KKR launches Ascend Asia

KKR has launched Ascend Asia, a new financial advisory platform based in Singapore, with former Prudential Singapore CEO Tomas Urbanec at the helm. The platform’s first member is finexis, an advisory firm with over 1,100 consultants.

Backed by KKR’s Asia Fund IV, Ascend Asia aims to consolidate and strengthen the region’s financial advisory industry by investing in governance, compliance, professional development, and technology—while preserving the independence of each firm. Other executives include former leaders from Aviva, Income Insurance, AXA, and AIA.

finexis will retain its brand and client relationships post-acquisition.