Tools and Strategies to help Private Clients Secure their Legacies for the Next Generations

Prior to joining Allen & Gledhill in 2021, Eng Cher was an Assistant General Counsel and Executive Director at a global bank for almost 11 years, a stint which spanned Hong Kong, New York and Singapore. During that time, she held various roles supporting the bank’s non-US trust business operating out of The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Switzerland, New Zealand and Singapore and worked on a wide range of matters that span the lifespan of a fiduciary structure, and on the regulatory changes that have impacted the trust business over the last decade. In her current role, she also works with wealthy individuals and their families on estate planning matters including drafting of wills, establishing and maintaining family trusts, family offices and philanthropic structures. Eng Cher graduated from the National University of Singapore with an LL.B. (Hons) in 2002 and obtained a Master of Professional Accounting from the Singapore Management University in 2009.

Simon Lo is the Chief Executive Officer, International Business of Charles Monat Associates, based in Singapore Simon began his career as an Assistant Attorney General with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. His duties include advising the State’s Department of Labor and Industries on regulatory matters and litigating civil cases in state court. Simon later entered private practice with an esteemed law firm where he excelled as a defense litigator. He has represented multinational corporations such as Walmart and ExxonMobil. ​ Simon later joined one of the oldest life insurance brokerage firms in the United States as Vice-President & General Counsel, Asia Pacific. Simon was responsible for building business operations in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. He also advised high net worth individuals and corporate clients throughout Asia and Middle East on matters related to personal estate planning, business succession strategy, executive compensation, and life insurance solutions. ​ Simon received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and East Asian Studies from the University of Toronto, St. George. He went on to complete his Juris Doctorate degree from Michigan State University College of Law and served as a clerk to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. ​ Since 2014, Simon has partnered with the Wealth Management Institute of Singapore to train financial professionals and graduate students on the subjects of life insurance solution and estate planning. In 2018 he was invited to join the National Technological University (NTU-WMI) as an adjunct professor.

Gerard is responsible for the overall operation and performance of Equiom Singapore ensuring that the business operates in line with group strategy. A highly experienced financial services professional, Gerard plays a key role in executing Equiom Singapore's financial performance strategy, providing direction and leadership for strategic planning and reporting processes. He oversees the growth of Equiom Singapore and its provision of trust and corporate services. Gerard has a proven track record in wealth management, relationship management, fiduciary services, business development and project management developed over 20+ years. Prior to joining Equiom, Gerard was the Managing Director of Relationship Management at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in Jersey where he managed the delivery of several strategic change initiatives to improve the profitability, efficiency, and effectiveness of the business. Gerard holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Finance (BSc). He is an Associate of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (AICB), and a qualified member of STEP.

Tim is a partner in the private client and tax team. He advises high net worth individuals and families in relation to succession planning, particularly those with complex international affairs. Tim’s expertise includes advising entrepreneurs in relation to the structuring of their businesses, considering issues including business continuity, succession, investment treaty planning and remuneration strategies; advising families in relation to the protection of their wealth, using trusts, foundations, partnerships, companies and funds; assisting with the establishment and operation of family of'ces; de'ning sophisticated strategies for individuals moving between jurisdictions; and advising in relation to multi-jurisdictional estate planning with single or multiple wills. He is recognised as a Leading Individual in Legal 500 2020 and described as ‘one of the go to persons for advice in Asia’ and ‘the 'rst choice for ultrahigh-net-worth individuals with a truly global asset base.’ He was previously named Citywealth’s Wealth Professional of the Year and appeared in Tax Journal’s 40 under 40

Simon Lo is the Chief Executive Officer, International Business of Charles Monat Associates, based in Singapore Simon began his career as an Assistant Attorney General with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. His duties include advising the State’s Department of Labor and Industries on regulatory matters and litigating civil cases in state court. Simon later entered private practice with an esteemed law firm where he excelled as a defense litigator. He has represented multinational corporations such as Walmart and ExxonMobil. ​ Simon later joined one of the oldest life insurance brokerage firms in the United States as Vice-President & General Counsel, Asia Pacific. Simon was responsible for building business operations in the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent. He also advised high net worth individuals and corporate clients throughout Asia and Middle East on matters related to personal estate planning, business succession strategy, executive compensation, and life insurance solutions. ​ Simon received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and East Asian Studies from the University of Toronto, St. George. He went on to complete his Juris Doctorate degree from Michigan State University College of Law and served as a clerk to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. ​ Since 2014, Simon has partnered with the Wealth Management Institute of Singapore to train financial professionals and graduate students on the subjects of life insurance solution and estate planning. In 2018 he was invited to join the National Technological University (NTU-WMI) as an adjunct professor.

Gerard is responsible for the overall operation and performance of Equiom Singapore ensuring that the business operates in line with group strategy. A highly experienced financial services professional, Gerard plays a key role in executing Equiom Singapore's financial performance strategy, providing direction and leadership for strategic planning and reporting processes. He oversees the growth of Equiom Singapore and its provision of trust and corporate services. Gerard has a proven track record in wealth management, relationship management, fiduciary services, business development and project management developed over 20+ years. Prior to joining Equiom, Gerard was the Managing Director of Relationship Management at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in Jersey where he managed the delivery of several strategic change initiatives to improve the profitability, efficiency, and effectiveness of the business. Gerard holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Science in Finance (BSc). He is an Associate of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (AICB), and a qualified member of STEP.

Michael is a prominent figure in the financial services industry in Asia. He is the founder and CEO of Hubbis, a renowned provider of intelligence and connectivity for the Asian wealth management industry. With a depth of experience and expertise, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry for over 30 years, becoming a leading industry presence in the events, professional development, and publishing space in the region. Hubbis is a multi-generational family-owned and managed business.

He has been actively involved in the Asia-Pacific region since 1993. And has lived in Asia since 1995, holding positions in Hong Kong, Sydney, and Singapore. 

For over 14-years, Hubbis has established itself as the gold standard media and events brand in wealth management thought leadership in Asia. Each year providing a very large body of cutting-edge editorial and sponsored content, organizing top-flight events. During that time Hubbis has become the platform of choice for many high-profile C-suite leaders to communicate their vision of the Asian wealth management.

Before his involvement with Hubbis, Michael founded Pacific Prospect in 2002, a financial services media company. Under his leadership, the company achieved significant success and was subsequently acquired by global business-to-business publisher Incisive Media in 2006. Michael continued to serve as the CEO of Pacific Prospect until October 2008. Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures, Michael garnered 5 years of experience in financial markets publishing.

His career in this field began in 1993 when he joined Euromoney Publications as the publisher of the quarterly magazine, International Bond Investor. In 1995, Michael joined Thomson Financial Services (now owned by LSEG) and spearheaded the conception and launch of Finance Asia magazine. During his tenure as Managing Director of Finance Asia, he also initiated the Asian Debt Review, Asian Private Capital Magazine, and the Finance Asia Conference Business. In 1997, he founded FIA Limited, further expanding his contributions to the financial publishing industry.

Born in North Wales, Michael served as the head boy of St David's College Llandudno. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Cardiff University. Beyond his professional endeavours, Michael is a family-oriented individual and is happily married with three children: Reanna, Garett, and Tarryn.