Marc-André Sola
Educational background:
Master of Law with 25 years of experience in financial services and international wealth and tax planning.
Professional experience:
Founder of 1291 Group and a number of other companies in different sectors.
Important values:
I believe in family and long term relationships. I want to help my clients using all my experience and network. In all my undertakings I try to create win-win situations for all parties involved.
Daniel Koller
Educational background:
Doctor of Laws (Dr. iur.), 20 years of experience in the financial sector,
different management positions in the past
Professional stations:
Employments with several domestic and international insurers, currently member of the Executive Committee of 1291 Group
Important values:
I envisage to create an added-value to the concrete situation. I believe in trust, partnership and loyalty. The only way to build a strong work ethic is getting your hands dirty.
Anna Zannelli
Educational background:
Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Business Administration
Professional stations:
4 years of hotel business experience in 4* and 5* hotels. With the 1291 Group since 2016.
Important values:
The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
Mauricio Saiz
Educational background:
Business Administration Major - Colegio de Estudios Superiores de Administración, Bogota, Colombia / AMV Certified for Colombia financial markets / Certified stock broker in Panama
Professional stations:
Partner - Aguaverde Family Office (Bogota) / Senior Associate - PKB Alasia SA (Panama, Bogota) / Liabilites Manager - Banco Corpbanca SA (Bogota) / Investment Advisor - Corredores Asociados SA (Bogota)
Important values:
Family is my foremost priority. Transparency is essential to conduct successful, long-term business. Dedication and discipline are key to personal and professional success.
Oliver Muggli
Educational background:
Lic. oec HSG in Finance and Controlling at the University of St.Gallen / LL.M. in International Taxation at University of Liechtenstein / Trust and Estate Practitioner TEP of the Society of Trust and Estate Practioners STEP
Professional stations:
More than 12 years of experience in Equity Research, Investment Management and Private Banking for reputable banks in Switzerland and Hong Kong. More than 5 years of experience as Partner of a Multi Family Office with a comprehensive and independent approach.
Important values:
My values guide me and shape my priorities and reactions. Optimism, friendship and the belief in others are some of my key values in my private life, while authentic commitment, dedication and effort guide my professional life.
Freda Liu
Educational background:
Master of Arts in Economics, New York University; Bachelor of Economics & Finance, University of Hong Kong.
Professional stations:
I have 10 years Private Banking and High Net Worth Insurance industry experience in Asia. Prior joining 1291 Group, I was Regional Marketing Director at a leading PPLI carrier’s Asia operation. Before that, I was Senior Manager at a leading international HNW insurance brokerage firm. I started my career as a private banker at Morgan Stanley Asia Private Wealth Management Division.
Important values:
Born and growing up in mainland China, I am strongly influenced and firmly believe in some key Confucianism rules, such as:
“Never judge a book by its cover.”
“Those who plan for the distant future, worry little now. — Confucius”.
“Filial piety comes first before all virtues. — Ancient Chinese Quote”
Heinrich Grabner
Educational background:
B.A., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Professional stations:
Deputy Chairman of PT International Development Corp (0372.HK)
CEO of Muhabura Capital Limited, CEO of Helios Asset Management
CEO of China Silver Financial Group
Important values:
Honesty, Integrity, Perseverance and Transparency
Felipe Castrillon
Educational background:
Law Degree, Universidad Sergio Arboleda
Alternative Conflict Resolutions Methods Certificate – National Conciliation Center
Professional stations:
Contracts division at National Unit for Disaster Risk Management
Legal assistance P.A.R Caprecom EICE en Liquidacion
Legal assistance - Legal Mentors S.A.S
Important values:
I am convinced that passion and perseverance for what we do and what we want is the basis for achieving our goals.
Kenette Martin
Educational background:
Bachelors of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) at Jose Rizal University.
Professional stations:
Years of hands-on experience in corporate structuring, customer service, administrative and legal support. A strong knowledge and understanding of setting up corporate offshore structures as well as onshore companies in the United Arab Emirates.
Important values:
To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.
Roger Chi
Educational background:
Wharton School of Business – MBA 2004 and UC Berkeley – Bachelor of Science 1997
Professional stations:
Candareen Capital – Family office for Families in Asia and Middle East, Private office of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum – Senior Advisor, Brainrush Ventures - San Francisco Bay Area Venture Capital Firm.
Important values:
Roger has been advising leading families in Asia and the Middle East on their private equity investments for the last 15 years. He brings a solid foundation of analytics coupled with strong leadership skills in a global context.
Sinan Schudel
Educational background:
Sinan is a multilingual and multi-talented professional with a diverse educational background and a passion for learning.
He holds a Federal Diploma of Commerce and is fluent in five languages, having studied Building Technology in Switzerland and Business Administration in Canada. Sinan has also obtained two LOMA Diplomas and completed his CFA Level 1 exam, gaining valuable experience in the international insurance industry along the way.
Professional stations:
Sinan's career has taken him from a Tax office in Switzerland to a brief stint in the tech industry with Google in Zurich, and then on to one of the largest insurance companies in Canada as a financial analyst. After returning to Switzerland, he co-managed the family engineering company, honing his entrepreneurial skills and expanding his professional experience.
Important Values:
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. – Albert Schweitzer
Anthony Geoerge
Educational background:
Master of Science in International Securities, Investment & Banking, ICMA Centre; University of Reading, UK.
Bachelor’s in Computer Science, Mahidol University, Thailand.
Professional stations:
He has over 2 decades of Private and Institutional client-facing experience in Wholesale Banking, as a Foreign Exchange Trader, Financial Markets Product Sales, and Corporate & Institutional Banker, in top tier Global Financial Institutions, with a stint in a Trust Company and a Private Bank, based in Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Important values:
Respect and Trust are fundamentals of a good and lasting relationship.
Oscar Acero
Educational background:
Naval Officer Logistic and Administration Specialist.
Stock Trading Course
Deepening Course in Treasury Management.
Fixed Income Portfolios in the US and Derivatives Markets Seminar
Professional stations:
Consultoría Legal Ltda. - Project Manager / Financial Manager
Corredores Asociados S.A. - General Fund Manager
Fiduciaria Petrolera S.A. - CFO
Delta Bolívar CFC S.A. - Treasury Director
Important values:
For me God and family are the most important things in life. Integrity and coherence are the principal values in the character of a man. Innovation, resilience and creativity are my personal stamp in business.
Alvin Quah
Educational background:
Bachelor of Science from University College Dublin.
Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering from International Compliance Association.
Professional stations:
More than 13 years of experience in the insurance industry, dealing with complaints, investigations, and compliance.
Important values:
'Compliance goes beyond rules; it embodies a commitment to ethical conduct and integrity in all facets of our operations.'
Jaime E. López D.
Educational background:
Economist with 24 years of experience, specialized in providing customized financial solutions for High-Net-Worth Individuals.
Professional stations:
Associate Vice President at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and a Wealth Manager Executive at Morgan Stanley PWM USA. Entrepreneur, founder of multiple ventures that includes Capital Markets LTDA, a full-service agreement with EFG Capital International. Capital Markets Latin America LLC, affiliated with Dresdner Latin-American Financial Advisors LLC and EFG Bank in USA. President of J.Rockets Colombia, Master Franchise of Johnny Rockets USA.
Important values:
Integrity, respect, excellence and Work-Life-Balance.
“Life begins where fear ends” Osho.
Marvin Kan
Educational background:
Bachelor of Science in Economics and Management Information System from Babson College (Wellesley, Massachusetts)
Professional stations:
Over 25 years of operating businesses in Hong Kong with a focus on sales in China and developing sales networks.
Important values:
Never give in. Perseverance is the key to success.
Charne van Biljon
Educational background:
Bachelor of Law (LLB), University of Pretoria
Professional experience:
Charne is a South African qualified lawyer who started her career as an insolvency and restructuring lawyer at Africa's largest law firm, ENSafrica. She moved to Hong Kong in 2015 and transitioned to working in the trust industry for a leading trust and corporate services provider. Charne's experience encompasses creating tailored solutions that meet the diverse needs of clients, as well as spearheading business development initiatives across APAC, Middle East and South Africa.
Important values:
Vision, integrity, courage, the power of articulation and profundity of character.
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful" – Albert Shweitzer
Patrick Knecht
Educational background:
30+ years experience in Finance & IT Services. Federal certificate in Project Management further specializing in operational excellence and organizational development (University Witten, Germany)
Professional experience:
15 years as CEO and owner of a Business & IT Consulting company specializing in corporate optimization, process & cost efficiency. 8 years as CEO/COO of Skandia Leben AG.
Important values:
Strive for continuous improvement - never stop trying, failing and learning, because there is always a little more to achieve.
Caroline Bennett-Akkaya
Educational background:
BA (Hons) in French Literature and Language
Diploma in Sales & Marketing, CIM
Certified Trust and Estate Planner (TEP)
Professional stations:
25 years in the corporate services and trust sector in the UK and Switzerland.
Over the last 11 years in Switzerland I have held the following positions:
Estate and Trust Advisor for Credit Suisse Trust
Director of Business Development for PraxisIFM Group.
Partner, swisspartners Marcuard Heritage
Important values:
Integrity and trustworthiness are my core values and are at the heart of my professional and personal life.
Serge Hediger
Educational background:
Master of Laws (LL.M.) & Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Professional stations:
Co-Founder and Managing Partner of various 1291 Group entities since 2014. From 2007 - 2014 CEO and Board Member of an Irish and Liechtenstein based international Life Insurance company with more than EUR 5 billion AuM. Various management positions with a listed Swiss Insurance Group from 1996 - 2007. Board member of the Liechtenstein Insurance Association from 2008 - 2015.
Important values:
Cooperation. Even the most complex tasks can be made simpler when we focus on the solutions - together.
Peter Triggs
Educational background:
Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants (UK)- FCA, Chartered Tax Adviser (UK)- CTA, Member of STEP -TEP, Insurance qualified (Singapore)
Professional stations:
Head of Private Banking Singapore/Malaysia- Citibank
Head of Trust – Asia Pacific – Citibank
Head of International Private Banking – DBS
Head of Wealth Planning and Insurance- Asia -DBS
Important values:
Two thoughts:
Life: Not how long but how well you have lived is the main thing. Seneca)
Work: It is amazing what you can achieve if you are not concerned with who gets the credit.
Petra Fuhrmann
Educational background:
Commercial apprenticeship EFZ and 30 years of banking experience. Bachelor in Private Banking and Financial Planning. Fluent in several Languages.
Professional stations:
20 years in Private Banking Client Advisory for HNWI. With the 1291 Group since 2015.
Important values:
The whole shall always be more than the sum of its parts (inspired by Aristotle).
Victor Sonnevelt
Educational background:
BA in History
Several Language Diplomas
Professional stations:
Over 20 years' experience in the Financial Industry:
Of which more than 10 years in Private Banking
and the last 5 ½ in the area of PPLI Solutions
Important values:
Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result.
-Oscar Wilde-
Jacque Peenz
Educational background:
Bachelors of Law (LLB) - University of Pretoria - 2012
Professional stations:
Stations: Admitted practicing attorney in the High Court of South Africa since 2014. Wealth structuring specialist advising several family offices, advisers and private clients in the Middle East and Asia at Trident Trust (Dubai). Director of 1291 Group DMCC.
Important values:
Life is the equivalent of a persons choices and the value of life is measured by relationships that you keep and the choices that you make.
Galina Strub
Educational background:
Gakushuin University, Japan (Intercultural Communications & Japanese Language).
University of Portsmouth, England (International Trade & English).
Professional stations:
Great experiences of learning and working abroad.
Important values:
My family is the most important thing in my life. I enjoy learning new things and can adapt quickly to changes. My values: commitment, flexibility, fairness and integrity.
Frances Boon
Educational background:
Bachelor of Social Science (Hons., Statistics) and Bachelor of Arts (Economic & Statictics) from National University of Singapore.
Professional stations:
Prior to joining 1291 in June 2019, I was pioneer member of a leading PPLI carrier’s Singapore operation. I have over 25 years of experience building relationships with and addressing the needs of Asian high net worth clients. This includes working in the private banking and corporate banking divisions of major banks.
Important values:
There is no perfect product, but I seek the most suitable solution for the client.
Sakurako Sakata
Educational background:
BComm Curtin University of Technology, Singapore/Australia
Professional stations:
Sakurako started her career in a Japanese UHNWI family office in Tokyo. She then worked in various banks including JPMorgan Chase. Before joining 1291 in Singapore, she worked as a Credit Analyst in the Toronto Dominion Bank.
Important values:
I devote myself to superior client service, diligent execution and utmost professionalism.
Priyanka Roy Jivani
Educational background:
She is a finance major with Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (majoring in Mergers and Acquisitions) certified and studied Venture Finance at Oxford University.
Professional stations:
With over 17 years of cross-functional and cross-industry experience, Priyanka is a thorough professional with a proven track record of successfully managing various assignments aligning with the overall objectives of the organization. She has been an integral part of A-listed organizations in the past. Her last project was with Quilter PLC where she was the Global Head of Banking – Sales, and Strategy, based out of the UK. Due to her previous projects, she has worked in international markets like Switzerland, Europe, the UK, Singapore, UAE, Africa, and Latin America.
Anjana Nair
Educational background:
Majored in Economics & Politics (MA) from the University of Hull, UK. Apart from that I have advanced AML & Compliance certification from ICA and holds a PMP certification.
Professional stations:
Started the career with an asset management company in 2002 in London. Worked for 17 years with Quilter International (formerly called Skandia Intl/Old Mutual Intl) in Operations, E Business and progressed to the role SEO and Head of Operations in Dubai.
Important values:
I believe courage is really important to seek out new challenges to act in spite of fear. Equally empathy is important to understand things from a different perspective.
Jennifer Utama
Educational background:
Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology; CPA Australia Award
Professional stations:
Over 5 years of experience in the financial services industry specializing in HNW life insurance products, operational processes and relationship management.
Important values:
Whatever we believe in ourselves and our ability comes true for us.
Shilveena Shahjahan
Educational background:
MBA in Banking & Finance,
BCom specializing in Business Taxation
Professional stations:
8+ years in banking industry, started working in a bank as a campus placement & then worked at HSBC Dubai in various roles & moved to a growing local bank. Last 2 years was part of the oldest Takaful Insurance Company in the region.
Important values:
Positive energy radiates & creates a peaceful environment to grow & flourish.
Michelle Kwan
Educational background:
Bachelor of Psychology of Upper Iowa University, Hong Kong
Professional stations:
With over 13 years in insurance brokerage, Michelle served as a Responsible Officer for 3 years, ensuring regulatory compliance and efficient management. She also held a 7 year tenure as an Operations Manager, overseeing firm operations.
Important values:
'The essence of a fulfilling life lies in continuous learning, humility, and collaboration. It is our duty to pursue knowledge daily, embracing empathy and humility for meaningful relationships.'
Karishma Rupani
Educational background:
MBA from The University of Leicester, United Kingdom qualified Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), member of STEP. Karishma is also a member of Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (MCSI). She speaks English and Hindi fluently.
Professional stations:
With over two decades of experience in the Financial Services industry, Karishma brings a wealth of expertise garnered from her tenure with various Multinational and Local banks in the UAE. Specializing in Wealth Management, Private Banking, Trust Advisory, Estate and Succession Planning, she has provided guidance to High Net Worth and Ultra High Net Worth clients across the Middle East and Africa. She has been instrumental in structuring complex Keyman Insurance and Private Placement Life Insurance Policies.
Zoie Au
Educational background:
Bachelor of Business Administration in Management of Organisations from HKUST (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)
Professional experience:
Over 25 years' experience in the life insurance industry. Familiar with a broad range of operational functions at various Hong Kong insurance carriers. Focus on HNW Case Management since 2015.
Important values:
Never say ‘Never’. You never know what's going to happen next. Just be yourself, stay positive and embrace the future with all its rich possibilities.
Merve Aksoy
Educational background:
Commercial apprenticeship EFZ and Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Business Administration
Professional experience:
Over 5 years' experience as an Accountant in an international company in different sectors. Joined 1291 Group in 2018.
Important values:
Surround yourself with good people. Do what makes you happy and be grateful for everything you have. Appreciate your life. You will attract positivity, happiness and joy.
Yannick Häni
Educational background:
Master of Law in international taxation (LL.M.) and Bachelor of Business Law (B.LAW)
Professional stations:
CEO of 1291Group Asia since 2016, Sales Partner of various 1291Group entities since 2014, Sales Manager for Northern Europe for Valorlife Life Insurance Company from 2012 to 2014
Important values:
You have to learn the rule of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else. - Albert Einstein
Benjamin Szeto
Educational background:
Diploma in International Trust Management (Distinction), Master of Science (Real Estate), Diploma in Financial Management, and Bachelor of Laws (Honours). He is also a Faculty member of Singapore’s Wealth Management Institute.
Professional stations:
A recognised key lawyer in the Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2020, he has 20 years’ experience advising on a wide range of corporate, investment, and private client transactions spanning diverse jurisdictions. Most recently, he was Head of Private Client at EY Law Singapore and served on the Law Society of Singapore’s Tax & Trust Committee for two terms.
Important values:
He is passionate about helping business owners, crypto investors and high net worth families craft holistic and tax-compliant solutions for asset protection, legacy planning, crypto-fiat integration, and liquidity management.
Anne Lueth
Educational background:
Qualified Paralegal (Germany), Diploma in International Trust Manager (STEP) = Member of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (TEP)
Professional stations:
Over 15 years of industry experience working with high net worth individuals and renowned families specializing in cross-border issues and asset protection needs with a focus on multi-generation succession planning as well as the management of complex trust and corporate structures. Anne worked for global financial institutions including HSBC and international trust and corporate services providers in Switzerland, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Important values:
Integrity is the seed for achievement. It is the principle that never fails.
William Lin
Educational background:
Bachelor of Science from USC Marshall School of Business.
Professional stations:
Joined 1291 Group in 2020 and has previously worked for different financial institutions in Asia including PingAn Group and Lombard International. Will comes from a family background in the trust business, which has enabled him to understand the importance of trust and insurance in wealth planning. With his extensive knowledge of insurance and trust, he has been serving the Greater China market since 2018.
Important values:
Your attitude determines everything that you do.
Alexander Mitev
Educational background:
Master Degree in Finance and Economics, University of Zurich
Professional stations:
Chief Representative Credit Suisse Group in Russia, Founder of different companies
Important values:
Fairness. Pursuit of Excellence. Innovation. Partnership.
Xiao Hu
Educational background:
Master of Finance – Corporate Finance; Bachelor of Commerce – Finance & Marketing
Professional stations:
Xiao brings a wealth of experience to her role and the team in the UAE. She began her career in 2016 in Dubai after completing her undergraduate studies. She later relocated to Hong Kong to pursue an opportunity in the financial services industry, before joining 1291 Group in 2020. She moved back to Dubai in 2024 to become 1291 Group's Head of Administration for the region.
Important values:
The harder you work, the luckier you get.
Oliver Dätwyler
Educational background:
Master of Laws (LLM)
Professional stations:After Law School at University of Zurich, first function at Compliance & Regulatory Specialist at Private Bank and later KPMG.
2007 diploma in Compliance Management (DAS) followed by several years as Legal Counsel at Credit Suisse focusing on OTC Derivatives, Securities Lending, REPO as well as Precious Metals
Transfer to Relationship Manager for UHNWI Russia Desk at CS.
2013 to 2017 UBS at the UHNWI Russia and UK desk in Zurich.
Responsible for market entry of a foreign controlled Bank in Switzerland.
Important values:
Wonders are many and none is more wonderful than a human being.
Kshitij Kulkarni
Educational background:
Master’s in Business Administration with specialization in Marketing and Operations, Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering
Professional stations:
Over 15 years of experience in High Net Worth banking and Insurance in HSBC, Citibank and a boutique Life insurance brokerage in Hong Kong and India.
Important values:
Passion, Drive and a Positive Mindset. I am here to find solutions for you and your clients.
Sebastian Lauke
Educational background:
Economist & Insurance specialist
Professional stations:
Sebastian has over 15 years of experience in the insurance and finance industry. He is owner of a consulting company with a focus on data analysis and control. Previously, he worked as an insurance broker and advisor for companies in various positions, mainly in the private client sector.
Important values:
The simplicity of a solution lies in the sharpness of the focus on it.
Adrian Lüthi
Educational background:
Master of Business Administration at the University of Zurich and Murcia (Spain) / 20 years' experience in the Finance industry, thereof 15 years international PPLI tax and wealth advisory / Post graduate studies at ETH Zurich.
Professional stations:
Past: Successfully building up the PPLI business with one of the top-tier Insurance companies in Switzerland/Europe. Today: PPLI expert in the Latin American markets, Israel and Turkey / Broad working experience in New York and Spain over 2 years.
Important values:
More than believing but living: Trust – Long-term partnerships begins with a trustful relation. Quality – Focused on best possible solutions to protect and maintain family wealth. Tailor-made – Every client is special and unique. Private – Understanding family needs as a dedicated father and husband.
Paco Zayco
Educational background:
Professional Financial Certificates from the New York Institute of Finance and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an Entrepreneurial Management degree from the University of St. La Salle, Chartered Trust and Estate Planner
Professional stations:
Head of Singapore for a Hong Kong based Asset Manager, Vice President at BB Securities Asia (Banco do Brasil Group) and Relationship Managements Roles in global leading financial institutions including EFG and HSBC.
Important values:
Integrity is key to successful and lasting client relationships. My family and client satisfaction are what drive me to be the best at what I do.
Iyas Mohamed
Educational background:
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Maldives National University, Maldives, (2009). Masters in International Maritime Law (LLM), International Maritime Law Institute, Malta, (2012). Masters in International Human Rights & Humanitarian Law (LLM), Europa Universität Viadrina, Germany, (2018).
Professional stations:
Previously served as Deputy State Attorney at the Attorney General's Office of the Maldives and held the role of Director of Legal Affairs at the Prosecutor General's Office of the Maldives. Three years experience as a Junior Compliance Officer at both a Trust Company and a Private Bank in Liechtenstein.
Important values:
Treat everyone with respect. Prioritize trust, honesty and integrity. Nurture strong bonds with family, friends and colleagues.
Benjamin Chia
Educational background:
University of Hong Kong (PCLL)
Georgetown University Law Center (LLM – Securities and Financial Regulation)
University of Kent (LLB)
Chinese International School (IB)
Professional stations:
Benjamin is a licensed New York attorney and Hong Kong solicitor. He brings several years of corporate legal expertise to 1291 Group. Previously, he worked in the Hong Kong offices of an American multinational law firm and a boutique M&A law firm, advising on cross-border M&A, private equity, venture funds, capital markets, and restructuring transactions.
Important values:
'Recall the source of the water while taking a drink.'
Hiroko Suzuki
Professional stations:
10+ years in sales, management and operations in insurance industry including life insurance, insurance saving plans, and investment linked insurance etc.
I have managed customer relationship team to develop financial performance and skills, and supported to ensure their long-term success.
I build and maintain long term relationships with clients based on mutual trust.
Important values:
It’s a valuable experience to learn about different cultures. I would like to use of this experience in my actual job and work with ambition.
Anthony Hopson
Educational background:
Dip. Audio Eng., ICMP (London)
Professional stations:
Anthony has more than 25 years’ experience in corporate, private equity and equity capital markets roles within operating companies, fund managers and investment banks. Originally from the UK, he was been based in Hong Kong for 14 years between 2007 and 2021. Prior to joining 1291 Group he the commercial director, responsible for both sales and marketing, at a electric vehicle micro-mobility company based in the UK.
Important values:
Every action is about yourself. It is the attitude behind the action that counts.
Nicolas Bachmann
Educational background:
Educational Background:
Doctor of Economics and Business Administration at University Luigi Bocconi
Master of International Trade & Finance
Professional experience:
Professional Experience:
Based in Switzeriand with 20 years of experience in unit-linked life insurance. Prior to
joining the 1291 Group, Nicolas held various commercial roles at a leading insurance company based in Luxembourg, including Head of Distribution Italy (FOS), managing a book of over Euro 5 billion AuM, as well as Sales Director / Country Manager of International Markets, including Israel, Turkey & Greece.
Important values:
Become the trusted advisor of my partners and clients — through integrity and customer centric excellence, vigorously focused on a long-term relationship and on providing bespoke solutions that truly matter.
Toshikazu Saito
Educational background:
Keio University, Bachelor of Art in Economics: National Futures Association Series #3
(National Commodity Futures Registered Representative-1997) / National Association of Security Dealers Series #7 (General Securities Registered Representative-1994)
Professional stations:
40years of experience in financial services and International estate planning
Important values:
Provide value added advice and guidance by analyzing client needs and resolving issues. Provide the broadest range and highest quality of products and services, which are easy for clients to understand and use. Develop and maintain long-term relationships by actively listening to client feedback in order to build trust and loyalty.
Dragan Miljkovic
Educational background:
26 years of experience in insurance business
Professional stations:
Chief Sales Officer at Uniqa Lebensversicherung AG Liechtenstein
Important values:
Solution oriented mindset. Dedicated to my family and work life. There is always value in effort.
Michelle Sng
Educational background:
Bachelor of Law (LLB), Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com), Member of Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (TEP)
Professional stations:
Qualified Australian lawyer serving handful of SEA families in private practice, Wealth and Estate Planning Manager in international trust companies
Important values:
When given the choice being right or being kind, choose kind.
Jeroen Simons
Educational background:
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. B.A. Economics & Social Studies
Professional stations:
American Express Bank – Senior Director
ABN AMRO – Senior Vice President
Important values:
A responsible global citizen. A trusted business partner who believes that collaboration and the ability to quickly adapt are the keys to achieving our common goals.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far go together” - African Proverb
David Gregory
Educational background:
Over 30 years' experience working in the financial services, holding various technical and leadership roles for companies such as Axa, Canada Life and the Generali Group. Responsible for insurance solutions for high and ultra-high net worth clients including unique estate planning solutions. Responsible for training professional advisers. Obtained UK Diploma in financial planning 2007.
Professional stations:
Head of Institutional Business for Canada Life. Head of UK & International business for Generali PanEurope. Partner 1291 Group.
Important values:
I will always work tirelessly on behalf of my clients for the best possible outcome.
I am passionate about protecting my client's wealth and planning for their family's future.
Silky Leung
Educational background:
Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) at the Macquarie University, Australia
Professional stations:
Worked in Sales & Marketing field for 5 years. With HR & Administrative experience in Hong Kong listed company. With the 1291 Group since 2017.
Important values:
Love the life you live and you will live a life of love.
Martino Leonardi
Educational background:
Financial Planner, Certificate of National and International Tax Law, over 20 years experience in wealth and tax planning at various banks and unit-linked life insurance companies
Professional stations:
Member of the Executive Board Rheintal-Assets AG, Member of the Management Baloise Life Liechtenstein AG, Member of the Executive Board 1291 Group Switzerland / Europe
Important values:
Love and family are the most important of all values in life. Honesty and respect is something for strong people. The best ideas reach me, when I imagine, I am my own client.
Mornie Tsang
Educational background:
Bachelor of Arts at Middlesex University London
Professional stations:
Worked as a personal assistant to CEO for 3 years. With Accounting and Administrative experience in a HK insurance broker for 5 years before joining 1291.
Important values:
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
Daniela Ramelet
Educational background:
Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education in Business Administration, Commercial apprenticeship EFZ
Professional stations:
More than 13 years of professional experience in accounting and recently in HR, in several national and international companies. With 1291 Group since June 2021.
Important values:
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at will change.
Hui Wen Tan
Educational background:
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Honours) with Minor in Business from Nanyang Technological University; CFA Singapore Research Programme (IBF Level 2)
Professional stations:
Over 10 years of extensive experience in service and operations with global firms, including financial services and HNW solutions.
Important values:
If it’s not from the heart, it’s not worth doing.
Florence Keller
Educational background:
BSc in Business Law, currently studying law at University of St. Gallen
Professional stations:
Experience as legal assistance in one of Switzerland's leading law firms, intern as support to the CEO and legal department at EMS-Chemie AG, over 3 years of experience in marketing
Important values:
Until you dare to take on new challenges you wouldn't discover your full potential.
Chloe Lo
Educational background:
BA University of Toronto
Hong Kong Institute Of Human Resource Management Certificate
Professional stations:
With over 15 years of expertise in the insurance sector, Chloe specializes in Mortgage Insurance. She has served as the Executive Assistant to the CEO of AIG UG and worked as a Business Development Specialist, showcasing a wealth of experience in her field.
Important values:
'Joy and sorrow are facets of fate. With faith and hope, darkness yields. The cycle of karma prevails; sow good, and goodness will find you.'
Francine Ringhofer
Educational background:
Over 30 years of experience in diverse management roles within the insurance industry. Completed a Master's course (MAS) in Advanced Studies in Business Excellence, with a Strategic Management Master's thesis at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) in Switzerland. Additionally, pursued advanced studies in Private Banking in Liechtenstein and obtained certification in AML & Compliance.
Professional stations:
Francine Ringhofer began her career in management roles at a prominent Bank and Credit Card Company. Since 1991, she has worked in the insurance industry in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, holding positions such as Head of Operations, Sales Director for Life Insurance, Member of the Executive Board in the PPLI business, Product Manager, and Head of Legal & Compliance for both life and non-life insurance areas.
Important values:
Embrace new challenges, innovate processes, and share knowledge.
Mona Manglani
Educational background:
Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Accounting and Auditing
Professional stations:
Over 22 years of Accounting and Finance work experience in medical Industry. Assisting in implementation of ERP accounting systems, process improvements, handling of HR-Payroll, MPF, Tax matters of staff, providing assistance to General Manger for business development. Working as a coordinator of Export in a Trading industry.
Important values:
For me perseverance and resilience are the values that I believe help to navigate the uncertainties in present day. In parallel emotional intelligence is equally important for connecting with the people around you.
Preeti Rodricks
Educational background:
Bachelors of Commerce (BCom) in Financial Accounting and Auditing, coupled with expertise gained through an Executive Secretarial Diploma.
Professional stations:
Results-driven professional with over 18 years of proven success in providing meticulous and adept administrative support to C-Suite Executives. Demonstrated expertise gained in dynamic business landscapes of both Dubai and Calgary. Recognized for a proactive problem-solving approach and serving as a pivotal liaison between cross-functional business units and clients.
Important values:
Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
Andreas Seiwert
Educational background:
MBA International Business (Diplom-Betriebswirt), LL.M. Business and Tax Law, Private Equity Advisor (EBS/BAI)
Professional stations:
Andreas has held various roles with international banks and insurance companies since 2006. Prior to joining 1291 Group, he was responsible for the German business of a Luxembourg based insurance company, managing a book of approx Euro 2.5 billion.
Important values:
INTEGRITY and if you do something: do it with PASSION or not at all.