Creating a representative voice: The Association of Independent Wealth Managers (AIWM) in Singapore

• Main Authors: THAM, T. Mandy, KONG, Esther, KOH, Juliana
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2021
• Subjects: External Asset Managers; Independent Wealth Managers; Wealth Management in Singapore; Family offices; Asian Studies; Finance and Financial Management; Strategic Management Policy
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cases_coll_all/404; https://smu.sharepoint.com/sites/admin/CMP/cases/SMU-21-BATCH%20%5BPDF-Pic%5D/SMU-21-0052%20%5BAIWM%5D/SMU-21-0052%20%5BAIWM%5D.pdf?CT=1637204157020&OR=ItemsView
• Institution: Singapore Management University

Set in 2020, this case focuses on the strategic roles of the Association of Independent Wealth Managers (AIWM), as an industry advocate of the independent asset managers (IAMs) in Singapore. This case is motivated by two observations: first, the rapid growth of the IAM sector in Singapore, and second, the need for self-regulation, self-education, and self-advocacy among the burgeoning group of diverse IAMs on the island. The case examines the motivation behind the establishment of the AIWM in 2011, its vision and mission, its roles toward members in terms of services provided, contributions to the sector, and the strategic plans to represent the IAMs as key stakeholders in the evolving wealth management ecosystem of Singapore. The case also explores the value propositions of the IAM’s wealth management model, the public’s awareness and reception of the model, and how the AIWM can more effectively advocate the IAM model to various stakeholders. Lastly, it prompts the reader to think deeply on the open question of how the AIWM can help its members address a pertinent question that clients are asking the IAMs – “How are IAMs able to help clients achieve a more holistic and inclusive wealth management offering?” The case helps students assess (1) the strategic thought processes behind the establishment of a private members-led advocacy association (2) the roles that such an association play (3) the contributions of such an association towards its members and sector (4) the challenges, including difficulties in creating awareness and engagement, faced by such an association. The difficulty level of the case is at a basic to intermediate level. It is appropriate for undergraduate, MBA, and executive courses related to wealth management for high-net-worth individuals and families including family offices.