In the dynamic landscape of Southeast Asia, with conglomerates and tech giants having a presence in multiple countries, it is increasingly common for high-level executives to relocate between different outposts. As they navigate these international transitions, they seek a banking institution that can provide comprehensive financial solutions regardless of their location, be it Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok or Jakarta.

This is where CIMB Preferred steps in, a priority banking service tailored to affluent clients who require seamless cross-border assistance in areas such as international transfers, wealth management, protection and legacy planning. For a personalised banking experience, clients can turn to more than 130 CIMB Preferred Centres across Southeast Asia.

“Our knowledgeable and experienced staff offer professional advice to fulfil clients’ banking needs, while the centres provide convenient access to a wide variety of solutions. This includes currency exchange, cross-border remittances, universal banking services, loans, deposits, wealth management and insurance,” said Mr Rajesh Gupta, regional head of Affluent Product and Proposition at CIMB Bank Berhad.

CIMB Preferred Centres go beyond functional convenience. They boast exclusive meeting rooms and express lanes, designed to provide an elevated experience for clients. Some centres even extend their opening hours to accommodate the demanding lifestyles of their clientele.

BORDERLESS BANKING ACROSS THE REGION

CIMB Preferred clients are privy to a host of benefits, including preferential financing rates, higher returns on deposits, and competitive remittance and foreign exchange rates throughout Southeast Asia. These privileges are accessible to clients who maintain the minimum assets under management (AUM) in their home country.

For example, a Malaysian CIMB Preferred client working in Singapore can enjoy competitive loan rates without meeting the minimum AUM requirement in Singapore. He can also transfer money to his loved ones back home with no transfer fees and benefit from favourable foreign exchange rates for transactions within his CIMB account.

The benefits of CIMB Preferred extend beyond the account holder as well. Said Mr Gupta: “Children of clients are granted Preferred status when studying abroad within Southeast Asia, meaning that they can enjoy its attendant privileges without the need for additional AUM.”

This includes emergency cash withdrawal of up to US$10,000 (S$13,500) per day at CIMB’s overseas branches, and access to over 6,500 CIMB ATMs in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia using the CIMB debit card. This ensures parents have peace of mind, knowing their children have access to funds when away from home.

A DEDICATED RELATIONSHIP MANAGER FOR THAT PERSONAL TOUCH

For a personalised and comprehensive banking experience, CIMB Preferred clients can rely on their dedicated relationship manager.

Supported by a team of specialists and experts who identify opportunities, products and services aligned with clients’ financial goals, these relationship managers provide unwavering support at every step.

According to Mr Gupta, CIMB Preferred relationship managers are trained to foster open, accountable and supportive connections with their clients.

“Our relationship managers take the time to understand their clients’ financial ambitions and requirements so they can develop a personalised plan aligned to their goals,” he explained. “They maintain regular contact with their clients to discuss progress and ensure that their portfolio is healthy and well-protected.”

Mr Gupta shared a recent success story where a relationship manager played a pivotal role in helping a Malaysian client realise his goal of building a business spanning borders: “The client needed working capital for his business expansion in Singapore. Our relationship manager conducted an assessment on cross-border alternative solutions and connected the client with her Singapore counterpart to facilitate the opening of a cross-border account. The client was grateful for the convenience of being able to complete pre-account opening in Malaysia for his overseas financial needs.”

MORE CHOICES WITH CIMB’S OPEN-ARCHITECTURE POLICY

In a volatile and fast-changing global financial environment, achieving stable returns and minimising risks through diversification are essential.

Recognising the importance of offering customers a broad selection of choices, CIMB embraces an open-architecture approach in collaborating with insurers and investment houses. This strategy grants clients access to a comprehensive selection of both proprietary and external products and services.

“This means clients have access to customised solutions, a wider range of products that matches their needs and risk profiles, as well as the freedom to experience services that best fit their lifestyle. By empowering customers with these choices, CIMB aims to instil a sense of security and equip them with the ability to make sound financial decisions that ensure long-term success,” said Mr Gupta.

SAFEGUARDING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY’S FUTURE

CIMB Preferred clients also enjoy a variety of insurance products and services, covering areas such as life, credit life, general and health insurance, as well as specialised coverage for homes, vehicles and travel.

“CIMB Preferred facilitates access to specialist advisors who guide clients in getting the right insurance coverage for their needs,” shared Mr Gupta.

Legacy planning is a key consideration for CIMB Preferred clients, and the bank offers premium financing as an option for individuals who want to maintain their current lifestyles while preparing for the future. By exercising this option, clients have the flexibility to pay for their insurance plans through monthly instalments.

“This helps free up cash that can then be put towards family vacations, investments in other products or maintaining a rainy-day fund,” explained Mr Gupta.

DIGITAL-FIRST SOLUTIONS FOR AN INCREASINGLY CONNECTED WORLD

As consumer expectations continue to rise in an increasingly connected world, CIMB recognises the importance of leveraging technology to elevate its services.

With a strong emphasis on enhancing the customer experience through digital advancements, CIMB Preferred enables clients to quickly and easily conduct a variety of transactions online via the user-friendly CIMB Clicks app. These transactions include tasks such as making deposits, initiating remittances, monitoring investment portfolios and applying for CIMB credit cards.

The bank has also eliminated the need for clients to make in-person visits for their legacy planning requirements as all the requisite forms can be accessed and submitted online.

“Today, executives across Southeast Asia require tailored financial solutions encompassing international transfers, wealth management, protection and legacy planning,” said Mr Gupta. “At CIMB, we strive to exceed the expectations of our Preferred clients by continually pushing the boundaries of last-mile financial solutions and staying at the forefront of digital-first innovation.”