OCBC Expands GENesis Wealth Programme to Hong Kong to Support Next-Gen Entrepreneurs

Quick Summary

OCBC has expanded its GENesis wealth programme to Hong Kong, targeting the children of high-net-worth customers aged 18-25. This initiative facilitates intergenerational wealth transfer by equipping the next generation with essential entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, and regional networking opportunities across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong.

How Does OCBC Support Intergenerational Wealth Transfer?

The GENesis wealth programme serves as a critical bridge for high-net-worth families navigating the complexities of succession. By focusing on participants aged 18 to 25, OCBC initiates legacy planning conversations at a pivotal life stage. The programme addresses the primary concerns of wealthy clients: wealth preservation and creation for future generations.

• 27 participants joined the 2026 cohort from four key Asian markets.

• Over 50% of participants come from families with active business ownership.

• The curriculum includes personality profiling sessions to identify leadership strengths.

What Entrepreneurial Skills are Taught in the GENesis Programme?

OCBC has integrated formal certification into the GENesis wealth programme through a partnership with Singapore Management University (SMU). This collaboration provides a structured entrepreneurship and innovation framework, moving beyond theoretical banking concepts to practical business leadership. Participants engage directly with startup founders to understand the realities of building a company from the ground up.

• SMU Executive Development certification in "Entrepreneurship and Innovation Essentials."

• Direct exposure to artificial intelligence applications during site visits to Google.

• Mentorship from business innovations generator founders on overcoming market challenges.

How Does the Programme Facilitate Regional Business Networking?

By expanding to Hong Kong, OCBC has transformed the GENesis wealth programme into a truly regional networking platform. This allows the next generation of leaders from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia to build cross-border relationships early in their careers. These connections are vital for future business collaborations and navigating the diverse regulatory and economic landscapes of Southeast Asia and Greater China.

"Often, our high-net-worth customers are concerned about wealth creation, preservation, succession and legacy planning. Many GENesis participants, who come from business-owning families, may one day assume leadership roles within the family business or start their own ventures. By exposing them to entrepreneurship and financial literacy concepts earlier, we want to give them the confidence to navigate the worlds of business and finance, imparting relevant skills so that they do not have to start from scratch, or figure everything out alone.” said Ms Susan Tan, Head of Segment, OCBC.

FF NEWS TAKE:

OCBC’s expansion of the GENesis wealth programme into Hong Kong is a savvy move to capture the intergenerational wealth transfer wave sweeping Asia. By shifting the focus from pure investment to entrepreneurial skills, OCBC isn't just managing money; they are building loyalty with the future decision-makers of family offices. This holistic approach to wealth management effectively secures the bank's position as a long-term partner for Asia’s most influential families.