Cover Laura Cha speaks to Tatler Hong Kong

Laura Cha, chairman of the Hong Kong Exchange, tells Tatler about Hong Kong’s staying power as a global financial centre and why its people are at the core of the city’s success

Envision is a series designed to bring hope to Hongkongers amid the uncertainty and isolation of the pandemic. Each week, we publish letters of encouragement and messages of positivity from the city’s most influential leaders in the realms of art, culture, business and sport. These deeply personal, first-person accounts from the community can be read as love letters to Hong Kong. In these trying times, the series inspires and serves as a reminder that we’re all in this together, and that we will bounce back stronger than ever.

Shanghai-born Laura Cha made history in 2018 as the first woman to be appointed chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEC). The decorated finance leader and Asia's Most Influential honouree, shares her optimism for the future of Hong Kong and why she has no doubt that talented people will return to the city once borders reopen. “Our capital markets at HKEX remain deep, liquid and vibrant, which means we remain a global capital-raising venue of choice,” she says. Read her words on the state of Hong Kong and, on a more personal note, what she did during her downtime to keep her mind off the pandemic.

March 28, 2022

Like most people here in Hong Kong, I said “not again” when the latest Covid-19 wave began in early January. I was particularly saddened as I haven’t seen some of my family for over two years.

As cases grew, uncertainty rose and restrictions returned, we all felt fatigued after being so conscientious and fighting this virus so hard for so long. Everyone has had to adapt to these difficult circumstances and painstakingly show their resilience and that, for so many, has been very challenging. But our resilience and the responsibilities we have for one another have kept us going.

There is no better example of this than the volunteers at Hong Kong’s community vaccination centres. I was inspired to see them work so tirelessly and selflessly to ensure that the vaccination process advanced smoothly and safely. They truly represent the very best of Hong Kong. I would like to thank them for all that they have done.

At HKEX, we have remained focused and resolute throughout the pandemic. Our responsibility is a crucial one as we play a vital role in connecting investors and business both here in Hong Kong and all over the world. Despite the impact of ongoing geopolitical events, global economic uncertainty and Covid-19 restrictions, we have successfully maintained a robust, fully functioning and orderly stock market, and we have continued to facilitate the vital flow of capital between east and west throughout the last few years.

Our team has been amazing in this regard: they are dedicated to ensuring that our business and markets thrive, especially now when everyone needs connectivity more than ever. As a business, we have worked hard to ensure the health and wellbeing of our staff, ensuring our teams stay connected when they are working from home and safely bringing critical employees onsite when needed. We have also placed great importance on good communications; not just with our staff, but with the market and our customers too.

As we all move forward, I’m optimistic about the future. That’s partly because some of Hong Kong’s travel rules and social distancing restrictions will be relaxed in April. We have had to face the challenge of many talented people leaving Hong Kong in the last few months, but I am confident that as Hong Kong returns to normal we will be able to attract talented people again.

I also have faith in those around me coming out of these challenging years stronger than ever. Though Covid-19 restrictions have meant that I have caught up with books and TV shows that I have always wanted to enjoy, I am a people person and I crave personal contact with my friends, family and colleagues. I am looking forward to socialising and travelling again.

On a more wider level, I am optimistic because the core tenets of Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre remain intact - namely the free flow of capital, robust infrastructure, deep pool of talent, globalised ecosystem, transparent markets and internationally aligned regulatory regimes.

I’m also optimistic because I see a key role for Hong Kong in the coming years. We are unique as a city in what we can offer the world: a trusted partner at the confluence of east and west.

Capital markets have a key role to play in our shared sustainable future, connecting ideas, entrepreneurs, investors and companies at a time when the world needs more connections, not fewer.

Our capital markets at HKEX remain deep, liquid and vibrant, and the steady stream of reforms we have made over the years mean we remain a global capital raising venue of choice.

Now, as we look to the future and the many megatrends that are defining the way we live, such as environmental social governance and digitisation, and the growing influence of sectors and geographies, such as the new economy, biotechnology and the Greater Bay Area, it’s time to work together. We must do what international financial centres do best and adapt to the new world. 

—Laura Cha

Laura Cha is an Asia’s Most Influential honouree from 2021. Discover the changemakers, industry titans, and powerful individuals who are making a positive impact on the region in the Asia’s Most Influential list from Tatler.

 

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