of North America in 2022, underscoring the region’s significance in the global economic landscape.
Founded in Geneva in 1987, Astera Family Office has built its legacy around providing tailored services ranging from investment advisory and succession planning to philanthropy structuring and private market access. The Singapore expansion comes after more than two years of market research and client engagement across Asia. Lockhart revealed that many of the firm’s existing clients, particularly second- and third-generation family members, had expressed a need for closer proximity and on-the-ground expertise in the region.
“Singapore stood out not just for its robust regulatory framework but also for its cultural alignment with our values,” Lockhart added. “The city-state’s position as a premier wealth hub, combined with its political stability and deep financial ecosystem, made it an ideal choice for our Asian headquarters.” The office will initially focus on serving families from Southeast Asia, Greater China, and India, with plans to expand its client base to Korea and Japan in the coming years.
Astera’s move into Singapore also reflects broader industry trends, as family offices globally are increasingly drawn to Asia’s investment opportunities. The region’s thriving economies, tech-driven innovation, and alternative asset markets have become magnets for capital allocation. Moreover, the generational shift in wealth ownership—where younger, more globally minded heirs are taking the reins—has created a demand for advisors who not only understand local nuances but also offer international connectivity.
“Asia’s wealth holders today are far more sophisticated than they were a decade ago,” remarked Eleanor Tay, a Singapore-based wealth strategist who has worked with several global family offices. “They are seeking solutions that go beyond traditional portfolio management. They want a partner who can help them navigate everything from cross-border tax complexities to ESG-aligned investments.”
Astera’s Singapore team will be led by industry veteran Marcus Cheung, who brings over 25 years of experience in private banking and family office advisory. The team’s mandate includes not only advising on investment strategies but also addressing soft issues such as family governance and legacy preservation. Cheung emphasized the importance of fostering trust and transparency in an industry often criticized for its opacity.
As the firm integrates itself into Singapore’s wealth ecosystem, it has already signaled its intention to collaborate with local regulators and industry associations. By doing so, Astera aims to contribute to Singapore’s ambition of becoming the world’s leading family office hub.
Astera Family Office’s entry into Asia is not merely a reflection of its growth ambitions; it is a testament to the evolving dynamics of global wealth. With Asia now firmly at the center of the world’s economic gravity, the region promises not only opportunities but also challenges that demand expertise, innovation, and cultural sensitivity.
(Editors: admin)