The UK bank is expanding its presence across Asia Pacific through greater automation, broader distribution and tailored solutions as demand grows across private banking, retail and insurance channels.

Barclays' triple success at the SRP Asia Pacific Awards 2026, where it was named Best House in Asia Pacific and Japan as well as Best Proprietary Index Provider, reflects a strategy centred on client partnerships, technology investment and expanding access to structured solutions across the region.

Our success is built on deep client partnerships, comprehensive solutions and execution excellence - Selim Piot

According to Selim Piot, head of equity derivatives private bank distribution, non-Japan Asia at Barclays, the firm's approach rests on three pillars: client centricity, comprehensive solutions and execution.

"Our success is built on deep client partnerships, comprehensive solutions and execution excellence," he said. "We strive to be a trusted partner through evolving market environments by supporting clients with investment ideas, educational initiatives and dedicated support throughout product campaigns."

The Barclays team at the SRP Asia Pacific Awards 2026 in Hong Kong on 24 June with Selim Piot (third from left) and Christian Treuer (third from right).

The bank has also continued to invest in automation to support the high issuance volumes seen across Asia's structured products market.

"In Apac, execution is heavily automated," Piot said. "We continue to invest in our pricing and issuance platforms to improve speed, scalability and operational efficiency, while working closely with clients to develop tailored connectivity solutions."

One of the firm's strategic priorities over the past year has been Taiwan, where Barclays relaunched its offshore structured products (OSP) business in July 2024.

Expanded offer

Piot said the bank had quickly established relationships with key distributors while broadening its product offering beyond fixed coupon notes (FCNs), which still account for around 90% of issuance in the market.

"Our ambition is to be a long-term solutions partner rather than simply competing for market volume in the largest product segment," he said.

We are particularly excited about the growth potential of insurance-wrapped solutions - Christial Treuer

Taiwan also plays an important role in the bank's insurance strategy. Christian Treuer, head of equities distribution for APAC at Barclays, said the firm is working with life insurers on indexed universal life (IUL) and other investment-linked insurance products, combining its structured products expertise with its proprietary index capabilities.

"We are also bringing more sophisticated solutions to institutional clients, demonstrating our commitment to supporting investors across wealth, insurance and institutional segments," Treuer said.

The bank expects insurance to become an increasingly important distribution channel across Asia.

"We are particularly excited about the growth potential of insurance-wrapped solutions," Treuer said. "We are one of the leading hedge providers in the US fixed index annuity market and that experience can be applied to the growing opportunities in Asia."

Since last year, Barclays has established partnerships with life insurers in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan and expects to expand those relationships further.

Many investors have sought more sophisticated hedging solutions than traditional vanilla puts - Thomas Bord

From a product perspective, Thomas Bord, head of equity EXO and hybrid structuring, APAC, highlighted growing demand for issuer callable structures designed to enhance yield.

"We have introduced innovations including Issuer Callable Booster and Issuer Callable BEN, which combine the potential for early redemption and enhanced coupons with participation in upside performance if the product is not called," he said.

New demand

The bank has also seen increased institutional demand for more sophisticated hedging strategies as geopolitical uncertainty has reshaped portfolio construction.

"Many investors have sought more sophisticated hedging solutions than traditional vanilla puts, leading to increased demand for structures such as lookback and resettable puts," Bord said.

Hybrid dual digitals have also attracted interest from investors seeking to express cross-asset views while benefiting from historically low correlations between asset classes.

Looking ahead, Barclays sees opportunities across both private banking and retail distribution as Asia's wealth base continues to expand.

Piot said the private bank segment remains a key driver of structured product demand, while participation from retail banks is increasing as the mass affluent market grows.

Barclays is also seeking to differentiate itself by combining global capabilities with local expertise.

Treuer pointed to the recent approval of the Shiller US Sector Index Fund as an investment fund for Hong Kong's Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme as an example of how the bank is adapting global investment strategies for local markets.

"What differentiates Barclays is that we are a comprehensive solution provider, combining global capabilities with local delivery," he said.

The bank also sees innovation flowing in both directions, with ideas developed in Asia increasingly being adopted by other regions.

"As a key pillar of Barclays' global growth strategy, Asia Pacific continues to benefit from sustained investment in leadership, technology and client coverage," Treuer said. "That allows us to deliver global expertise with local relevance across the region."

Image: Ogulcan Aksoy/Adobe Stock

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