CEO Insights Magazine

In Hong Kong, a global hub for finance and investment, financial consulting professionals are at the forefront of innovation. They navigate cross-border markets, adapt to regulatory shifts, and provide world-class advisory services across wealth management, corporate finance, and mergers and acquisitions. Their ability to interpret global trends and implement practical strategies reinforces Hong Kong’s reputation as a vital center for financial consulting excellence. A leading industry expert is Patric Lau, Deputy General Manager of Business Development at Funderstone Securities Holdings.

Patric's journey reflects perseverance, curiosity, and continuous learning. Starting his career immediately after high school in the banking sector, he gained experience across multiple institutions before managing more than a billion US dollars in assets at the State Development Bank. This experience inspired him to strengthen his academic foundation by earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.

Since joining Funderstone in 2018, Patric has played a key role in overseeing merger and acquisition activities and expanding the firm’s securities business. Under his leadership, Funderstone ranked among Hong Kong’s Top 20 IPO Financing Securities Firms in 2020 and 2021. As the market evolved, he shifted focus to wealth management and regional client development across Asia. A committed lifelong learner, Patric holds several professional certifications and is pursuing a PhD in Enterprise Management. His journey reflects the qualities of a modern financial leader, strategic, adaptable, and driven by purpose. Let’s hear more from him. 

What are the factors you take into consideration while suggesting your offerings to clients?

When advising clients, my process begins with a thorough understanding of their unique financial profile rather than immediately recommending specific products. I start by evaluating their current financial position, investment horizon, risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and overall life goals. I also take into account broader economic trends, market conditions, and regulatory factors that could influence the client’s portfolio.

Once I have a complete picture, I develop a tailored strategy designed to meet the client’s objectives while balancing risk and opportunity. After the client approves the proposal, I oversee its implementation, ensuring seamless coordination across all involved teams. I continuously monitor performance, reassessing and adjusting the strategy in line with market shifts or changes in the client’s circumstances.

This client-centric, disciplined approach ensures that every recommendation is grounded in both relevance and adaptability. It helps create solutions that are not only effective in the short term but also sustainable and value-driven over the long run.

Describe your leadership style. How are you promoting a cooperative and productive workplace?

My leadership style is rooted in openness, collaboration, and accountability. I believe strong leadership starts with active listening and a genuine respect for diverse perspectives. I encourage every team member to share ideas and feedback, fostering an environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. While I value collaboration, I also ensure that strategic direction remains clear and that goals are pursued with discipline and attention to detail.

When challenges occur, I approach them methodically, first by understanding their underlying causes, then by engaging the team to cocreate sustainable solutions. This process promotes shared ownership and continuous learning. I also prioritize transparent communication, clear role definition, and recognition of individual and collective achievements, all of which enhance motivation and trust.

By balancing empathy with accountability, I cultivate a workplace culture that is both cooperative and performance-driven. This leadership approach not only strengthens team cohesion but also drives consistent, high-quality results aligned with organizational objectives. 

How do you keep yourself up-to-date with ongoing industry trends to steer your organization towards the future?

My approach to staying current with industry trends begins with continuous observation and rigorous information gathering. I actively follow global financial news, research publications, policy updates, and thought leadership from key market influencers. Engaging in direct discussions with industry peers and experts also helps me gain diverse perspectives on emerging developments.

I integrate this knowledge by synthesizing fragmented data into clear, actionable insights that reveal broader market patterns. Independent analysis plays a central role in my process; I rely on logical reasoning and informed forecasting to anticipate potential shifts rather than simply reacting to them. My academic training, especially under the mentorship of my doctoral advisor, has greatly refined my ability to apply analytical and practical frameworks to complex financial challenges.

This disciplined, research-based methodology ensures that my insights are both data-driven and forward-looking. It enables me to guide my organization with clarity and confidence, preparing it to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a constantly evolving financial landscape.

What is the future destination you are heading towards?

Looking ahead, my aspiration is to further expand my expertise and influence within the financial industry by integrating academic insight with practical application. I aim to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world financial strategy, creating innovative solutions that drive sustainable growth. My ongoing PhD studies in Enterprise Management underscore my dedication to continuous learning and strategic development.

In the coming years, I hope to play a more active role in advancing cross-border financial innovation, particularly contributing to the evolving financial landscape in Taiwan. I believe that international collaboration and data-driven insights will be key to shaping the future of finance. Beyond personal achievement, I am equally passionate about mentoring emerging professionals, guiding them to cultivate analytical rigor, ethical decision-making, and adaptability in an ever-changing market.

Ultimately, my vision is to combine scholarship, innovation, and leadership to make a lasting contribution to the global financial community while inspiring the next generation to do the same.

Based on your experience in the industry, what advice would you give to aspiring leaders in the field?

I would advise aspiring leaders to remain curious, cultivate independent thinking, and prioritize integrity in all decisions. Effective leadership requires actively listening to your team, embracing change, and balancing data-driven insights with core values. True leaders inspire trust, address challenges thoughtfully, and foster the growth of those around them. Leadership is not merely about directing others; it is about guiding with purpose, supporting development, and creating an environment where teams can thrive while achieving shared goals. 

Patric Lau, Deputy General Manager of Business Development , Funderstone Securities Holdings

Patric Lau is the Deputy General Manager of Business Development at Funderstone Securities Holdings. With extensive experience across banking, investment, and securities, he has led M&A activities, IPO financing, and wealth management initiatives. A lifelong learner, Patric holds multiple professional certifications and is pursuing a PhD in Enterprise Management.

Hobbies: Reading, Listening to Music, Swimming
Favorite Cuisine: Japanese Food
Favorite Book: The New Human Resolution by Daisaku Ikeda
Favorite Travel Destination: Taiwan

Awards & Recognition:
- Forbes Global Alliance Allifianz Committee Board Member
- Commission Member of International Affairs of the EU-CHINA COMMISSION