Real Assets, Real People

In APREA's Real Assets, Real People, we talk to an influential leader in the real assets industry to gain insights and perspective on their experiences and stategies for success.

Here's Martin Siah, Head of Asia Pacific Real Estate Investment Banking, Head of Southeast Asia Global Corporate and Investment Banking, Singapore Country Executive, Bank of America.

What were you doing before you started your career in real estate/infrastructure?

Banking has always been my passion and I was a generalist investment banker, focused on corporate finance and capital markets. My coverage sectors then included transport & logistics, industrials, telecoms, media & technology, financial institutions and healthcare. Those foundation years were relevant to jump start my foray into the real estate and infrastructure sector, especially with the development of the REIT and Business Trust markets in Asia Pacific.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the real assets industry?

The real assets industry has always fascinated me immensely. My passion for it grew during my early years into the industry – from contributing to the formulation of REIT codes across Asia Pacific to advising on capital markets and merger & acquisition transactions in the sector. There is never a dull moment in this industry and I value the unique opportunity this industry offers to exchange ideas with best-in-class experts and industry practitioners.

What are the key opportunities that you see in the current real assets investment landscape?

There are currently significant dislocations and opportunities abound in the real assets industry, ranging from increased cost of capital, heightened cost structures (labour, raw materials), capital markets volatilities and marked adjustments in real assets valuations, in both private and public markets. The confluence of these drivers presents an unique prospect to industry participants to leverage their experience, capabilities and know-how, to make capital and investment decisions in the real assets industry.

From a leader's perspective, how can companies navigate and thrive in an increasingly challenging business environment?

The real leaders have to be nimble, adaptable and open to embracing new ideas, whilst being receptive to value-added contributions from their employees, industry partners and communities. Companies should harness the best available inputs from the entire stakeholder ecosystems in the real assets industry, empower the best of talent from their companies, and focus on driving operational excellence.

Can you share a notable success story or achievement in your journey as a leader?

While there are quite a few success stories to mention, what I have cherished the most is the opportunity to create stakeholder-value for the real assets ecosystems spanning developers, managers, investors, regulators and fellow industry professionals. On a personal note, it will be the recognition by FinanceAsia as the best investment banker in Singapore in 2023.