Singapore is a regional hub for banking and wealth, and one of Asia’s most developed and dynamic markets. Its affluent segment is highly attractive and increasingly complex. Affluent customers typically maintain relationships with multiple providers, creating a fragmented landscape where competition for share of wallet is increasingly intense. While domestic leaders like DBS, UOB and OCBC dominate share of wallet, international players like HSBC, Standard Chartered and Citi gain a disproportionate share of affluent consumers’ wallets.   

At the same time, digital is a fast-growing channel. Affluent consumers are asset-rich and time-poor. They expect instant control over their finances through mobile, with high-quality, personalised advice from relationship managers when decisions are complex or cross-jurisdictional.  

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green sits down with Stefano Colombu, Managing Director of Asia at RFI Global, to unpack Singapore’s mass affluent market and what is driving their share of wallet allocations. Drawing on data from RFI Global’s latest share of wallet tracker, they explore where wealth is concentrated, where it is leaking and how banks can compete more effectively across deposits, investments, cross-border flows and non-bank challengers. They explore the growing role of digital channels, AI-enabled services and the evolving balance between human and digital engagement. And much more 

Topics discussed:  

 Key insights: 

High-Net-Worth (HNW) households account for one in 10 US households, yet they control a disproportionate share of the nation’s wealth. According to RFI Global’s MacroMonitor, the largest ongoing study of US household financial behaviour, HNW households hold 69% of all financial assets and 74% of investable assets, amounting to $50.2 trillion. 

So how can financial institutions capture this opportunity? 

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green and Luke Allchin, RFI Global’s US Research Director, explore what the data reveals about America’s high-net-worth households: how their wealth has been built, where it is held, and how their needs and expectations are evolving. They discuss how HNW investors allocate their wealth and the practical implications for banks and wealth providers. Luke explains the growing preference for mutual funds as a risk-diversification tool, alongside the recent surge in certificates of deposit (CDs) as HNW households seek more certainty during periods of elevated rates. 

They focus on the Great Wealth Transfer, with an estimated $45 trillion set to move from US baby boomers over the next decade. Luke and Charles discuss why this transfer is already underway, the multiple inflection points at which assets are at risk of leaving incumbent providers, and why engaging spouses and heirs early is critical to retention. 

They look at how AI is increasingly used as a first stop for financial discovery, offering speed and guideance, but why human advisors remain essential for complex decisions and long-term strategy. The conversation explores how banks and wealth providers should design hybrid advice models that combine the convenience of AI with the assurance of professional guidance.  

Topics discussed include:  

 And much more… 

Key insights include:  

And much more… 

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green sits down with Brett King, world-renowned futurist, bestselling author, and fintech founder, to unpack the data behind the global decline of bank branches and what the AI-driven, digital-first future means for traditional banks and neobanks.  

Drawing on data from Brett’s new book Branch Tomorrow and RFI Global’s research, the conversation explores how trust in banking is moving from physical presence to digital reliability, utility and security at scale. They discuss why banks without branches are winning on trust, transparency and speed and why incumbents must right-size and embed AI to remain relevant. Beyond technology, the episode addresses the social and regulatory realities, including the Community Reinvestment Act in the US, postal banking models in the UK and Australia, and the risks of financial exclusion when branches close too quickly. 

Brett predicts that as AI becomes more competent, many services that once required a branch visit will be handled digitally. He foresees banks developing AI that can provide personalised financial advice and support, reducing the need for in-person interactions. 

Topics discussed include: 

 Key insights include: 

And much more. 

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green speaks to Natalia Goh, CEO of MariBank and member of Singapore’s Government Technology and Innovation Committee, to explore how the next wave of digital banking is taking shape in one of the world’s most advanced financial ecosystems. 

Despite Singapore’s digital maturity, traditional banks still leave gaps around transparency, fees and customer experience. Natalia shares how MariBank, a digital-only bank, is redefining these pain points through a commitment to simplicity, trust and accessibility. From daily interest crediting and flat, competitive savings rates to no minimum balances and low-barrier digital investment products, MariBank is reimagining banking. 

Technology and security sit at the heart of this transformation. The conversation delves into AI-driven transaction monitoring, SingPass facial verification and the importance of strong regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with integrity. Natalia also discusses how Singapore’s progressive Monetary Authority (MAS) is shaping responsible innovation across the banking sector. 

Topics discussed include: 

Key insights include: 

2025 marks a pivotal shift in consumer behaviour in financial services -the year mobile banking overtook online banking as the primary way customers interact with their finances. For many, the app is the bank. As customer expectations rise, financial institutions are competing to deliver seamless, secure and personalised digital experiences that both satisfy customers and drive return on investment. 

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green speaks with Mark Donohue, founder of iSky Research, now Managing Director of iSky at RFI Global, following its acquisition. Together, they explore how banks around the world are evolving their app design and functionality, what defines best practice in user experience, and where the next wave of digital innovation will come from. 

Looking to 2026, Mark gives his predictions on what he thinks will shape the mobile banking landscape. 

Topics discussed include: 

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green speaks to Hubert Petka, Group Director at RFI Global, about the growth and maturity of fintechs worldwide, and what’s next as the sector shifts from disruption to consolidation. 

Once viewed as niche players offering sleek digital payment solutions, fintechs and neobanks are now an established part of the financial services ecosystem. Their focus is evolving from rapid customer acquisition to long-term engagement and profitability - raising questions about where future growth will come from, and how traditional banks can keep pace. 

Drawing on RFI Global’s global data, they explore how the fintech landscape differs across markets, why some neobanks are thriving while others are consolidating, and which strategies are proving most effective in retaining customers in an increasingly competitive environment. They also discuss how partnerships, personalisation and innovation are helping fintechs to deepen customer relationships and capture new revenue streams, and how traditional banks have become more agile to compete. 

Topics discussed include: 

 Key insights include: 

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, Charles Green speaks to Gourab Kundu, Citi Wealth’s head of digital growth for Asia South, based in Singapore, about the latest trends and innovations in digital wealth management and how Citi is leading the charge.

They explore how Citi is leveraging technology to deliver a seamless, secure and highly personalised experience for its wealth clients. From the mobile revolution to cybersecurity, Gaurav shares how Citi is reimagining the client journey through a hybrid model that blends digital tools with human advisory services.

Topics discussed include:

Key insights include:

Wealth is rising rapidly across Asia, in both the number of affluent consumers and the value they hold. In this episode of Banking Uncovered, Charles Green speaks to Stefano Colombu, Managing Director of Asia at RFI Global, about the surge in mass affluent consumers across APAC, what drives their financial decisions, and how their money moves across borders. 

From the booming China–Hong Kong corridor to the growing importance of Singapore and the UAE, they unpack how affluent and high-net-worth consumers are reshaping the regional banking landscape, and what banks must do to attract and retain them. They explore the rise of digital-only banks, the evolving role of relationship managers, and how regulations and AI are influencing investor behaviour and expectations. 

These insights are fuelled by RFI Global’s data from over 40,000 interviews across 8 APAC markets and 50 cross-border wealth corridors. 

In this episode, we discuss: 

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, host Charles Green is joined by Rishi Lalwani, currently Global Head of Lending for SME Banking at Standard Chartered, to explore the evolving landscape of SME banking across Asia and the Middle East.

With over 17 years of experience in business banking and a focus on digital transformation, Rishi discusses his views on why now is a pivotal moment for SME bankers and how banks can better serve this dynamic segment.

And much more.

Join us for an insightful conversation as we uncover the intricacies of SME banking and the digital transformation shaping the future of the industry.

In this episode of Banking Uncovered, we explore how Square is transforming the payments landscape for merchants and small businesses and redefining the future of banking. As digital transactions become increasingly prevalent, what implications does this have for traditional banking models and financial accessibility? 

Banking Uncovered host Chloe James speaks to Jess Aloi, Australian Go-to-Market Lead at Square, winner of the prestigious Most Recommended Merchant Services Award at the RFI Global Australian Banking and Finance Awards 2025. They discuss how the needs of small businesses, technological advancements and regulatory developments are influencing the banking industry, as well as a central theme around customer-centricity and a passion for supporting businesses.  

Topics discussed include:  

And much more. 

Tune in to this Banking Uncovered episode for valuable insights into the world of merchant banking and stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving industry.