Expect Mainland China to buoy the banking sector next year

As such, more companies are seeking professionals fluent in Mandarin.

Hong Kong’s banking scene will be increasingly driven by demand for financial services from Mainland China as the One-Belt, One-Road (OBOR) project pushes banks to scale their services globally, according to Hays Hong Kong Top 10 Talent Trends for 2018.

“The OBOR initiative will bring several changes to Chinese commercial banks by fuelling steady demand for financial services; encouraging banks to “go global”; opening opportunities to accelerate Renminbi internationalization; and promote business restructuring,” Hays said in a press release.

Candidates working in Guangzhou and Shenzen but managing Pearl River Delta clients are expected to be highly sought-after by both local and regional banks.

Those with a strong grasp on Hong Kong’s financial instruments, ability to speak fluently and conduct business in both Mandarin and English have an edge over other competitors in the talent pool.

“Demand is particularly high for Mandarin-speaking Financial Controllers, CFOs, Finance Directors and HR professionals and this is expected to remain the case throughout 2018,” Hays added.

Hays also noted that project-based hiring will be another prominent talent trend in 2018 as well as increased hiring levels for digital talent across industries.

Demand for sales and marketing candidates in the pharmaceuticals and medical devices sector is also expected to grow this year.

“We are in for a busy recruitment year in Hong Kong driven by a range of factors from increasing levels of investment from Mainland China and changing regulatory environments in some sectors to emerging technologies creating greater opportunities but also new challenges,” said Hays Hong Kong Managing Director Dean Stallard.