Connectivity in Finance – March 2026
Connectivity in Finance (CIF) is a three‑day experiential learning event designed for HKU Business School students, offering a local field‑trip style experience beyond the classroom. The event led by Professor Anna Wong, Programme Director of the Bachelor of Finance in Asset Management and Private Banking [BFin(AMPB)], together with Professor Ivan Wong, Adjunct Professor in the Area of Finance. CIF is tailored primarily for Year 1 and Year 2 students who are keen to explore the world of finance.
CIF 2026 was held during Reading Week from 9 to 11 March, bringing together 58 undergraduate students across different programmes. Participants engaged directly with senior government officials and banking professionals across private wealth management, asset management, and corporate and commercial banking. A highlight of the programme was a financial market trading workshop hosted by AmplifyME, which provided students with hands‑on exposure to sales and trading, allowing them to experience the fast‑paced dynamics of financial markets.
The event was well received by all the students, with some extracted comments quoted below:
“The programme challenged assumptions I had made too early, broadened my view of what a finance career can look like, and showed me that relationship-driven roles can still be analytical, demanding, and market-relevant. For that reason, this programme was not only enjoyable, but genuinely impactful for my personal and professional development.”
Ensi Qiao, BFin(AMPB) Year 1
“The programme offers opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with senior professionals transformed the session from a passive learning experience into an active exchange of ideas. This programme not only strengthened my interest in wealth management, but also motivated me to further develop both my technical skills and market awareness as I prepare for a future career in finance.”
Rex Fung, BFin(AMPB) Year 1
“The programme was more than just a series of company visits; it was a journey of professional discovery. The experience has not only deepened my understanding of the financial industry’s diversity but have also significantly sharpened my focus on the specific areas I wish to pursue and the skills I need to develop further.”
Thomas Fei, BFin(AMPB) Year 2
“The programme has broadened my industry knowledge, sharpened my professional skills and reshaped my attitude towards challenges. The combination of high-level policy insights, direct conversations with industry leaders and intensive simulations created the perfect bridge between classroom theory and real-world application. I am genuinely grateful for this opportunity and feel much more prepared for my future in finance.”
Boris Kung, BFin(AMPB) Year 2
(1) Meeting Senior Government Official – March 9 Morning
Students met with Mr. Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, The Government of the HKSAR. Mr. Chan addressed Hong Kong’s positioning and development as an international financial centre, detailing government initiatives in fintech, green finance, and the integration of virtual assets into traditional finance. Also emphasised how students should equip themselves to navigate today’s increasingly complex environment.
Some comments from the participating students:
“This session brilliantly set the program’s foundation, covering Hong Kong’s economic outlook and future development. Speaker made the complex topic accessible, explaining Hong Kong’s strengths and challenges clearly.”
“The greatest takeaway was learning the tangible and intangible factors that make Hong Kong a strong financial center. I learned that Hong Kong’s strong financial sector is built on solid foundations such as the rule of law, free market economy, and sound regulatory framework.”
“It is highly valuable to gain a comprehensive understanding of perspectives on Hong Kong’s financial industry, as well as the Hong Kong Government’s efforts to strengthen its position as a leading financial centre. The insights shared by the speakers provided me with a clearer view of both the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.”
(Mr. Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, sharing with HKU Business School students.)
(2) Visiting Banks and Meeting Bank Executives
Over two days, students visited three leading banks, gaining valuable exposure to both senior executives and young professionals. While the presentations by senior executives offered important insights into business strategies and industry opportunities, students particularly valued the informal interactions, such as networking sessions, casual conversations, and relaxed discussions, with young executives and division specialists. A highlight was meeting several analysts who are recent graduates of BFin(AMPB) programme, which made the experience even more relatable and inspiring.
The visits to Citi, HSBC, and Julius Baer showcased a diverse spectrum of businesses and corporate cultures. Through these engagements, students deepened their understanding of private banking at HSBC and Julius Baer, as well as corporate and commercial banking at Citi, broadening their perspective on the varied career paths available within the financial industry.
Some respective comments from the participating students:
- HSBC – March 9 Afternoon
(Group photo of Prof. Ivan Wong (front row, 5th from the right), Michel Bandi, Managing Director, Desk Head, HSBC Private Bank (front row, 4th from the right) and HKU Business School students.)
“My favourite part was the graduate panel where HSBC analysts shared their personal stories about their day‑to‑day work and how they navigated their first year in the bank. Their reflections as HKU alumni made the experience relatable and inspiring.”
“The most impactful part of the talk was the emphasis on HSBC’s collaborative culture and strong support system for interns. It showcased HSBC not just as a global banking giant, but as a community that genuinely cares about guiding its junior employees.”
“Speaking one‑on‑one with senior managements of HSBC about their career journey and insights on Hong Kong’s economic landscape gave me direction for my own aspirations.”
- Citi Hong Kong – March 10 Morning
(Prof. Anna Wong (front row, 4th from the left), Prof. Ivan Wong (front row, 2nd from the left) and Joy Cheng, Head of Citi Commercial Bank Hong Kong (front row, 3rd from the left) with HKU Business School students.)
“The panel discussion with junior analysts and associates was highly relatable — their stories about workload, learning curves, and team dynamics in Citi made the experience realistic.”
“My favourite part was the networking session — everyone from Citi was approachable and open to sharing, and I even connected with an HKU alumni for a coffee chat afterwards.”
“My greatest takeaway was that Citi offers structured training and clear career pathways, making it an excellent place to start a finance career.”
- Julius Baer – March 10 Afternoon
(Group photo featuring Prof. Ivan Wong (front row, 4th from the right), David Shick, Hong Kong Branch Manager, Julius Baer (front row, 5th from the right), alongside representatives from Julius Baer.)
“Senior management’s explanation of how a pure play private bank stays true to its values, even in dynamic markets, was insightful and memorable.”
“My favourite part was the sharing about the private banking industry — it gave me a much clearer understanding of what private bankers actually do and how they build client relationships.”
“The session was incredibly inspiring, particularly because the practitioners were so open about their nonlinear career paths. Their honesty made the industry feel more accessible and the future less intimidating.”
(3) Trading Simulation Training Workshop – March 11
Students took part in a full-day Financial Market Trading Workshop organized by AmplifyME, featuring Asset Management and Sales & Trading simulations widely used by leading firms. These simulations provided a realistic introduction to the roles of sales traders, market makers, and asset managers, offering students hands‑on insight into the dynamics of financial markets.
(Group photo of the participating students from the Trading Simulation Training Workshop.)
“The workshop gave me a deeper understanding of how asset managers and sales traders operate, and the importance of adapting strategies quickly to market changes.”
“I figured out my passion between the buy side and sell side after experiencing both simulations — it clarified my career direction.”
Connectivity in Finance (CIF) is an annual event open to all undergraduate students of HKU Business School. If you missed it this year, please be sure to look out for the next edition in March 2027!
