Soon-to-depart chief of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Charles Li Xiaojia hinted that he would not retire from the industry and possibly take on a new role as a business owner.
«My passion is in finance, and I will stay in Hong Kong which has been my home for 26 years,» according to an «SCMP» report citing Li's Mandarin-based response in a video conference yesterday.
Li, 59, is due to exit the bourse by the end of the year, where he worked for 11 years, and be replaced by Calvin Tai, current co-president and chief operating officer, on an interim basis from January 1 onwards as the search for a replacement continues.
Business Owner Next
Li rejected rumors that he would consider pursuing a political career in Hong Kong or Shenzhen, adding that he will remain in the former and potentially be a business owner.
«I do not want to be an employee anymore. At my age, it will not be easy to find a new job,» he said. «I would like to see what business opportunities I can create.»
«Feed International Fish»
According to Li, an area of interest involves making closer ties between the mainland and global markets by attracting more international listings in Hong Kong, akin to the various existing cross-border schemes launched under his watch.
«I want to see more international firms listing in Hong Kong in future,» he illustrated.
«This will allow investors to buy international stocks via the Connect schemes, just like using water to feed international fish.»
