Meet Edwin Lee, CEO of Covenant Capital and a member of the Robb Report Singapore Thought Leaders community
Edwin Lee estimates that independent wealth managers account for only six to seven per cent of Asia’s wealth management space. But that is not the only thing that makes him an anomaly. Lee started Covenant Capital in 2016 not just because he saw an opportunity in establishing himself the multi-family office and independent wealth management space, where there is still much growth potential, but because it is where “God has called me to serve”.
Lee says he works in a field where there is “a low state of trust”. As such, he believes his responsibility lies not only in helping his clients with long-term wealth accumulation, through the model of open architecture investment and advisory services that independent wealth firms provide. Rather, Lee posits a big-picture perspective based on the concept of stewardship, informed as much by his professional acumen as it is by his religious beliefs.
How did you get to where you are now?
I have been in this field for 23 years; first with the US broker-dealer platform, Salomon Smith Barney, followed by DBS. I started my entrepreneurial journey in the multi-family office and independent wealth management space in 2014.
Why are you passionate about what you do?
I was struck by this phrase in a book that I read 10 years ago, ‘What can I do for the work itself?’ There is much to be done to realign investment professionals back to the role of stewardship.
How does your work align with your personal values?
The word stewardship has been expanding over the years. I used to think that the main focus is to be a good steward of the client accounts that our teams run. That is core, but we are also called to be stewards of our time and resources.
For example, we are stewards of our staff and the wealth management teams that are in our firm. We are also called to be stewards of our family’s store of relational wealth. And that could mean opening up our home to foster or provide respite care for children in care in Singapore.
What are you curious about these days?
Ways to deepen and strengthen relationships, and motivate those around you.
What motivates you?
Clarity of calling and purpose, thankfulness and never losing the child-like sense of wonder and spirit of exploration.
What is your idea of success?
To stay true to your calling in spite of opposition and challenges.
What legacy do you hope you’ll leave for your child?
That they would live and see life through lenses of eternity that are clearer than mine.
Photography by Eugene Lee, Enfinite Studio
Hair & Makeup by Sophia and Victoria, Suburbs Studio
