More than half of Hong Kong banking professionals willing to work in GBA cities

Those employed in senior management positions are the most willing to transfer.

Four in five banking professionals in Hong Kong believe that opportunities will arise in their midst through the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA), a survey by the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) found. In fact, 63% of them are willing to work in the GBA cities.

The survey found that those working for senior management positions (72%) and professionals with less than 10 years of experience (71%) were the most eager for possible relocation.

“Whether Hong Kong can benefit from the Greater Bay Area development is contingent on the territory’s ability to transport its expertise and financial acumen,” Carrie Leung, Chief Executive Officer of the HKIB said. “Professional training and qualifications will be essential to equip local banking practitioners with the key skills needed to seize those opportunities.” Leung added.

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Banks have already initiated moves in relation to the GBA project, including HSBC China which has set up its first Innovation and Technology Team in Guangdong that will focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in new economy industries like e-commerce and advanced manufacturing.

A previous study has also noted that the GBA has fuelled demand for relationship managers (RMs), eventually leading to a manpower shortage.