China Universal Asset Management (Hong Kong), a wholly-owned subsidiary of its Shanghai parent company, is recruiting finance professionals to start operations in the local market and, in due course, develop an international business.

"We are looking for senior portfolio managers, compliance managers and dealers as well as people to join our sales and distribution, administration and operations teams," says Doris Wong, chief marketing officer of the mainland's 13th-ranked asset management firm. "According to [mainland] regulations, asset managers need to set up a platform in Hong Kong before developing overseas markets."

As a new set-up in a highly regulated business sector, the company is particularly looking for experienced people to take on leadership roles and drive the business. Applicants should be able to adapt to a mainland-style corporate culture and work environment.

"These days, China-based corporations want to move quickly," Wong says. "Whenever the leadership team launches a new initiative, staff have to respond promptly. Therefore, candidates should be flexible, dynamic and able to adapt to new strategies."

Applicants should appreciate how the market has changed since the financial crisis. "You need to understand the rules of the game and where they are different," she says. "Candidates must be able to explain and implement changes."

Vital skills  

• Essential for applicants to have relevant work experience, excellent language proficiency and good communication skills
• Senior portfolio managers will need at least five years' experience in managing public investment funds