Global golf network, members-only clubs and exclusive invites: How to unlock privileges with the wealth you have built

AS AFFLUENT individuals navigate work and life amid a changing world, expectations on how they want to be supported through life’s milestones have also evolved.

Impersonal, run-of-the-mill services are no longer sufficient. Instead, there is a growing demand for highly personalised and high-touch solutions that are adaptive, consistent in quality and seamless in execution, so that they can fulfil their wealth, family, legacy and lifestyle aspirations with ease of mind.

This means that luxury is no longer just defined by growing material wealth – it’s also about having access, exclusivity and meaningful experiences. According to Mastercard, World Elite cardholders in Singapore saw a 52 per cent increase in credit card spending in 2024.

Dining, travel and live entertainment led this surge with an increase of 47 per cent, 58 per cent and 51 per cent respectively, and spending overseas was even higher – up to an increase of 90 per cent in live entertainment. This reflects not just purchasing power, but a renewed appetite for global experiences that matter.

“Clients value speed, access and curation. Whether it’s bespoke investment strategies, international structuring, or even exclusive experiences, they want frictionless delivery with a personal touch. This is especially true for the next generation, who are more digitally savvy, globally minded and focused on aligning their wealth with purpose and identity,” says Tommy Leung, head of Global Private Banking, South Asia, HSBC, of this group of private banking clients.

Mr Leung shares more insights into this growing group of investors and how financial institutions like HSBC are helping them achieve their lifestyle aspirations.

Q: How does HSBC’s private banking service help clients achieve their wealth and lifestyle goals?

At HSBC Global Private Banking, we start by understanding each client’s unique context – whether they are managing a cross-border family business, planning succession or seeking access to thematic investment opportunities.

We draw on the strength of our global investment platform and deep Asia roots to help clients seize market opportunities while preserving long-term wealth. Insights from our Chief Investment Office, discretionary mandates and access to private assets are tailored to meet the ambitions of clients, while our wealth planners and specialists ensure the right structures are in place to support family continuity, governance, legacy and philanthropy.

At the same time, we recognise that time and access to opportunity are two of the most valuable currencies to our clients. As such, we have embedded lifestyle and network-enabling privileges into our proposition – not just for comfort and convenience, but also to help them stay connected to the spaces where ideas are exchanged and relationships are built.

For example, through the new HSBC Prive card and other bespoke services, clients benefit from curated global access to private members’ clubs, global golf networks and exclusive gatherings that often serve as informal spaces for business, thought leadership or inspiration. Whether they are seeking a quiet table to host a key conversation or building connections with fellow entrepreneurs and investors, we help make that possible.

All of these are brought together in a seamless, coordinated way, so that our clients can focus on what matters most to them.

Q: What sets the HSBC Prive card apart from other cards catering to affluent individuals?

The HSBC Prive card was shaped directly from what our private banking clients shared: that they prefer highly personalised, experiential benefits over traditional rewards. We also drew on insights from Mastercard, whose data highlights that clients are spending significantly more on experiences – particularly dining, travel and entertainment – both locally and overseas.

This means what the card offers are seamless upgrades, personalised travel itineraries, exclusive invitations or private dining and wellness experiences.

For example, clients can expect worldwide access to bespoke private clubs, members-only lounges and workspaces at more than 150 locations across Asia, Australia, Europe and the United States.

Those who travel often can enjoy a companion business class airline ticket with leading airlines alongside a slew of premium travel perks such as complimentary stays at luxury hotels, airport limousine transfers and hotel loyalty membership upgrades.

Complimentary tasting menus for an accompanying guest at Michelin-starred restaurants and premium hospitality groups; and invites to intimate, exclusive experiences like the Pro-Am game at the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the Next-Gen event in Gstaad, Switzerland, are other different ways clients can get more value for their lifestyles.

Q: How will the Prive card fit into the lives of HSBC’s private banking clients?

HSBC Prive is an extension of our private banking relationship. From when they travel to the way they connect with others, the card offers clients seamless access to privileges that elevate their everyday lives. More importantly, it is integrated into the broader HSBC ecosystem – reflecting our deep understanding of our clients’ lives, aspirations and rhythms. We see Prive as a quiet enabler: opening doors, enhancing services and providing access that goes beyond transactions.

Find out more about HSBC Global Private Banking.

Terms and conditions apply. The HSBC Prive Card issued by HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited for clients of The Hongkong Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Singapore Branch (Private Banking Division) is by invitation only.