Barclays' Strategic Shift in Asia Pacific Private Equity: Neel Laungani's Appointment and the Rise of Institutional Demand

Barclays' recent appointment of Neel Laungani as Head of Financial Sponsors for Asia Pacific marks a pivotal moment in the bank's strategy to deepen its footprint in the region's private equity (PE) landscape. Laungani, a veteran banker with 29 years of experience, brings a rare blend of expertise in financial sponsors and the Technology, Media, and Telecom (TMT) sectors, honed during stints at Lehman Brothers, Credit Suisse, and Deutsche BankBarclays appoints Neel Laungani as Head of Financial Sponsors for Asia Pacific^[1]. His role—based in Hong Kong—will focus on transaction origination, execution, and strategic client coverage, aligning with Barclays' broader ambition to strengthen its position as a global leader in financial sponsorsBarclays appoints Neel Laungani as Head of Financial Sponsors for Asia Pacific^[1].

A Credible Operator in a Complex Market

Laungani's career trajectory underscores his credibility in navigating the intricacies of emerging markets. As former Head of TMT in APAC at Lehman Brothers and Vice-Chairman of TMT Coverage at Credit Suisse, he has advised on high-stakes deals across volatile geographies. His appointment follows a period of turbulence in Asia-Pacific PE, where 2024 saw a 11% increase in deal value but a sharp decline in fundraising, with Asia-Pacific-focused funds closing at a 10-year lowAsia-Pacific Private Equity Report 2025^[2]. This dislocation reflects broader global challenges, including a 23% drop in private equity fundraising, yet Barclays' move signals confidence in the region's long-term potential.

The bank's strategy is further contextualized by the resilience of private markets. According to Barclays Private Bank, PE funds captured 50.5% of private capital fundraising in the year-to-date 2024, with global closed-end private capital funds projected to grow from $14.7 trillion in 2022 to $19.6 trillion by 2028New Report: Private Equity continues to lead Private Markets^[3]. This growth is driven by a shift in investor preferences toward experienced managers, who have secured over 88% of new PE capital raised in 2024New Report: Private Equity continues to lead Private Markets^[3]. Laungani's track record—leading financial sponsors coverage at Credit Suisse and managing complex TMT deals—positions him to capitalize on this trend.

Institutional Demand and Strategic Realignment

Institutional investor demand in Asia-Pacific PE is being reshaped by macroeconomic and geopolitical factors. Deloitte's 2025 Asia Pacific Private Equity Almanac notes that falling interest rates and narrowing valuation gaps are encouraging general partners (GPs) to pursue new deals, while geographic realignment and corporate carve-outs are becoming central to optimizing returns2025 Asia Pacific Private Equity Almanac^[4]. This aligns with Barclays' focus on expanding its advisory and equity capital markets (ECM) capabilities with sponsor clientsNew Report: Private Equity continues to lead Private Markets^[3].

The region's dry powder—record stockpiles of uninvested capital—further underscores the urgency for strategic deployment. Bain & Company's 2025 report highlights that Asia-Pacific buyout investments reached $138 billion in 2024, an 8.1% increase from 2023, marking the second-best year for PE dealmaking in a decadeAsia-Pacific Private Equity Report 2025^[2]. However, the challenge lies in converting this capital into value amid heightened competition and market uncertainty. Laungani's appointment reflects Barclays' recognition that operational expertise is critical to navigating these dynamics.

The Bigger Picture: Why Barclays Matters

Barclays' strategic shift is not an isolated move. McKinsey's Global Private Markets Report 2025 notes that while fundraising remains challenging, capital deployment has grown by double digits across asset classesAsia-Pacific Private Equity Report 2025^[2]. For institutional investors, the stakes are high: PE vintages from 2011 to 2022 have outperformed the S&P 500, with venture capital funds delivering even stronger returnsNew Report: Private Equity continues to lead Private Markets^[3]. Yet, the complexity of private markets demands specialized guidance, particularly for high-net-worth individuals and family offices seeking alignment with personal values or global trendsNew Report: Private Equity continues to lead Private Markets^[3].

Laungani's role is thus twofold: to act as a bridge between institutional investors and Asia-Pacific's evolving PE ecosystem while reinforcing Barclays' reputation as a trusted advisor. His deep understanding of TMT—a sector expected to drive growth in the digital economy—positions the bank to tap into high-potential opportunities in technology-driven sectorsBarclays appoints Neel Laungani as Head of Financial Sponsors for Asia Pacific^[1].

Conclusion

Neel Laungani's appointment is a calculated response to the shifting tides of Asia-Pacific private equity. As institutional demand for experienced operators grows and market complexities deepen, Barclays' investment in his expertise signals a commitment to not just participating in, but leading, the region's next phase of private market development. With stabilizing interest rates and a renewed focus on strategic deployment, the stage is set for a new era of institutional engagement—one where Barclays, under Laungani's leadership, aims to deliver outsized returns in a landscape defined by both risk and reward.