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Rafael Weber
Director of Private Clients Asia at BlockFi
Professional Background
Rafael We is a renowned professional in the realm of private banking and financial intermediary management, bringing a wealth of expertise to the table. With extensive experience in onboarding, pitching, sales, pricing negotiation, and due diligence, Rafael has established himself as a leader in originating and servicing relationships with Financial Intermediaries, which include Multi-Family Offices (MFOs), External Asset Managers (EAMs), and Fund Managers across Asia and Europe. His breadth of knowledge encompasses private label funds and semi-institutional offerings, making him a sought-after professional in his field.
Throughout his career, Rafael has cultivated a solid network of Financial Intermediaries and External Service Providers in Southeast Asia (SEA) and Greater China, which has greatly enhanced his efficacy in meeting the needs of intermediaries and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). His profound understanding of both intermediaries’ and end-clients’ requirements has resulted in a consistent record of successful implementations, underscoring his dedication to excellence in client service.
Rafael possesses an entrepreneurial mindset, characterized by his adaptability to various cultures and swift ability to engage with clients from diverse backgrounds. This capacity for cultural adaptation has made him exceptionally effective in navigating global markets and establishing fruitful relationships.
Education and Achievements
Rafael’s academic background is impressive, characterized by his dedication to financial studies across multiple prominent institutions. He embarked on an exchange semester in Finance at the prestigious KAIST Business School in Seoul, South Korea, where he deepened his understanding of international finance. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of St.Gallen, a well-regarded business school in Switzerland known for its rigorous curriculum in business, management, and economics.
Demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional development, Rafael completed Level I of the CFA Program, showcasing his proficiency in investment analysis and portfolio management. Additionally, he spent an exchange semester focusing on Chinese business at the School of Economics and Management at Tongji University, which enriched his knowledge of the financial dynamics in one of the world's largest economies.
Rafael also earned a Master of Arts in Banking and Finance (M.A. HSG) from the University of St.Gallen, reinforcing his expertise in the financial industry and positioning him as a knowledgeable asset in banking and finance sectors.
###Career Journey Rafael’s professional journey is marked by a series of significant roles that illustrate his growth trajectory within the financial services industry. Currently, he serves as the Director of Private Clients Asia at Blockfi, where he continues to leverage his extensive network and expertise to facilitate innovative financial solutions for clients.
Before his current role, Rafael held several prominent positions that have further solidified his status as an industry expert. At UBS, he was the Director of Client Advisory and Business Development for the Greater Asia region, focusing on External Asset Managers, Family Offices, and Fund Managers. His leadership in the Private Label Fund Project in Singapore and Hong Kong highlights his ability to deliver tailored financial products and services to clients. His work at UBS reflects his versatility and depth of knowledge in the private banking sector.
Earlier in his career, Rafael served as an Investment Advisor and Chief Investment Officer at DZ Privatbank Singapore Ltd, where he directed investment strategies to benefit clients. His role as Vice President at Berenberg Bank further established his proficiency in active advisory, contributing to long-standing client relationships and successful financial outcomes.
Rafael’s early career experiences include positions in sales and business development at UBS Investment Bank and Buhler Group China, where he honed his skills in client acquisition and relationship management. His foundation was built at Cantonal Bank of St.Gallen, where as an Assistant for Private Clients, Rafael developed an appreciation for client needs and the importance of tailored financial solutions.
Notable Achievements
Rafael We's illustrious career is filled with notable achievements that underscore his expertise and commitment to excellence. His ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with Financial Intermediaries and UHNWIs has led to measurable success in his roles, providing a testament to his understanding of the financial landscape across Asia and Europe.
During his tenure at UBS, Rafael played a crucial role in the development of innovative financial products, contributing to the success of the Private Label Fund initiative. His strategic direction has not only benefitted his clients but has also set a benchmark in the industry for client service and financial product offerings.
Rafael's efforts in the creation and management of comprehensive financial solutions demonstrate his dedication to maximizing client satisfaction and growth. His work has consistently resulted in favorable outcomes for both intermediaries and clients, reinforcing his position as a trusted authority in finance. As a testament to his ongoing influence in the financial realm, he continues to lead initiatives that shape industry standards and practices.
tags':['Private Banking','Financial Intermediaries','MFOs','EAMs','Fund Managers','Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals','Asia','Europe','Private Label Funds','CFA Program','Banking','Finance','Client Advisory','Business Development','Entrepreneurial Mindset','Cultural Adaptation','Investment Strategies','Networking','KAIST','University of St.Gallen','Berenberg Bank','UBS','DZ Privatbank','Canton Bank of St.Gallen','Buhler Group','Tongji University','Chinese Business'],
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