The launch of the platform comes as many industry commentators predict that Asia will become a global force in the private markets space over the next decade. Driven by the significant growth in Asia’s mass affluent and HNW population, it is anticipated that the rapidly accelerating demand for unlisted investment opportunities seen in Europe and North America in recent years will also materialise across the APAC region by 2025.

The Delio-powered private markets platform will play a key role in enabling SMTB’s clients to digitally access the latest investment opportunities at their convenience, explore information about the deals on offer, and begin the transaction process should they wish to invest. In addition to digitising the user experience, SMTB will also use the platform to quicken internal processes while generating additional client insights, which will enable greater personalisation of the services they offer in the future.

Kazuhiro Hara, General Manager of Asian Business Promotion at SMTB, said: “The launch of our first digital platform specifically for private markets investments demonstrates our commitment to technological innovation and will greatly enhance how we deliver products and services to our clients. When combined with their growing interest in the exciting investment opportunities offered by private markets, we are confident that the platform will offer significant value for our clients in the coming years.”

SMTB’s platform will initially focus on private equity and real estate investment opportunities and is underpinned by Delio’s market-leading private markets technology. Formed in 2015, the UK fintech has grown rapidly and its digital infrastructure now powers the private market offerings of more than 90 financial institutions spanning 17 countries, including the likes of Barclays, UBS and ING. The addition of SMTB to their client base is another significant step forward in Delio’s ongoing global expansion strategy.

Gareth Lewis, chief executive and co-founder of Delio, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the team at SMTB and take this first step in what promises to be a highly successful, long-term relationship. Their commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology and enhancing their clients’ experience comes at a very exciting time for private markets in Asia and we look forward to evolving their private markets expansion strategy together. As one of the region’s most prominent and respected banks, their selection of Delio’s technology is another strong validation of our platform’s value to large financial institutions that want to scale and widen access when distributing private markets investments.”