(Yicai) Nov. 12 -- UBS Group expects stable policy measures rather than a "big bang" to boost investor sentiment in China, the most important market in Asia, the president of the Swiss investment bank's Asia Pacific division told Yicai in an exclusive interview.

"We are not expecting a big bang, but more importantly, sustainable, long-term policy measures to instill confidence in the market and entrepreneurs, and to drive consumption and investment," Iqbal Khan, who is also co-president of global wealth management, said to Yicai during a recent regulatory meeting in Shanghai.

"China is still the world's second-largest economy and the most important market in Asia, and foreign companies are paying high attention to the progress of China's stimulus policies and economic recovery momentum," the executive said.

Sentiment has improved significantly, Khan noted, highlighting a recovery in Hong Kong’s initial public offering market and activity in mainland-listed shares.

Khan's role is historic, marking the first time in UBS’s history that a global president and senior executive of a core business is based in Asia rather than at the company’s headquarters in Zurich. Looking ahead, Khan predicted that for many global financial institutions, the Asia Pacific region will be the critical strategic focus and core source of growth over the next five to 10 years.

He also emphasized that UBS has remained committed to the Chinese market, even during periods of market downturns and rising geopolitical risks, and will continue to do so.

UBS’s integration with Credit Suisse Group enhances UBS’s scale and licensing advantages, particularly in China’s asset management, wealth management, and investment banking sectors, Khan noted. UBS completed its merger with the Swiss rival in July.

Editor: Emmi Laine