KBL European Private Bankers

1990s

Dotcom bubble rises & Japanese asset price bubble bursts

1990

Private banking becomes new pillar

1990

Private banking becomes new pillar

With extensive experience in international wealth management, KBL decides to make private banking a new pillar of its operations. The bank implements a new strategy before beginning a busy period of European acquisitions, supporting growth and diversification
1992

KBL acquires Brown Shipley

1992

KBL acquires Brown Shipley

Brown Shipley & Co Ltd is acquired by KBL. Brown Shipley subsequently makes its own acquisitions of brokerage Cawood Smithie, private client investment manager Henry Cooke, and pensions and investment manager Fairmount Group Plc
1993

Damien Wigny appointed CEO

1993

Damien Wigny appointed CEO

Damien Wigny is appointed CEO of KBL and leads the bank until 2003. His broad talents and diplomatic skills are the driving forces behind the seamless development of the European private banking group
1996

Founding of KBL Monaco

1996

Founding of KBL Monaco

In line with its objective to strengthen its presence in European private banking hubs, KBL opens a branch in Monaco, focused on serving affluent and HNWI clients in the Principality and abroad
1998

KBL establishes French presence

1998

KBL establishes French presence

The bank establishes a foothold in France with the acquisition of Banque Française de Services et de Credit, in Paris as well as Kempf, a brokerage in Nancy. The combined entity is soon renamed KBL France
1999

KBL acquires Merck Finck

1999

KBL acquires Merck Finck

Merck Finck & Co, a leader in German private banking, is the next in a series of acquisitions made by KBL. With branches throughout Germany and a solid reputation among HNWI and institutional clients, this acquisition is a milestone in the development of the group