How APA transformed payments for a Singapore family office
The Problem
Outgrowing the limitations of traditional banking
A Singapore family office with interests spanning multiple continents and asset classes needed a payments partner that could keep pace with the complexity of their operations. Their existing banking arrangements, while long-standing, were increasingly falling short.
Frequent turnover of relationship managers meant repeating the same conversations. Advice was reactive rather than proactive. Fees lacked transparency, often only becoming apparent after they had already affected returns. What should have been a strategic partnership had become a source of friction and missed opportunity.
They wanted to maintain their traditional banking relationships but recognised the need for a specialist payments and FX partner: one that combined regulatory credibility with the agility to operate across Asian markets and beyond. The priority was finding a provider who truly understood their business, offered high-touch service, and could deliver tailored solutions for a complex, multi-jurisdictional wealth structure.
That’s when they turned to APA.
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The Solution
Tailored solutions, transparent pricing, dedicated support
APA’s experience supporting payments operations for Singapore family offices enabled them to quickly understand the family office’s structure and operations. APA was able to create bespoke solutions, tailored to the family office’s unique requirements.
- Virtual IBAN multi-currency accounts were set up in the family office’s own name, enabling them to send and receive funds directly across markets, whether paying European vendors or settling a lawyer’s trust account.
- A transparent, simple fee structure replaced the patchwork of charges they had grown accustomed to, with clear pricing on every transaction.
- A dedicated relationship manager was assigned from day one, providing continuity and an always-on service designed to reduce friction and maximise payments efficiency.
- Tailored solutions for a unique structure. APA’s team understood the complexities of the family office’s multi-jurisdictional operations and built solutions around their specific requirements.
The Results
Speed, clarity and control across every market
- Faster settlements
Settlement times were reduced from up to T+3 days to typically T+1 or same day, giving the family office greater control over cash flow and the ability to act quickly in time-sensitive situations. - Global agility
With the ability to quickly set up named accounts in new markets, the family office was able to seize global opportunities without the delays and complexity of traditional banking onboarding. - Reduced friction
APA’s dedicated relationship manager made onboarding fast and efficient, whilst high-touch support helped to reduce the friction and delays that typically occur with high-value cross-border transactions. - Increased profitability
APA’s transparent, simple fee structure helped to maximise margins, as well as enabling greater clarity on costs and more informed financial decision-making.
By partnering with APA, the family office replaced complexity with clarity, saw their payment operations become faster and more efficient, and gained the agility to move quickly in new markets. What was once a source of frustration became a competitive advantage.
To find out how APA can support your family office, get in touch <here>.
