Aquilius Expands Presence in Asia with New Hong Kong Office and Strategic Hires

Aquilius Investment Partners, recognized as a prominent provider of secondary investment solutions in the Asia Pacific region, is excited to announce significant developments in its operations. The firm has inaugurated a new office in Hong Kong, which marks a strategic expansion aimed at bolstering its regional influence and supporting ongoing growth across Asia.

This development is accompanied by the recruitment of two seasoned professionals from the investment sector, Martin Yung and Patrick Qian, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in private equity and secondary transactions. Their expertise will be vital for fortifying Aquilius’s existing private equity operations, particularly as the firm seeks to deliver customized solutions to institutional investors throughout the region.

A Vision for Growth

Founded in 2021 by veterans in the private markets industry, Bastian Wolff and Christian Keiber, Aquilius aims to reshape the secondary investing landscape in Asia Pacific. The firm has rapidly gained a reputation for its innovative approach, focusing on tailored solutions that meet the intricate needs of clients in a dynamic market environment.

The new Hong Kong office will serve as a crucial hub for Aquilius's operations, enabling closer collaboration with clients and providing comprehensive support for its growing deal-flow in the region. Martin Yung, who steps in as Managing Director and Head of Private Equity Secondaries, brings over 15 years of experience. He has successfully led transactions totaling more than $2 billion across various markets, enhancing Aquilius's capabilities in managing complex secondary investments.

In his tenure at HarbourVest Partners, Yung co-led the firm’s secondaries business in the Asia Pacific region. His addition to the team is considered a strategic move that complements Aquilius’s commitment to delivering premier secondary strategies tailored to individual client requirements.

Strategic Appointments

Patrick Qian also joins the Aquilius team as Principal, leveraging over five years of experience at HarbourVest. His insights and proficiency in private equity will undoubtedly contribute to the firm’s expanding operations.

Christian Keiber, a founding partner at Aquilius, expresses his enthusiasm about the new hires: “We are thrilled to welcome Martin and Patrick to our team. Their inclusion stands at the forefront of our goal to amplify our transactional capabilities throughout Asia Pacific, allowing us to present a wider array of solutions to our investors.”

Record-Breaking Achievements

The announcement of the new office and hires comes on the heels of Aquilius successfully closing its second flagship real estate secondaries fund, AIP Secondary Fund II L.P., which has amassed over $1.1 billion in capital commitments. This figure represents the largest real estate secondaries program ever raised in the Asia Pacific region, underscoring Aquilius's growth trajectory and the confidence investors have in its platform.

With a dedicated team of 30 professionals and a strong track record of innovation in the investment sector, Aquilius is well-positioned to leverage its independent nature and institutional backing to transact swiftly and effectively on beneficial terms. Its strategic focus on nurturing long-term relationships with funds and managers will continue to drive the firm’s operations as it addresses the evolving needs of the market.

Conclusion

As Aquilius embarks on this new chapter with a functional office in Hong Kong and a fortified team, the firm is poised to capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities that the Asia Pacific region presents in secondary markets. With leaders like Martin Yung and Patrick Qian at the helm of its private equity sector, Aquilius is set to make a significant impact on the landscape of investment solutions in the region, addressing the complex needs and challenges faced by investors. This strategic expansion evidences Aquilius's dedication to growth, client satisfaction, and pioneering advancement in the investment sphere.