CEO Insights Magazine

Money makes the world go round, and strategic investing keeps it on track. From equities to mutual funds, asset management firms play a pivotal role in building long-term financial security. In Indonesia, that role is magnified. Low financial literacy and limited investor participation continue to hinder broader market engagement, while persistent market volatility, evolving regulatory frameworks, and uneven digital adoption further challenge investor confidence and access.

In this fast-evolving landscape, asset management firms are under growing pressure to innovate, enhance performance, and preserve profitability, all while meeting increasingly complex compliance demands and adapting to rising investor expectations.

At the helm of Sequis Asset Management is Sigit Wiryadi, a seasoned leader whose experience offers both stability and foresight. A graduate of California State University, San Francisco, Sigit brings over 35 years of experience across Indonesia’s capital markets, spanning securities brokerage, investment banking, and asset management.

Under his leadership, Sequis Asset Management is taking decisive steps to meet today’s challenges head-on. The firm is expanding its portfolio of diversified investment solutions, emphasizing risk-adjusted returns, and adopting a future-ready approach, all aimed at navigating market uncertainties while delivering consistent value to investors.

What drives you, and what strategies have you implemented to engage new audiences while embodying your unique leadership style?

What drives me is a deep commitment to continuous improvement, both personally and professionally. I believe in consistently challenging myself and the organization to evolve, grow stronger, and create greater value each day. My leadership style is collaborative and transparent. I believe in working closely with my team, staying hands-on, and fostering a culture where open communication, accountability, and results-driven thinking are the norm.

To reach and engage new audiences, I’ve implemented a multi-channel strategy that reflects my collaborative and adaptive leadership approach. While we continue to leverage traditional platforms such as print media to maintain our presence among established audiences, we’ve also embraced digital channels, especially social media, to connect with a younger, more dynamic investor base. This shift not only broadens our reach but also encourages two-way dialogue, aligning with my belief in open communication, agility, and staying hands-on in a rapidly evolving landscape.

How do you leverage past experiences that are beneficial in your current role?

My past experiences have been instrumental in shaping the way I lead today. Over the years, I’ve held senior leadership roles at institutions such as PT Aberdeen Asset Management (a subsidiary of Aberdeen Group plc), PT NISP Asset Management, PT NISP Sekuritas, and PT Bank Danamon Indonesia. These roles allowed me to develop deep expertise in asset management, corporate governance, and client engagement.

My early career in information technology, where I served as Deputy General Manager, also laid a strong foundation for embracing tech-driven solutions. This background has enabled me to integrate technology effectively to streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation within the organization.

Additionally, founding and leading PT Interperdana Cemerlang strengthened my entrepreneurial mindset and sharpened my ability to build and scale businesses from the ground up. This diverse foundation, spanning fund performance, regulatory compliance, and business development, equips me to lead Sequis Asset Management with strategic clarity, operational agility, and an unwavering commitment to delivering long-term value for our clients and stakeholders.

How do you stay updated with ongoing market trends, and what skills do you prioritize when evaluating fresh candidates?

To stay ahead in a fast-changing market, I rely on a combination of industry reports, market analytics, regulatory updates, and insights from professional networks. I pay particular attention to developments in digital transformation, compliance, and evolving investor behaviour, all of which are critical to sustaining our competitive advantage in today’s asset management landscape.

Staying competitive also requires attracting and nurturing top talent. When evaluating candidates, we prioritize those with expertise in sales, information technology, and business process management, areas that are central to our growth. Sales professionals enhance client engagement and distribution, IT specialists accelerate innovation and digital adoption, and business process experts help streamline operations and drive scalability.

Across all roles, we look for individuals who demonstrate adaptability, analytical thinking, digital fluency, strong communication, and a collaborative spirit. Most importantly, we value a continuous improvement mindset, which is a trait that aligns closely with our culture and the dynamic nature of the asset management industry.

What are the best industry practices you mentor your team to deliver seamless financial services to clients?

I mentor my team to uphold a client-first mindset, placing the needs and goals of our clients at the center of everything we do. Leveraging technology to drive operational efficiency and enhance service delivery is a key focus, alongside maintaining clear, transparent, and proactive communication.

I emphasize continuous learning, adaptability, and a strong ethical foundation to ensure we remain aligned with the evolving expectations of the market. Equally important are collaboration, innovation, and unwavering compliance with regulatory standards, all of which are critical to earning trust and consistently delivering seamless, high-quality financial services.

What is the future you have envisioned for your organization? Also, what advice do you give to the young generations?

As a leader, my vision for the next five years is to foster a culture anchored in innovation, collaboration, and resilience. I believe in leading by example, by driving personal growth, empowering teams to reach their full potential, and cultivating a mindset that embraces change while delivering meaningful impact. For Sequis Asset Management, this means expanding our market presence, accelerating sustainable growth, strategically leveraging technology, and nurturing a highly skilled, empowered workforce ready to navigate future challenges.

To the next generation of leaders, my advice is simple, ‘embrace lifelong learning, lead with resilience, and prioritize collaboration over authority’. True leadership is not about command, it’s about enabling shared success. Working together unlocks creativity, amplifies potential, and drives real progress. These values are essential for thriving in today’s fast-paced, competitive world.

Sigit Wiryadi, President Director, Sequis Asset Management

Sigit has over 35 years of experience across securities, asset management, and investment banking, bringing deep expertise and strategic insight to Indonesia’s financial industry. Currently, Sigit serves as the President Director of Sequis Asset Management in Jakarta, where he leads the firm’s growth and innovation agenda. He holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the prestigious California State University, San Francisco.