PBI Global Wealth Awards 2026 Put Evidence-Led Growth in Focus
RBC Wealth Management takes the global private bank title as this year's awards reward measurable client outcomes over broad claims of innovation. Regional, digital and private banker honours were also named.
The winners of the 36th annual PBI Global Wealth Awards were announced, with results that underline a growing emphasis on measurable outcomes across private banking and wealth management.
RBC Wealth Management was named Outstanding Private Bank – Global, adding wins for North America and Growth Strategy. Terence Goh of Maybank Private was named Global Private Banker of the Year.
Regional honours went to Affin Bank for Outstanding Private Bank – Asia Pacific, Maybank Private for Outstanding Private Bank – Southeast Asia, and Itaú Private Bank for Outstanding Private Bank – Latin America.
Evidence over claims
A recurring theme across the winning entries was a shift away from broad claims of digitalisation and innovation towards evidence of how investment is changing client outcomes and improving commercial performance. Taishin International Bank, winner of Most Innovative Digital Offering, demonstrated this with a recommendation engine combining personalisation with product economics.
What stood out this year was the level of evidence behind the strongest entries, said Sarah Rizvi of MEED.
Sarah Rizvi, editorial and programme director – Banking & Finance at MEED, said institutions moved beyond broad claims around innovation to show where technology, advice and new operating models were producing measurable results for clients and the business.
Technology and the core relationship
Technology remained a significant part of this year's awards, spanning artificial intelligence, data and analytics, digital onboarding and digital private banking. However, the results also underlined the continued importance of the core client relationship, with winning propositions covering succession, entrepreneurship, family wealth, client experience, and services for high- and ultra-high-net-worth clients.
Judges focused on evidence that strategies delivered results, whether through business growth, stronger client engagement, improved service or more effective use of technology.
The 2026 winners were recognised at the annual awards reception in Singapore on 8 October. A full list of PBI Global Wealth Awards 2026 winners is available on the PBI website.
