Knight Frank has promoted Neil Brookes, Asia Pacific Head of Capital Markets to Global Head of Capital Markets, based in Singapore, effective 1 April, 2021. This role represents the first global appointment for Knight Frank outside the UK.

Neil Brookes, Global Head of Capital Markets at Knight Frank, said: “I am delighted to lead the global capital markets strategy to service our clients in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. Structural changes in the investment market have accelerated through the pandemic and our clients are becoming ever more global. As a private partnership, we take a long-term view on providing the best possible client service and I look forward to leveraging our specialist sector expertise and unique access to global wealth to help our clients achieve their goals.  With almost 40% of UNWI projected to be based in Asia by 2025, I look forward to growing our platform in line with our clients’ ambitions, while simultaneously providing our teams with opportunities to deepen their expertise and develop their careers.” 

Having led over $8.5bn in cross-border transactions and major asset sales, Brookes currently focuses on executing investment strategies for the firm’s major clients across Asia-Pacific, whilst building capital markets capability across the region. In his new role, he will work with the firm’s global clients to harness specialist acquisition, disposal and capital advisory expertise through the existing Knight Frank platform, whilst expanding the firm’s service offering in growth markets and sectors. 

Neil has focussed on introducing new offshore capital to Australia for the last 15 years. Offshore capital drove the Australian office market like never before in 2020, taking 61% of total deal volume and 70% of total deal volume for transactions greater than $100 million. APAC was the key source, accounting for $4.1 billion, driven largely by buyers form Singapore and China. European capital was also very active, with German capital a growing presence in Australia.

Brookes will be supported by the firm’s global Capital Markets Leadership Executive, comprising Office, Industrial & Logistics, ESG, Capital Advisory and Alternative Asset Specialists. He will retain his Asia-Pacific portfolio as well as his leadership of the Asia Transactions Team.

Alistair Elliott, Senior Partner and Group Chairman at Knight Frank, adds: “Neil’s location in one of the key global wealth hubs, Singapore, and his track record and depth of relationships with investors based in Asia Pacific made him the standout candidate. As Asia becomes increasingly prominent in global capital flows, we’re delighted to future-proof our leadership with key roles based outside the UK. I am confident Neil will ensure we continue to provide the very best service to our clients, whilst fostering collaboration and developing talent across the group.”