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Interview: Peggy Quek, CEO of AIA International Wealth

By Alvin Wong 7 March, 2025

In the first of our three-part interview series to mark International Women’s Day, we chat with three extraordinary women, who share their journeys of self-discovery—and their impact on others along the way.

Peggy Quek is no stranger to a challenge. Her latest endeavour sees her at the helm of AIA International Wealth (AIA IW), the insurer’s newly established wealth division catering to ultra-high-net-worth clients across domestic and regional markets. Launched in 2024, the venture requires not just leadership but the ability to build a high-performing team from the ground up—an undertaking that plays to Quek’s strengths.

“My early years in finance revealed a defining pattern: I was consistently drawn to roles that involved building businesses from scratch. That’s when I realised my true passion lies in driving growth—creating something from nothing, assembling dynamic teams, and forging lasting relationships,” she reflects.

Peggy Quek, CEO of AIA International Wealth, discusses female empowerment and leadership. Photo by AIA Singapore

With expertise honed over three decades working in international banking before joining AIA in 2020, Quek is more than well-positioned for the role. In an industry where women remain underrepresented in C-suite positions—only about 20 per cent in Singapore, according to reports—she exemplifies how tenacity, strategic vision, and a spirit of adventure can propel one forward, regardless of profession.

“I can’t say I’ve faced specific gender-related challenges, but I’ve learnt to recognise and align myself with corporate cultures that prioritise performance and results over office politics or unhealthy work environments,” she says.

What were your immediate thoughts when you learned of your appointment as CEO of AIA IW?

I was both humbled and energised. With Asia’s affluent population projected to surge 61 per cent to 28.2 million by 2026, the market potential is immense. As the first insurer to pioneer this, AIA IW offers a specially curated suite of insurance solutions, leveraging AIA’s deep expertise in wealth management and insurance to cater to the specific financial needs of our clients.

What are some of the immediate challenges that you have encountered?

We are essentially building a business from the ground up. This involves establishing strong lasting relationships with introducers, cultivating a high-performing team, and developing robust infrastructure, culture, and processes. As a start-up, it is fast-paced and there is a steep learning curve as we navigate the evolving landscape of wealth management. But we embrace this dynamic environment, constantly testing and iterating to find the most effective and bespoke solution for our clients.

In recent years, the wealth management industry has seen more women occupying leadership positions. To what do you attribute this?

Wealth management today is increasingly focused on holistic client relationships. Women often excel at leading from within, bringing valuable attributes such as heightened attention to detail and a natural inclination toward building deeper understanding with clients and colleagues. Traditionally ‘female qualities’, such as emotional intelligence, patience, and meticulous attention to detail, are now recognised as essential leadership strengths and crucial differentiators for success in our industry.

What does female empowerment mean to you in the context of leadership?

I believe female leadership shines brightest when we blend our natural ability to nurture and guide with a relentless pursuit of results. A nurturing leadership style doesn’t detract from achieving objectives—it amplifies them. It’s what strengthens teams, fosters resilience, and ultimately builds enduring success.

How do you define success?

Success is multifaceted, and giving back is a vital part of it. I also volunteer as a MentorsHub mentor. Through mentorship programmes, I help individuals unlock their full potential by uncovering their strengths, building self-awareness, and empowering them to achieve their aspirations. I find fulfilment in nurturing a mindset of resilience, integrity, and courage within them, empowering them to not just overcome obstacles, but to truly flourish.

What are your three non-negotiables in life?

I value trustworthiness and integrity above all else, and I do not tolerate bullies. This is a principle I live by, personally and professionally.

Read the interviews with Dr Chua Yang, photographer and gynaecologist, here, and Uma Thana Balasingam, founder of The Elevate Group, here.

AIA International Wealth