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For expatriates in general, bankers and non-bankers alike, the lack of detail and specificity around the proposed legislation is most troubling. That, and the fact that the legislation is coming from Beijing and bypassing the Hong Kong legislature.

Any unique concerns from bankers in light of potential U.S. sanctions in response to legislation in Beijing?

Because so much is not yet known about the new legislation, including specific sanctions against financial institutions, bankers are adopting a wait and see attitude.

What does Hong Kong’s banking sector stand to lose in the event of materially reduced interest from international talent? Does talent diversity matter?

In a business, financial and trading hub such as Hong Kong, international talent is very important. Local and mainland Chinese talent is more accomplished than ever before, but it is the mix of different ideas and practices that international talent brings from other jurisdictions to mix with local talent that makes Hong Kong what it is today. The future of banking, as well as tech and healthcare, depends on this mix of talent.

Robert Grieves is the chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. In addition, he is also the founder, chairman and CEO of Hamilton Advisors Ltd, a strategic communications firm based in Hong Kong. Following a 12-year career in journalism for The Times (London) and The Economist (both in Beijing), and Time magazine and Forbes (both in New York), he has been a renowned communications specialist since 1989.