Switzerland-based Julius Bär Gruppe AG CEO Bernhard Hodler said Asia will see an increase in M&A activity over the next three years, Finews reported Oct. 10.

Hodler said growth in Asia is not as strong as before, and that some players could leave the market due to high costs, the report said, citing an article in The Business Times.

The Swiss lender will also look to expand in the region via partnerships. The Swiss bank recently sold a 40% stake in its unit Julius Bär Wealth Management Ltd. to Japan's Nomura Holdings Inc. Julius Bär Wealth Management serves Japan-based clients.

The bank hopes to grow assets by as much as 6% per year, he said.