By Teh Shi Ning

PHILANTHROPY, if seen as long-term structured giving, instead of the sporadic writing of cheques to charities, should not be affected by the latest credit crunch, said Mark Evans, head of Family Business and Philanthropy at Coutts & Co.

He was in Singapore to launch RBS Coutts' philanthropy services in Asia, with an inaugural Philanthropy Forum attended by 50 of its clients yesterday.

Mr Evans told BT that response and feedback was encouraging, despite the current economic outlook. 'Clients said we had given them much to think about and others were eager to ask David about his projects,' he said.

David Bussau, an Australian-based entrepreneur who is a founder of Opportunity International, one of the world's largest microfinance networks, spoke at yesterday's forum.

'It's just what we intended. Philanthropy's a journey, and we're here to show them how to make a start, to make a difference with their giving by taking a more structured approach,' Mr Evans said.

One prong of RBS Coutt's new initiative will be its philanthropy advisory services - creating networking opportunities for clients with potential beneficiaries and experts, and providing research and advice.

To that end, RBS Coutts will form a panel of experts to offer clients pro-bono advice on philanthropy strategies. Mr Bussau will sit on this panel alongside six to eight others who are currently involved in philanthropy and are based in Singapore.

RBS Coutts also intends to provide philanthropy portfolio management services, to help charities and foundations invest and grow their assets.

Mr Evans sees this new initiative as being about relationship building. 'Philanthropy is becoming a huge part of our clients' wealth management and financial planning, so being involved allows us to understand them better and on a more personal level too,' he said.

He is headed for Hong Kong where a similar philanthropy forum will be conducted for clients.

This article was first published in The Business Times on October 16, 2008.