Now Boarding to China, Hong Kong and Taiwan

Edward LEW: Front Office Support Hong Kong, Middle Office Tokyo, back to Middle Office Hong Kong (Deputy Head of Middle Office)

Why did you move?

I was looking to broaden my exposure when the opportunity of a position in the Equities Middle Office in Tokyo came up. The role was a natural extension of what I have been doing in Hong Kong but with a wider scope and in a new cultural environment - a move that I took onboard readily. Following the shift of the business platform from Tokyo to Hong Kong I moved back to manage the Middle Office team, bringing with me the experience gained overseas.

What were the challenges and key takeaways in the move?

The first challenge was language. Luckily I was able to pick up Japanese fairly quickly thanks to lessons organised by the Bank. Another challenge was the need to be more disciplined and structured in my thought process to communicate to team members who were less experienced. This has been a good learning experience in adapting my style to make sure I communicate effectively.

My stint in Tokyo was also an eye-opener on the systematic approach and the drive for quality in the operation process. This experience has given me another dimension in managing the team back in Hong Kong.

How have the moves helped your career?

As my scope of responsibilities develops I need to balance the requirements from the Head Office and the local teams.  This has allowed me to navigate and leverage on the resources of the network which will be very useful in my professional growth.  Needless to say, the opportunity to be exposed to living and working in another culture has been invaluable in my personal development as well.

Damien PERPILLOU: Coverage Beijing, Coverage Hong Kong, Resource & Portfolio Management Hong Kong (Portfolio Manager)

Why did you move?

After spending 2 years with BNP Paribas Beijing Branch in the Coverage area, an opportunity came up in Hong Kong with the establishment of a new Multinational Asian Coverage team. Having studied in Hong Kong I was keen to return to the territory to take up this new position, to increase my exposure to the client portfolio.

Having gained 2 more years of experience on the relationship management side, another opportunity opened in the Resource and Portfolio Management (RPM) team. Curious and eager to broaden my skill set and experience in other business aspects of the Bank, I volunteered my candidacy to this new role and has been working as a Portfolio Manager since 2007.

What were the challenges and key takeaways in the move?

The work organisation in RPM is quite different to Coverage. The team is relatively small, with a global dimension working pretty much on a "virtual" basis between Europe, US and Asia. Having said that we do have a very good level of support and interaction within the team.

The job responsibilities are indeed transversal. The main mandate relates to optimization of capital usage at origination and identification of potential exposure management needs in close liaison with the business lines, coverage, the support function and risk management. This provides a broad base to understand the Bank's business and organisation.

How have the moves helped your career?

For sure the moves broaden my perspectives and will prepare me to take advantage of challenges and opportunities in my professional life going forward.

Leslie LUM : Credit Risk International Hong Kong to Credit Risk International Shanghai (Senior Credit Officer)

Why did you move?

It all started in 2007 when BNP Paribas China network applied to become a locally incorporate foreign bank in China. One of the regulatory requirements was to have in place an on-shore Risk Management team.

Having worked in the Risk Management function in Hong Kong for 10 years looking after China related credit risks, I was offered the opportunity to take the post of Senior Credit Officer based in Shanghai. The position provides an excellent platform for me to gain in-depth understanding of China on-shore business development and risk issues much "closer to the action".

What were the challenges and key takeaways in the move?

In addition to the day-to-day handling of credit proposals, my new role also involves a close co-ordination with onshore Credit Risk Control team in Shanghai.  This is a new experience that gives me the opportunity to develop my people management capabilities.

Another major challenge is, of course, having to deal directly with regulators in China.  This calls for close collaboration with the businesses and with the Compliance team to better represent BNP Paribas vis-à-vis the local regulators. On top of that, the role also calls for increase networking with risk management professionals in other foreign banks to exchange views and to keep myself current on local credit risk related issues. It was a steep learning curve however the gains in professional exposure are tremendous.

How have the moves helped your career?

The move has given me a more comprehensive and all-rounded professional experience with increased visibility within the Group - a positive contribution to my further career growth.