2024
Celebrating the 75th anniversary
of our founding
A once-small Luxembourg-based firm founded in 1949, Quintet Private Bank is today a leading private banking group. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Quintet operates in 30+ cities across Europe and the UK and employs some 1,650 professionals.
Quintet serves high net worth individuals and their families as well as a wide range of institutional and professional clients, including family businesses, foundations and external asset managers.
Quintet Private Bank opened its doors for business in Denmark in July 2020. As part of its ambitious growth strategy, Quintet Danmark is now focused on meeting the long-term wealth management needs of Danish individuals and their families.
2020s
A pandemic leads to global lockdown, Russia invades Ukraine
& artificial intelligence enters the mainstream
2020
2021
2022
2023
2020
KBL epb rebrands as Quintet Private Bank
KBL European Private Bankers changes its name to Quintet Private Bank, reflecting a deep, positive and ongoing change process, informed by new strategic priorities.
2021
Quintet opens for business in Denmark
Quintet Danmark opens for business in Copenhagen, then expands to Aarhus, the country’s second-largest city, in 2021
2022
Chris Allen appointed Group CEO
Chris Allen – whose earlier roles include CEO of HSBC Private Bank UK – is appointed Group CEO of Quintet
2023
Quintet partners with BlackRock
Quintet announces a partnership agreement with BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, that will extend Quintet’s investment capabilities.
2010s
Emerging markets accelerate growth & global economy recovers
2012
2014
2015
2016
2017
2012
Precision Capital acquires KBL epb
KBL epb is acquired by Precision Capital, a limited liability company that is strongly supportive of the group’s long-term growth strategy.
2014
Acquisition of UBS Belgium
Quintet Private Bank’s Belgian affiliate, Puilaetco, enters into an agreement with UBS to acquire its Belgian operations. The acquisition adds substantial scale to Puilaetco, positioning it as a top three pure-play private bank in Belgium.
2015
Acquisition of Hampton Dean
Brown Shipley, KBL epb’s UK affiliate, acquires Hampton Dean, a chartered independent firm of financial planners. This acquisition further strengthens the operations of Brown Shipley, particularly in the area of wealth planning, and expands its UK footprint to six cities, including Nottingham.
2016
Acquisition of The Roberts Partnership
KBL epb's UK affiliate, Brown Shipley, acquires The Roberts Partnership, a financial planning and wealth management firm with 20 staff and over €500 million in assets under management. The acquisition is in line with Brown Shipley's strategy to build and deliver a leading financial advice proposition for its clients.
2017
Launch of InsingerGilissen
Following the closing of the acquisition of Insinger de Beaufort by KBL epb in January 2017, InsingerGilissen was born from the merger of Theodoor Gilissen and Insinger de Beaufort. InsingerGilissen operates in six cities in the Netherlands, employs over 300 staff and manages some €25 billion. A pure-play private bank, it offers a wide range of asset management, advisory, financial planning and administration, and custody services.
2000s
Global financial crisis begins, dotcom bubble bursts & euro enters circulation
2003
2004
2005
2008
2003
Etienne Verwilghen appointed CEO
Etienne Verwilghen is appointed CEO of KBL. His deep knowledge of markets proves especially valuable during his leadership tenure at KBL, which lasts until 2010 and is marked by acquisitions in Belgium and France. KBL further extends its geographic reach by acquiring Theodoor Gilissen Private Bankers, a highly regarded Dutch private bank headquartered in Amsterdam and founded in 1881.
2004
KBL acquires Puilaetco
KBL epb acquires Puilaetco, a Belgian private bank founded in 1868; headquartered in Brussels, Puilaetco operates seven branches across the country.
2005
KBL joins KBC
Brussels-headquartered KBC Group, already a majority shareholder of KBL, wholly acquires the Luxembourg-based private banking group through a share buyback scheme.
2008
Launch of Global Investor Services
KBL's Global Investor Services department is launched to provide financial services and investment solutions to meet the specific needs of institutional and professional investors Kredietbank becomes KBL epb KBL is rebranded KBL European Private Bankers. The new name and logo reflect the bank's pan-European vision and local roots
1990s
EDotcom bubble rises & Japanese assets price bubble bursts
1990
1992
1993
1999
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
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
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.
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.
1980s
Berlin Wall falls, Japanese asset price bubble rises & global markets collapse on Black Monday
1981
1986
1988
1981
First ECU loan granted
KBL is at the forefront of the implementation of the ECU, a new European currency. It is the first bank to grant a loan in ECU, for an Italian telecommunications company.
1986
KBL invests abroad
In a clear sign of the focus of the Luxembourg-based bank on future geographic expansion, KBL invests in Brown Shipley Holdings, parent of UK-based private bank Brown Shipley & Co, which is wholly acquired by KBL six years later.
1988
Jean Adant appointed CEO
Jean Adant is appointed CEO of KBL. With significant expertise in finance and banking, he leads the long-term reorientation of the group, making private banking a pillar of its operations.
1970s
Arab oil embargo shocks global economy & US experiences sustained stagflation
1970
1974
1970
Founding of CEDEL
In 1970, KBL participates in the foundation of CEDEL (Centrale de Livraison Neutre et Indépendant), a securities clearing company that allows professionals to trade Eurobonds quickly and efficiently.
1974
First-place ranking in Eurobond issues
KBL strengthens its role as an issuer of Eurobonds. In 1974, its lead and co-lead managers are ranked number one for Eurobond issues.
1960s
Cold War intensifies & Europe enters economic golden age
1961
1963
1965
1966
1967
1961
First bond issue
KBL issues the first international bond loan in European Currency Units – a basket of currencies used by the European community as the unit of account before being replaced by the euro. KBL then frequently operates as a lead and co-lead manager for bank operations in the euro market.
1963
First international loan denominated in US dollars
The Interest Equalization Tax is introduced, along with export restrictions imposed by American authorities, creating the perfect opportunity for KBL to increase its areas of operation. This year sees KBL’s first international loan denominated in US dollars.
1965
Financial holding company introduced
Initiated by KBL, the Luxembourg authorities allow for the creation of “financial holding companies,” a structure that facilitates the funding of numerous international industrial groups via Eurobonds.
1966
Constant Franssens appointed CEO
In 1966, Constant Franssens is appointed CEO, a position he would hold until 1988. From 1979-81, Franssens also heads the ABBL (Association des Banques et Banquiers, Luxembourg).
1967
KBL engages in Eurobond trading
KBL begins playing an important role in the organization of the secondary Eurobonds market. It also becomes involved in the development and implementation of a settlement system for transactions in Europe
Quintet's family of private banks
Locally rooted and financially strong
