Allie

Advisory Sales, Cash Equities, Hong Kong

I’ve always loved engaging with clients, trying my best to add value and generate alpha and this is the best role to do what I love. What other job asks you to learn for a living and share that knowledge?

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”

Reason to choose / join BNP Paribas

I chose BNP Paribas for its expertise in Asia Pacific, stability of the bank and opportunities in different business lines as well as mobility (which worked out for me). I loved starting my career in New York, and was also grateful for the opportunity the bank provided in Hong Kong, and look forward to other new challenges ahead!

Your job and source of motivation

My source of motivation is my daughter, as I believe every day is a day I show an example of who I thrive to be.

Any tip you want to share with candidates?

Be yourself, and show your passion.

Howard

Trader, Delta One and
Prime Trading, Hong Kong

I started as an option market maker in London, moving to Credit Suisse in 2009 to expand my trading role in banking. In 2021, I joined BNP Paribas to manage and expand our China trading business.

“Better to regret what you
have done in life than what
you haven’t.”

Reason to choose / join BNP Paribas

China markets have been growing significantly over the past several years, with onshore markets continuing to open up to foreign investors like ourselves. Being involved in the trading business over the years, I have built up good experience and knowledge, and was looking to join the best platform with biggest growth potential. BNP Paribas already has one of the best existing derivatives trading platforms on the street. With the Bank’s dedicated plan to build the Prime franchise and China platform in the coming years, it was the perfect place and timing for me to help add value and also grow myself with the platform.

Hobbies?

As a trader, I work long hours behind eight screens, sometimes trading overnight during US hours. So, I try to get involved with outside activities in my free time, to balance out and get some fresh air. Recent hobbies include surfing, tennis and hiking. I also have my boat-driving licence; being out on the sea calms me down from the volatile markets, and recharges my mind and body.

Any tip you want to share with candidates?

Grab any opportunity you have in life, both at work and outside of work. Go experience and maximise your exposure as long as the downside is limited (worst case, you waste some couch time of your precious evening). At any time or place, the people you meet or the things you get to learn could be life-changing.

Sammi

Global Markets Credit Structuring, Hong Kong

I started my career in London as a trading graduate, where I gained exposure to multiple asset classes. I then joined the Structuring team, returning to Asia in 2021 to work in the BNP Paribas Credit Structuring team.

“Play the long game”

Reason to choose / join BNP Paribas

I joined BNP Paribas APAC in 2021 after learning about its strong footprint in China. I feel well placed to help on the 2025 China Plan after building up a strong foundation of product knowledge from European markets.

Your job and source of motivation

Being a structurer, I appreciate the opportunities to work on a broad range of interesting transactions. I enjoy the intellectually challenging process that is talking to clients, identifying their needs and problems, and applying our products, markets, accounting, and legal knowledge to devise a solution to their request.

Any tip you want to share with candidates?

I strongly encourage candidates to reach out to people in BNP Paribas or in this industry, and get to know what exactly a job in Global Markets would be like. If you already have something you want to pursue, that is great; always stay open-minded and try to explore different things as much as possible.

Zhao Zhi

EQD Quantitative Research,
Hong Kong

I started my career abroad with BNP Paribas’ graduate programme in Hong Kong as a Singaporean. This unique experience took me out of my comfort zone and broadened my perspective. I deal with models, codes and numbers.

“All dreams can come true
if we have the courage to pursue.”

Reason to choose / join BNP Paribas

I did an internship with BNP Paribas before I joined the graduate programmein 2018. Apart from having a strong interest in my role, I believe the strongest pull factor for joining the team was the great mentorship I had during my internship, and the culture here that encourages growth. I feel that this is important, especially during the start of your career. Three years in, I have no regrets as I am constantly provided with opportunities to realise my potential, with continuous support from the management. This, to me, serves as a major source of motivation to work harder.

Hobbies?

I am an avid runner, and I have a secret ambition to participate in the major marathons and races across the world. I am also an explorer who enjoys conquering mountains -- a reason why I like HK given the vast number of mountains here, something not available in Singapore. I also enjoy racquet sports with tennis being at the top of my list.

Any tip you want to share with candidates?

My advice would be to give your best to whatever is in front of you. With that, opportunities will naturally come by and this cycle will help propel you further in your career. Also, as long as you have the passion or interest, do not be held back by any fears. Be brave, face the challenges and pursue them as "all dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue".

Jason

Markets 360 | Strategy & Economics,
Hong Kong

As Head of East Asia Strategy, I lead our equity and rates strategists in Hong Kong and Tokyo to develop cross asset themes and trade ideas, leveraging our expertise in East Asian markets.

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That’s why it’s the present.”

Reason to choose / join BNP Paribas

The firm has given me a lot of flexibility, in combining my macro and thematic idea generation with our traditional strength in equity derivative trading to provide more differentiated investment ideas to our clients. I’m also able to take advantage of the firm’s global footprint to engage with colleagues and clients across APAC, Americas and EMEA on a regular basis.

Your team and colleagues

I have the privilege of working with a group of talented strategists with a wide range of experience across research, structuring, trading and consulting. We are evenly split between male and female, and the four of us have studied mathematics, statistics, economics, computer science, operations research and finance in universities and graduate schools. We have also lived across the world including Japan, Hong Kong, Mainland China, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Hobbies?

I’m a bit of a nostalgic person and am often being attracted to vintage items. Early in my career, my former manager introduced me to the wonderful world of vinyl records. I was quickly captivated by the creative design of the record covers and the ritual of manually putting down the phono cartridge to play the record. Over the past 15 years, I have collected about 500 vinyl records in the classical and jazz genres from the 50s-80s era.

Jo

Global Markets APAC COO Team,
Hong Kong

I am the COO of GM APAC covering the Equities and Financing business lines, and trading and regulatory transversally. I started my career as a graduate trainee at Goldman Sachs Asia, joining BNP Paribas GM APAC six years ago.

“Vision without execution is hallucination.”

Reason to choose / join BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas has a reputation of valuing people.

Hobbies?

I have a wide spectrum of interests in sports (golf, tennis, Thai boxing, hiking, etc.), in addition to travelling, music, Chinese calligraphy, painting, cooking, coffee making and wine appreciation…hopefully the list continues to grow as I continue enjoying life and companionship.

Any tip you want to share with candidates?

Be curious, take ownership, and never settle for mediocrity.

This Could
Change Everything

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Meet Our Experts

Allie
Advisory Sales, Cash Equities, Hong Kong
Howard
Trader, Delta One and
Prime Trading, Hong Kong
Sammi
Global Markets Credit Structuring, Hong Kong
Zhao Zhi
EQD Quantitative Research,
Hong Kong
Jason
Markets 360 | Strategy & Economics,
Hong Kong
Jo
Global Markets APAC COO Team,
Hong Kong