Through its recent efforts, CICC demonstrated a strong and diversified presence in M&A, capital markets and brokerage, surpassing competitors in a turbulent year.

Hang Seng Bank has made robust progress with its efforts to expand its footprint and offering across the Greater Bay area.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, Nanyang Commercial Bank (NCB) has a wide service network in Guangdong province and Hong Kong, with over 80% of its corporate clients being small and medium-sized enterprises. The bank is seizing cross-border opportunities and is dedicated to expanding its business in the Greater Bay Area for its SME clients.

China Guangfa Bank had a successful year underpinned by sound financial performance, digital innovation and strengthened cross-border financial services. Its vice-president of transaction banking is Guangwen Fan.

Standard Chartered is a long-established international bank in the Greater Bay Area, with a strong commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. Recognizing the growth of cross-border e-commerce in the GBA, the bank has partnered with Linklogis to offer an e-commerce financing solution that leverages real-time Amazon transaction data, providing up to $1 million in overdraft facilities without requiring bank statements or collateral.

Bank of China (Hong Kong) has demonstrated a strong focus on advancing cross-border financial innovation in the Greater Bay Area.

HSBC has demonstrated robust growth and innovation. It expanded its wealth-management offerings and enhancing support for high-tech and green financing. Its local head is Daniel Chan.

Standard Chartered launched its Wealth Management Connect (WMC) in 2021, with the bank delivering its 2.0 version in 2024. Enhancements to the platform include developments in the participating institutions, investors and investment product range that now better meet the diverse needs of investors in the Greater Bay Area.

China Merchants Bank (CMB) made good progress in its technological transformation. Its commitment to customer-centricity was evident through a range of impactful developments over the review period.

At the beginning of 2024, Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK) rolled out several enhancements with Wealth Management Connect 2.0, including a 60% increase in available products, bringing the total to around 300 in the southbound connect. In addition, the bank also expanded the eligible product range in the northbound connect.