Citigroup
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| Harold Kim |
Citi's private banking unit and the range of products it distributes through this arm was praised by other industry officials as well as its regional sales force under Harold Kim in Hong Kong. End users nominated Citi for its equity index products, as well as for China-linked products.
Credit Suisse First Boston
Rivals and market officials highlighted CSFB's strength in regional markets with particular notice given to its historically strong presence in Korea, where it has good relationships with several key domestic clientele.
The U.S. firm is seen as a full-service house by competitors. It is a solid trading house and a strong player in access products for countries, such as India. Its hedge fund sales coverage is also admired.
SG Corporate & Investment Banking
End users and rivals alike noted SG's strength for exotic equity structures and retail investment products. The firm also has a dominant hold on the region's guaranteed fund business.
UBS
Rival houses said the Swiss bank is an active player in the equity exotics markets. It also operates a substantial retail structured products business in Hong Kong and continues to expand its wide product line with its recent entrance into the warrants market.
