Meet the founder

Hi, I’m Lawrence Au, founder of The LaunchPad.Biz. I’m a recognised pioneer and thought-leader of Asia’s securities services industry with 40 years of experience at the forefront of the region's financial sector development since the early 1980s. My passion lies in driving growth and innovation in this dynamic and ever-evolving landscape.

The highlight of my career was my 16-year tenure as Asia Pacific CEO at BNP Paribas Securities Services and Northern Trust during their formative years in the region. I successfully built their businesses from the ground up, establishing them as market leaders. In my final year as CEO, I provided strategic direction to over 2,000 staff across eight countries and ten offices.

As a licensed Responsible Officer overseeing financial entities in Hong Kong, Singapore, India, and Australia, I have also developed deep expertise in corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

Earlier in my career, I held senior roles at major global financial institutions, including JP Morgan, The Bank of New York, Chase Manhattan Bank, Security Pacific National Bank, and First National Bank of Chicago.

Currently, I serve as a member of The Securities Services Advisory Group and Singapore Fund Directors Association to continue my contribution to the growth and innovation of the industry.

In recognition of my contributions, I have been honoured with prestigious industry awards, including Global Custodian’s “Industry Legend Award” (2023) and Asia Asset Management’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” (2016). I am particularly proud to have received the “Vice Chancellor Alumni Excellence Award” (2020) from The University of Queensland, my alma mater in Australia.

I have authored two books. My first book "Asia's Financial Industry 1986-2016" (https://a.co/d/fjIhh2R), available in English and Chinese, captures the memorable episodes and defining moments that shaped Asia's financial industry over those 30 years. Ranked #18 in Amazon Kindle’s banking category, it is part of the collections at many prestigious universities and public libraries worldwide. My second book "From Physical to Digital: Asia's Securities Services Developments 1995-2021" (https://a.co/d/0f5uIZ9P), published in 2022, reviews 25 key developments as the financial industry evolved from the physical to the electronic age and now stands poised for digital transformation in the years ahead.

Since retiring from corporate life in 2018, I have remained actively engaged through business consulting, publishing articles, lecturing at universities, mentoring aspiring professionals and startups, and supporting philanthropic initiatives, which allow me to share my experiences and give back to the community.

“I am truly passionate about sharing my experience and insight to make a meaningful difference for your organisation’s success in Asia’s dynamic markets.”