Is there any way in the current world to make it to mainland China or HK?
I am already learning chinese, so that part is obviously an issue to be worked on.
I am more talking about the general chance. I am from continental Europe and my LT partner is from mainland china. We have talked about that topic multiple times... so i would like to collect some actual information.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, breaking into the Hong Kong or mainland China finance job market as a foreigner is challenging but not impossible. Here are some key insights:
Language and Cultural Barriers:
Opportunities in Specific Sectors:
Challenges in the Current Market:
Alternative Strategies:
Personal Considerations:
In summary, while the path to Hong Kong or mainland China is tough, focusing on niche sectors, leveraging your unique skills, and building a strong network can improve your chances. However, it’s wise to have alternative plans in case the market proves too restrictive.
Sources: The future of Hong Kong high finance, How’s working in Hong Kong?, The future of Hong Kong high finance
Very hard. HK isn't like it was in the 90's or even early 2000's where it was dominated with pockets of British, American and even some Australian expats. Chinafication of HK since 2020 has ended that dream. HK finance is also being integrated within China, huge deals involving both HK and mainland, deeper PE means now with a growing capital market. Culture is also very old school and think a clear preference for Mandarin speakers. Very hard to break in unless you haven't been in HK for time
Making it to mainland China? Other than on an assignment by your European company, no way - and these expat assignments have been significantly scaled back in recent years and are now mostly used for very senior executives who are sent over to run things.
HK is slightly less impossible but as the other poster noted, it’s very different now compared to the 90s. Unless you have some highly sought-after skills or special business relationships, you are highly unlikely to get a high finance job there even with fluent Mandarin/Cantonese.
Source: European with strong personal ties to the region, fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, several years of IB experience. Have tried to make the move myself but didn’t get anywhere and just gave up in the end.
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