Moving to Asia - HK vs SG?
I currently work at a BB in London and am interested in transferring to Asia. My bank runs a decent 1-2yr internal transfer programme for associates and I've been told this move should be achievable, however I don't speak Mandarin and from what I've read that is likely to be a big problem, at least in HK.
Has anyone on here made a similar move from NYC/London to HK/Singapore? Are there many western bankers working in HK and how hard is it to get by in the industry without speaking any Mandarin? Is Singapore an easier move?
Friend of mine did 2 years in NY as a banker at MS, then moved to HK for 1-1.5 years in the same role. White guy, didn't speak any Asian languages.
Singapore is a better option in my opinion
Can't speak Mandarin / other asian language - how big of a disadvantage is this for Private Banking in HK/Singapore? (Originally Posted: 02/18/2014)
Apologies if I have put this in the wrong forum.
I'm from Australia and looking to get into Private Banking at a BB in HK/Singapore. However, I can't speak Mandarin (a few years back I was at a conversational level). I am confident that I can get my Mandarin to a very good level in 2 years.
How badly will this hinder my chances of getting an interview / getting an offer?
In terms of my CV I went to a well known uni in Sydney, graduated with high marks in finance and did a BB IBD internship but didn't like it.
Any input would be much appreciated.
you'll get a huge paycut if you go to those countries compared to aus.
but on your topic, close to no disadvantage.
HK more singapore less
No disadvantage as long as you are a hot chicks
Recruiting in HK vs SG (Originally Posted: 08/25/2011)
Hi, I apologize if this question has been asked before.
I graduated from a non-target in the US in June with a 3.55 GPA, which includes grades from one year spent at HKU. I've done two internships at small regional boutique banks in California, but was not able to secure any FT offers.
I'm interested in working in IB in either HK or Singapore, but don't speak any Mandarin. Is there any insight I can get on how this would affect me when networking, applying, and going through the recruitment process in these two places? And also, just in general what the recruitment atmosphere is like in HK and SG for foreigners.
Thanks, I really appreciate any information I can get.
Banking in Singapore is mostly middle office - ops work. Singapore = Pure English, although Mandarin is an official language. Singapore is all relationships or you graduated from SME and NUS.
HK is a financial powerhouse, but Shanghai is gaining. Long line for Hong Kong.
Singapore is easier for foreigners.
Advise you apply to DB in HK for a top shop, or HSBC.
Thanks. But if that's the case in Singapore, where does the front office work for South East Asia get done? I figured that it would be SG.
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