SRP Apac Personality of the Year 2026: Rishad Schaefer

Rishad Schaefer, head of equity structuring Apac and head of equity solutions & cross-asset distribution sales Asia at Crédit Agricole CIB, was named SRP Apac Personality of the Year 2026 in recognition of his contribution to the structured products industry.

While I'm honoured to receive this award, I honestly think it should be called the 'Team of the Year' award. None of this would have been possible without them

Speaking to SRP, Schaefer attributed the award to the team around him rather than individual achievement, while reflecting on the experiences that have shaped his career, the evolution of Asia's structured products market and the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.

An engineer by training with qualifications in applied mathematics and actuarial science, Schaefer (right) said his technical background naturally led him towards equity derivatives and structured products. His interest in financial markets began long before his professional career.

"I started investing my own savings when I was around 14 or 15," he said. "So, the combination of a technical education and an early interest in equity linked structured products a very logical path."

After beginning his career in private equity in France, Schaefer moved to Hong Kong more than 15 years ago, where he specialised in equity derivatives across structuring and sales roles. He joined Crédit Agricole CIB in 2021 to lead the bank's equity structuring business in Asia before expanding his responsibilities to include equity solutions and cross-asset distribution sales.

Looking back, he believes one of the defining features of his career has been helping to build businesses from the ground up.

"I've been fortunate that both organisations I joined were developing their Asian equity derivatives franchises at the time," he said. "I've always enjoyed building businesses rather than simply managing established ones."

_{The Crédit Agricole CIB team at the SRP Asia Pacific 2026 Awards in Hong Kong on 24 June with Rishad Schaefer fourth from right.}

According to Schaefer, succeeding against larger competitors requires agility, resilience and a clear focus on client needs.

"You need to prove yourself and demonstrate why your franchise brings added value," he said. "You have to find an edge, whether through innovation, service or bringing solutions the market hasn't seen before."

He pointed to quantitative investment strategies (QIS) as an area where differentiation is essential.

"You can't simply replicate what larger players have built over decades," he said. "You have to be tactical and genuinely innovative."

Industry evolution

Reflecting on the major developments that have reshaped structured products since the global financial crisis, Schaefer highlighted both Covid-19 and the changing interest-rate environment.

The pandemic accelerated the development of decrement indices following the European Central Bank's intervention in bank dividends, while years of ultra-low interest rates encouraged investors to shift towards yield-enhancement products, particularly autocallables.

"The prolonged low-rate environment left little room for principal-protected products," he said. "That contributed to the boom in autocallables and the emergence of third-party pricing and execution platforms across Asia."

_{Rishad Schaefer received the award at the SRP Asia Pacific 2026 Awards in Hong Kong on 24 June. Left SRP's Virginia Wang.}

The return of higher interest rates since 2022 has broadened the opportunity set once again.

"Higher rates have reopened opportunities for principal-protected products and fixed-income structures while allowing greater flexibility and innovation across asset classes," said Schaefer, adding that demand for equity-linked structured products in Asia remains robust, particularly within the wealth management segment.

"We saw very strong demand over the past two years, with May and June 2026 being record months," he said. "Investors continue to look for predefined outcomes with attractive yields, particularly in higher-volatility markets."

However, he cautioned that elevated equity valuations, geopolitical uncertainty and leveraged investor positioning remain important risks.

"The biggest risk to long-term growth is less about markets and more about distribution friction and reputational risk," he said. "Our responsibility is to ensure transparency, proper disclosure and responsible distribution. That's critical for sustainable growth."

Team before individual

Despite receiving one of the industry's highest individual honours, Schaefer insists his greatest achievement has been building a collaborative team.

"My biggest pride is the team we've built at Crédit Agricole CIB," he said. "We've created a balanced group with complementary skills, genuine friendship and mutual support."

He added that the award belongs as much to his colleagues as to himself.

"While I'm honoured to receive this award, I honestly think it should be called the 'Team of the Year' award. None of this would have been possible without them."

Life beyond finance

Away from the office, Schaefer describes himself as naturally curious, resilient and people-oriented, qualities he believes are equally important in business.

His biggest source of inspiration is his father, an engineer and entrepreneur whose ability to approach problems differently left a lasting impression.

"He never focuses on problems; he focuses on solutions," Schaefer said. "That's been extremely inspiring both personally and professionally."

Family also plays a central role in maintaining perspective.

"My wife is my number one teammate," he said. "We learn from each other and share the same vision of life. That support gives me the confidence and serenity to face challenges."

Sport remains another important outlet. A former French under-15 squash vice-champion, Schaefer still competes regularly and is also an avid spearfisher.

"Sport gives you balance and ultimately makes you more productive," he said. "Spearfishing combines physical challenge, focus, self-control and the ability to completely disconnect."

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