HONG KONG--18 Dec--Xinhua-PRNewswire-AsiaNet/InfoQuest Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch has taken another step in its international expansion. After setting up offices in Hong Kong and Tokyo, Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch has obtained a banking license from the Singapore authorities. At the beginning of last week, Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch, one of the largest independent firms of private bankers in Switzerland and in Europe, received authorization from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to open a Singapore branch that will operate as a bank ("Merchant Bank" license). The new office will be operational effective from January 2, 2008. This Singapore banking license will significantly strengthen the privileged relationships that Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch has maintained with Asia for decades. The Group established its presence in Hong Kong in 1987 and in Tokyo in 1992. "This is a major step in the international development of our Firm," said Anne-Marie de Weck, Managing Partner and Head of Private Clients. Afterfocusing its regional development on investment, Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch will now be able to offer global Private Banking services in the region. The Firm's activity in Asia is managed by Jean de Haller, a Partner of the Group Holding Company. The Singapore office will be aimed primarily at private clients in the region. It will be headed up by Philippe Sidler, who has comprehensive knowledge of Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch and considerable experience in Private Banking. "We are especially pleased to have obtained this license in a region that has strong wealth growth and offers numerous investment opportunities to our clients," he stressed. The office's business development will be ably managed by Richard Wee, Head of Private Clients in South East Asia, thanks to his acknowledged, sound expertise in Private Banking and his 28 years of experience in this market. At his side will be Ron Lee, who as Head of Private Banking Investment Services in South East Asia will support the endeavors of all of Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch's teams in Singapore. The Group's services will be geared particularly toward family entrepreneurs, for whom Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch is a natural partner, as it has been a family business itself for seven generations. Due to the Group's loyalty to its primary objective of preserving and growing its clients' assets and helping them pass their wealth on to future generations, it is the partnerof choice for entrepreneurs in the region. Developing operations in Singapore is perfectly in line with the Group's strategy, which aims to build a network that is both European and international based on strong local representation. In 2007, Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch set up offices in Barcelona, Madrid, and Prague. About Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch Founded in 1796, Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch & Cie is the oldest firm of private bankers in Geneva and one of the largest in Switzerland and in Europe. The Group is a recognized player with a presence in the world's main financial centers and a network of 24 offices in 18 countries. With more than USD 153 billion in assets under management and 1,800 employees, the Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch Group offers its private and institutional clients wide-ranging advice in the areas of wealth management, financial products, andspecialized services. The Group is reputed for its vast experience in wealth management and has also become a major player in the alternative investment field. Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch & Cie has been a family business of private bankers for over two centuries. It is run by nine Managing Partners, who currently represent the seventh generation of bankers in charge of the Firm. As they are both owners and managers, they are equally involved in the Group's strategic management and its client services. In search of excellence in theprivate banking field, the Group devotes all its skills, knowledge, and experience to devising tailor-made solutions perfectly adapted to the needs of each of its clients. Media Contact: Winnie Lo Ketchum Hong Kong Tel: +852-3141-8028 Email: [email protected] Anne Plagnat Head of Media Relations Tel: +41-02-2709-9306 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch --Distributed by AsiaNet ( www.asianetnews.net )--