Bank of China, Hang Seng Bank look for new creative agencies

A source close to Bank of China told Campaign Asia-Pacific that a number of agencies, including The Gate, Leo Burnett, McCann and Ogilvy, have joined the bank's pitch. The first round of presentations took place last March, while the second round ended yesterday, according to this source.

The pitch covers most of the client's business. "They have over 20 people from various departments, including insurance, wealth management, private banking, corporate communications, mortgage and personal loans, on the pitch panel," the source said.

A DDB spokesperson, who confirmed that the pitch is taking place, said the agency has been working with Bank of China Hong Kong on a number of projects. "We were invited to join their recent pitch, but declined to participate," the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Hang Seng Bank called its own creative pitch shortly after Bank of China, according to sources. Leo Burnett has been the bank's creative agency for more than a decade. A source close to the pitch said Bravo Asia, DDB, DraftFCB and McCann are believed to be joining and the pitch presentation is scheduled for July.

Maxus is the long-term media agency for Hang Seng Bank, but it is believed the pitch does not include media.