Wisdom River Capital

External Asset Manager

What is EAM

External Asset Managers (EAMs) originated from Europe’s long‑standing family traditions and have carried forward the essence of independence and objectivity. They serve client interests by offering unbiased advice and comprehensive wealth solutions, helping ultra‑high‑net‑worth families maintain a stable investment style, build family offices, and streamline financial management.

In financial centers like Hong Kong and Singapore, EAMs provide tailored asset allocation, ensuring transparency and collaborative decision-making for asset protection and growth, which distinguishes them from traditional private banks.

The structure of an External Asset Manager (EAM) is built on a three‑party relationship among the client, the private bank, and the EAM. The client grants a Power of Attorney (POA) or Limited Power of Attorney (LPOA) for the EAM to manage assets held at a private bank. The bank serves as custodian and record‑keeper, safeguarding assets within a secure framework. The EAM focuses on customized investment management, selecting products based on the client’s interests rather than sales goals. Acting as both asset manager and trusted partner, the EAM fosters long‑term, independent, and mutually beneficial relationships.

Differences Between EAM & Private Bank

EAM

Private Bank

ROLE

Gate Keeper & Portfolio Manager

Sales

INDEPENDENT

Fully Independent & No Conflict of Interest

Not Incentivized to Push Specific Products

Conflict of Interest

Tied to & Only Promote in-house Products

ADVICE & PRODUCT

Unbiased Advice

Access to Multiple Banks & Best-in-class Products

Advice May Favor in-house Products

Limited Offering

ASSET CUSTODY

Client Chooses Custodian(s)

Held at Private Bank

FLEXIBILITY

Easy to Switch Banks / Custodians

Complex to Switch 

LONG-TERM FOCUS

Relationship-driven

Long-term Alignment

Staff Turnover May Affect Continuity

Case Sharing

EAM, Family Wealth & Business Succession

OUR Client

The client is a successful first-generation Chinese entrepreneur in his 50s and the patriarch of a family of over HK 15 members

Client Goals

The client plans to expand his business overseas while involving his successors to learn and participate in its operations. He also seeks global wealth diversification across jurisdictions such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Switzerland, and Dubai

key Challenges

Overseas Financing & Management

  • China-based businesses lack overseas funding, business networks & management team
  • Difficulties in handling overseas legal, tax & company secretary-related issues

Asset & Tax Inefficiencies

  • Lack of a suitable wealth management team & geographical diversification
  • Inadequate tax planning in Hong Kong & other regions

Succession Planning

  • Unclear business successor identified, with a complex corporate structure & limited interest from next generation
  • Lack of wealth succession planning, such as portfolio & trust planning

Our Solution

ODI Legal Work & Business Consultancy

  • Assist clients with ODI legal documentation & communication works
  • Provide business planning & consultation
  • Work as a lobbyist on business network referrals
  • Deploy & settle money in diverse regions

EAM as a Gatekeeper & Asset Manager

  • Select private banks that fit clients’ needs & open multiple accounts in different regions for diversification
  • Systematic portfolio management based on client investment mandates
  • Consolidating clients’ portfolios with tax & trust planning

Family Office & Succession Structuring

  • Establish family office frameworks for effective governance & management
  • Define clear succession plans & assign family roles
  • Establish trust structures to facilitate a smooth leadership transition & business continuity