Asian Private Banker: KGI courts Asian HNWs with Binance coin fund – CIO Reveals Why

KGI has onboarded a digital asset investment fund for its high net worth (HNW) clients, a move the firm believes will differentiate itself from competitors as cryptocurrency gains rising popularity among private wealth investors.
 
Clients at KGI will now have access to Hash Global BNB Yield Fund, which exclusively invests in Binance Coin (BNB), the utility token of Binance, the world’s largest digital currency exchange, founded by cryptocurrency billionaire Changpeng Zhao.
 
“At KGI, our motivation to expand into digital assets stems from our commitment to meeting evolving client needs
for growth, diversification, and resilience,” Cusson Leung, chief investment officer at KGI, told Asian Private Banker.
 
Leung believes digital assets represent a transformative opportunity, not just a trend, and integrating them into strategic asset allocation is essential for forward-looking wealth management.
 
“We have witnessed a significant surge in demand for digital asset-related investments, especially among Asian high net worth individuals and family offices,” Leung said.
 
Private banks in Asia have been slow to adopt digital assets, but some have begun to onboard them on their platforms. Julius Baer, for instance, has taken its first steps into digital assets, introducing a small allocation to Bitcoin within select discretionary portfolios.
 
“In a competitive market, the ability to offer both traditional investment strengths and next-generation digital asset-related solutions is a key differentiator […] For new-generation clients, this forward-thinking approach is often a decisive factor in selecting their wealth management partner,” Leung said.
 
Complementary role

In Leung’s view, digital assets, when integrated thoughtfully, can play a complementary role in a diversified portfolio by providing exposure to long-term innovation themes and the potential for enhanced returns.
 
“The Hash Global BNB Yield Fund, for example, offers both income and capital appreciation opportunities through
staking rewards and BNB-related yield strategies, adding a unique dimension to portfolio diversification,” he said.
The firm generally recommends a measured allocation tailored to each client’s risk tolerance, investment horizon, and familiarity with digital assets, according to Leung.
 
“For most clients, an allocation between 1% to 5% of the total portfolio is appropriate, typically within their alternatives or thematic investment bucket. The key is to approach digital assets with discipline, leveraging regulated, risk-managed products rather than speculative trading,” he told APB.
 
Just the beginning?

The firm’s move into digital assets also comes as Hong Kong unveils its digital asset policy 2.0 this week, aiming at boosting stablecoin use, real-world asset (RWA) tokenisation, and regulation.
“Our priority remains to offer products that meet rigorous due diligence, regulatory compliance, and institutional grade risk management standards. We envision a curated suite of digital asset strategies that integrate seamlessly with clients’ broader financial plans, empowering them to capitalise on emerging growth opportunities with confidence,” Leung said.
 
He told APB the onboarding of the Hash Global BNB Yield Fund marks just the beginning of the firm’s digital asset journey. “We are actively exploring additional opportunities across strategic areas such as Bitcoin-themed strategies, diversified Top 10 crypto asset allocations, and venture capital investments focused on Web3 mass adoption,” he said.
 
Note: Hash Global BNB Yield Fund is classified as a virtual asset-related product and is suitable only for professional investors with relevant knowledge and experience.