RELATIONSHIP managers who display empathy for customers and the ability to stay ahead of the financial markets will be at the top of human resources wish lists at banks this year.
Major consumer banks recruited 30 per cent more relationship managers last year than the year before, and private banks are aggressively recruiting wealth management staff to try to get a larger slice of Hong Kong's banking market.
Recruitment of relationship managers by corporate banking services is not far behind.
The recruitment drive is largely in response to growing customer demand, as more Hongkongers become interested in increasing their levels of wealth.
Maisie Lam Choy Wing-yee, Citibank global consumer group human resource director, said relationship managers needed to focus on the customer to be successful in the industry.
'Five years ago, customers may have been satisfied if you informed them about the product range and features, but now you need to understand the customer's risk appetite, their financial goals and help them to achieve a balanced portfolio in order to reach that goal,' Mrs Lam said.
'They are a lot more knowledgeable about the market.'