Wealth & Finance International 10 Developing Diverse Interests he Global Group has developed diverse interests, ranging over banking, property development, financial services, ed- ucation, media, entertainment and leisure, sports, gaming, telecoms, mining, biotechnology and much more. Dr. Hon explained to us how the company helps their clients to invest and how it invests itself, both alongside its clients and independently. He also explained Global’s mission, the steps they take to achieve it, as well as their approach to client service. “At the Global Group, we have introduced many UK companies to the op- portunities in China and we have helped a number of Chinese companies to list in the UK and elsewhere. Also, we have brought UK and Chinese companies together to co-invest in third markets. As for our clients, they are varied - they include well-established firms, start-ups, and our Family Office division caters to the needs of high net worth individuals and dis- tinguished families. Currently, our headquarters are based in Hong Kong and our London office is also extremely important to our work. “The Global Group’s mission is a little complicated. Of course, like all similar companies we seek to make the maximum profits, within ethical guidelines, both for ourselves as well as for our clients and investors. However, we also seek to contribute to better relations between China and the UK, and to help developing countries to build their economies and improve their people’s standard of living. Our aim is to achieve all this by doing our homework thoroughly, working closely with all stakeholders and partners at every stage, by being ready to grasp new opportunities and by working harder than everyone else. “It may sound like a cliché, but to us the client really is King. We are learn- ing and refining this constantly, especially through our family office division. Not only do we identify their needs and opportunities and work with them closely through every stage, but we also ensure that our team members are all experts in their respective fields and that we cover all the angles.” When discussing the state of the finance industry within the Global Group’s region, Johnny reflects on some of the major challenges it currently faces. “The finance industry is one that meets with constant challenges, but it is robust and innovative. For example, Hong Kong is embracing fintech in a huge way. The greatest influence here is the continued strength of the vast Chinese market, which will continue to generate new opportuni- ties for a long time, both with the development of services and the rising consumption and brand awareness of the growing middle class, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative, that will boost infrastructure and con- nectivity across Eurasia. Presently, there are some challenges with the growth of protectionism and populism in the major western countries, but I believe these will be overcome.” It is no secret that behind every successful company is a group of dedicated, talented and innovative individuals. As for the Global Group, Johnny praises his passionate staff: “Our internal culture is one of hard work, excellence and service to the client. We do this by working as a team. Our people care about each other; they work with one another rather than against each other. Above all, I try to cultivate this by setting a positive example in everything I do and by being always accessible.” Looking ahead, Johnny reflects on the company’s success over the last 12-months and highlights what the future holds for the Global Group. As for the wider industry, he discussed with us what developments he foresees, as well as offering words of wisdom to younger generations: “Brexit will pose a certain challenge to the position of the City of London. A range of other European cities will benefit from this. However, I believe that overall the City will remain Europe’s greatest financial centre. China and China-related plays will continue to offer the greatest opportunities in the global economy. London will be in the forefront of those, for exam- ple with renminbi internationalisation. Our company was pointing these trends out long before they were fashionable or widely accepted. Adapta- tion is something we all have to do from time to time, but fundamentally, for our part, we are looking at continued development. “This has been a good year for us. We have developed rapidly and delivered for the company and for all our partners and clients. “One thing we have done successfully, and enjoyed hugely, this year and last, is to revive such classic musicals as Sunset Boulevard and 42nd Street, both in London’s Theatreland and on Broadway in New York. “I’d like to offer a word of advice and encouragement to young, aspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs: You need to have the resilience, faith and willpower to fail in some of your initial attempts, but to always pick yourself up and come back stronger, wiser and more determined. As the old saying goes: ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again.’ As your company grows and develops, you need to instil that same spirit in your team.” Company: Global Group Capital Management Ltd Address: Brook Street, London WK DB, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)20 3178 7615 Fax: +44 (0)20 3178 7616 Email:
[email protected] Company: Global Group International Holdings Ltd. Address: 54th Floor, Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central HK Telephone: (+852) 36562800 Fax: (+852) 3656 2900 Email:
[email protected] The Global Group is a venture capital, investment and strategic consultancy company, with a global outlook and a special focus on China and the UK. We invited Global’s Founder and Chairman, Dr. Johnny Hon to tell us more about this successful company. T 1707WF01