Ascentium acquires ZICO Corporate Services as part of SEA expansion

Singapore-based global business services platform Ascentium has announced its successful acquisition of Zico Holdings, a corporate services business provider specializing in secretarial services, trust administration, and regulatory compliance for Southeast Asian markets.

The acquisition will integrate ZICO’s corporate services with Ascentium’s operations in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, as well as absorb its corporate and trust/trustee business in Labuan, Malaysia.

“With over three decades of success, ZICO contributes its legacy of operational excellence, deep regional experience, and a distinguished portfolio of premium clients,” Ascentium wrote in a press release published Thursday.

The acquisition is the latest development in Ascentium’s rapid expansion into the Asian Pacific business services market. Last year, it acquired HR outsourcing technology firm Links International and Harneys Fiduciary, a corporate trust and services provider with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

The company also purchased InCorp Global, a corporate services and business advisory solutions provider, in 2024, and is expected to complete its transition in 2026.

Ascentium co-founder and CEO Lennard Yong said the deal with ZICO ‘marks an important advance in our Southeast Asia growth strategy and represents a crucial milestone toward building a leadership team with unmatched regional expertise.’ He also noted the company’s ‘entrepreneurial culture and market knowledge’ and its local market expertise and premium clientele closely align with Ascentium’s goals.

Kelvin NG, chief executive of ZICO Holdings, said the acquisition marks a ‘pivotal moment’ for the company. “We are confident that Ascentium's leadership, platform, and global reach will enable our colleagues and valued clients to access new opportunities and enhanced solutions,” he said in a statement.

About Ascentium

Ascentium is a leading global business services platform dedicated to helping businesses scale greater heights. Headquartered in Singapore, we empower extraordinary growth through specialised expertise and comprehensive one-stop solutions in corporate services, finance and accounting, HR services, and fiduciary and trust services. Our team of 2,300+ professionals spans 44 cities across 22 markets in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, the Americas, and Europe, serving 50,000+ client entities across diverse industries. Through innovative, technology-enabled solutions and a collaborative approach, Ascentium drives transformative growth, helping clients navigate complex global environments.

About ZICO Holdings

ZICO Holdings Inc. ("ZICO" and together with its subsidiaries and associated companies, the "Group") is an integrated provider of multidisciplinary professional services. ZICO was listed on the Catalist Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited on 11 November 2014. ZICO is widely regarded as the Trusted Advisors and Go-To Professional Services Provider of business solutions in the ASEAN region. Through its multidisciplinary services, regional capabilities, and local insights, ZICO creates a unique brand offering that enables its clients to capitalise on opportunities across Southeast Asia.