A Story of Trust, Transition, and Thoughtful Partnership

Client Spotlight: Richmond Associates Asia 

A Story of Trust, Transition, and Thoughtful Partnership 

Richmond Associates is an executive search firm that matches the best talent in fundraising, engagement and advancement (e.g., alumni relations, stewardship, marketing, communications and enrolment management) with mission-driven non-profit organisations globally. Founded in 1999 in London, the company has since worked with global organisations in the education, arts and culture, health, and charitable sectors. In 2011, the company opened its second office in Sydney. In 2019, Richmond Associates expanded to Singapore in partnership with Ms. Chua Beng Hwee, former Executive Director of CASE Asia Pacific, a membership organisation for advancement professionals, in response to the region’s growing culture of philanthropy and the increasing demand for experienced fundraising professionals.

When Sonja Dunphy, Managing Director at Richmond Associates Asia, made the decision to part ways with their previous bookkeeper, she knew she needed more than just another accounting firm. What she was really looking for was a partner, someone who could bring structure to their operations, clarity to their reporting, and confidence in their compliance. 

Sonja Dunphy, Managing Director at Richmond Associates Asia

(Photo: Sonja)

That’s when she met Jaslin. 

“It was through my colleague, Beng Hwee, that I first connected with Jaslin,” she recalled. “We had just made the switch, and even in those early meetings, I could tell Jaslin and her team brought something different, something more robust.” 

While most of the day-to-day communication was managed through Beng Hwee, she remained involved where it counted. Final sign-offs, key decisions, she was never out of the loop. That transparency became a defining feature of the relationship. 

Looking back, Sonja reflected on the difference in quality between her past experience and what Jaslin and her team brought to the table. 

“The team unpacked everything we had, piece by piece. What had previously been just functional became structured, compliant, and ready for the future. That level of care really stood out to me.” 

But perhaps the most telling chapter in the story came with a leadership change. When Beng Hwee stepped away from the Asia Office, Sonja had to step into a more hands-on role in the business. In many organisations, such a transition can be stressful and disruptive. In this case, it was anything but. 

“The transition was incredibly smooth,” Sonja shared. “Jaslin made it easy. I knew exactly what she needed from me, and that made all the difference.” 

Even across time zones, the partnership has remained seamless. With a packed travel schedule and multiple demands on her time, she has been especially appreciative of the team’s calm persistence and respectful follow-ups. 

“They know how to nudge me gently, when needed,” Sonja laughed. “And when I see an email from Jaslin or her team, I know it’s worth paying attention to. It’s never just noise.” 

Though only a few months into this new chapter, Sonja feels confident. “They might be sick of me by month three,” she joked, “but so far, I can’t speak highly enough of the experience.” 

In her words, it comes down to four things: robust processes, a smooth transition, clear communication and leadership you can count on. 

And then, as if summarising the entire relationship in a single sentence, the client added: 

“There’s this business paradox piece Jaslin took on something she didn’t have to do, but she did. That says a lot.” 

At Advenz, we often say that the best partnerships go beyond compliance. This story is a reminder that when service is grounded in professionalism, respect, and care, it doesn’t just support a business, it transforms it.