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Exclusive | Mainland Chinese financial firms seeking strategic Hong Kong headquarters on the rise: Citigroup

Hong Kong is an ideal platform for mainland and international companies aiming to expand globally and pursue opportunities across Asia

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Mainland Chinese lenders and Citigroup Hong Kong are partners, not competitors, according to Citi Hong Kong CEO Aveline San. Photo: Edmond So
Enoch Yiu
A growing number of mainland Chinese financial institutions and international companies have shown interest in establishing regional headquarters in Hong Kong to tap into increasing business opportunities across the region, according to the head of Citigroup’s local unit.
Aveline San Pau-len, Citi Hong Kong CEO and head of banking, said many mainland banks and international financial institutions would like Citigroup to help set up their headquarters in the city to serve clients who wanted to expand globally.

“Mainland lenders and Citigroup Hong Kong are not competitors; [rather] we are partners,” San said in a recent exclusive interview with the Post. “We are the bankers of these mainland banks and financial institutions, supporting their business expansion plans into Hong Kong and overseas markets.”

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She said Citigroup “has a physical presence in 94 markets” and that many of its “banking and corporate clients would like us to help them go global, as we have the networks and talent to serve them”.

Many international companies from the US and other regions favour Hong Kong as a gateway to access mainland China and the broader Asian market, according to Citi Hong Kong CEO Aveline San. Photo: Sun Yeung
Many international companies from the US and other regions favour Hong Kong as a gateway to access mainland China and the broader Asian market, according to Citi Hong Kong CEO Aveline San. Photo: Sun Yeung
As an international financial centre, Hong Kong was an ideal springboard for many mainland financial institutions, fintech start-ups and various companies to expand into other markets, according to San.
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