Charles Monat Associates (CMA), a global leader in wealth management solutions, has unveiled an important leadership transition in its Hong Kong office. Effective from May 1, 2025, Berry Wong, the current APAC Chief Executive Officer, will step down to take on the role of a Strategic Advisor for the firm. This strategic move will allow Wong to establish his practice in wealth management while offering continuous support to CMA. Succeeding Wong, Teddy Chu, who currently serves as the Hong Kong Deputy Chief Executive Officer, will assume the position of Hong Kong CEO.
Berry Wong’s Tenure and Contributions
Establishing a Strong Foundation
Since joining CMA in August 2017, Berry Wong has been instrumental in steering the Hong Kong office toward remarkable growth and stability. His arrival followed the Management-Buy-Out from Willis Towers Watson, and Wong has since guided CMA through several significant challenges, including the global Covid-19 pandemic. Under his direction, CMA built a robust and resilient team known for its top-notch expertise and great team spirit, setting a strong foundation for the firm. Wong’s leadership steadied the organization during periods of uncertainty, helping solidify its reputation and operational framework in the competitive financial landscape.
Wong’s tenure was marked by strategic growth and meticulous planning, ensuring that CMA’s Hong Kong office remained adaptable and forward-thinking. By investing in staff development and fostering a collaborative environment, Wong was able to enhance the firm’s capacity to meet diverse client needs. The office not only survived the turbulent economic conditions triggered by the pandemic but emerged stronger, boasting improved performance metrics and client satisfaction rates. CMA’s confidence in the leadership transition is rooted in the solid ground established during Wong’s period at the helm.
Transitioning to a Strategic Advisor Role
As Wong transitions into his new role as a Strategic Advisor, his influence and legacy will continue to benefit CMA. The wealth management industry is highly dynamic, and having Wong’s seasoned expertise on board in an advisory capacity positions CMA to strategically navigate future opportunities and challenges. This move underscores the firm’s commitment to maintaining continuity while embracing new growth avenues. Wong expressed immense pride in his journey at CMA, citing numerous milestones that have defined his tenure and paved the way for a promising future.
Wong’s position as a Strategic Advisor will focus on leveraging his extensive experience to mentor and guide the next generation of leaders within CMA. It also provides him the flexibility to tap into new ventures in wealth management, contributing valuable insights that align with the firm’s long-term strategic objectives. Equally significant, the support of the Global Executive Committee echoes a shared vision for sustained excellence and growth. Yves Guélat, the Group Chief Executive Officer of CMA, extended gratitude towards Wong for his unwavering dedication and impactful leadership, emphasizing that his continued association in a new role will be a cornerstone for the firm’s evolving success.
Meet the Incoming CEO: Teddy Chu
Extensive Experience and Background
Teddy Chu, who joined CMA in September 2024, rapidly demonstrated his mettle, leveraging an impressive background in the high-net-worth financial sector. Chu’s in-depth understanding of market dynamics and client requirements allowed him to shape effective client solutions quickly. His career spans over 25 years in wealth planning, featuring pivotal roles at illustrious institutions such as HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered, BNP Paribas, and the Royal Bank of Canada. Chu’s expertise in wealth and succession planning arrangements—encompassing trusts, private investment companies, and life insurance policies—further reinforces his readiness for this leadership role at CMA.
Chu’s membership in the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners of the United Kingdom adds to his impressive credentials, bringing an additional layer of trust and professionalism to his role. These affiliations hint at a broad-based, internationally recognized skill set that Chu will deploy to the benefit of CMA’s clients. The transition to his new role as the Hong Kong CEO signals a seamless exchange of leadership, characterized by the continuity of quality services and strategic foresight that CMA values.
Vision for Future Growth
With his new appointment, Teddy Chu is poised to build upon the strong foundation laid by Berry Wong. Chu’s vision encompasses leveraging his extensive industry experience to bolster CMA’s presence in the rapidly evolving wealth management landscape. He is keen on strengthening client relationships, expanding service offerings, and optimizing operational efficiencies. Chu’s forward-thinking approach will aim to introduce innovative solutions that not only meet present client needs but also anticipate future market trends and demands.
Chu plans to harness cutting-edge technologies and data analytics to enhance CMA’s wealth management services, ensuring clients receive bespoke and highly efficient financial solutions. His strategic initiatives include fortifying the Hong Kong office’s role as a central hub for high-net-worth clients in the Asia-Pacific region. Chu’s leadership is expected to drive CMA towards new heights, bolstering its expansion efforts while adhering to the core values that have made the firm a trusted name in wealth management. This transition marks a pivotal moment for CMA, promising a blend of continuity and innovative growth under Chu’s capable leadership.
A New Chapter for CMA
Preparing for the Transition
As CMA prepares for this leadership shift, it is evident that the firm remains committed to its strategic goals and client-centric philosophy. The carefully planned transition is not just about changing guards but ensuring that the firm’s trajectory remains progressive and adaptive to market needs. The backing of the Global Executive Committee and the continued involvement of Berry Wong in an advisory role are pivotal in smoothing this transition. This seamless shift also suggests that CMA values stability as much as innovation, aiming to provide uninterrupted service excellence to its clients.
The firm’s preparation involves comprehensive alignment of goals and strategies, ensuring that the leadership transition perpetuates the firm’s values and aspirations. The transition plan also incorporates stakeholder communication, ensuring that clients, partners, and employees are aware of the changes and the continuity plans. This proactive approach demonstrates CMA’s commitment to transparency and reliability, which are crucial in the wealth management sector.
Looking Ahead
Charles Monat Associates (CMA), renowned globally for its wealth management solutions, has announced a significant leadership change in its Hong Kong office. Effective May 1, 2025, Berry Wong, who has been serving as the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Chief Executive Officer, will step down from his current role. He will transition to the position of a Strategic Advisor for CMA. This strategic shift will enable Wong to focus on establishing his own practice in wealth management while continuing to provide valuable guidance and support to Charles Monat Associates. As Wong steps aside, Teddy Chu, the current Hong Kong Deputy Chief Executive Officer, is set to take over as the new Hong Kong CEO. Chu’s promotion reflects CMA’s confidence in his ability to lead and further enhance the firm’s operations and client services. This leadership transition marks a new chapter for CMA in the Hong Kong market, with both Wong and Chu playing pivotal roles in its ongoing success and growth in the wealth management industry.
