Lau Ka-shi, managing director and chief executive for BCT, said, 'We are not a bank, we are a trust company, and that word truly encompasses not only what we do, but who we are. We are not just dealing with people's money, but their future livelihood as well.'

As new companies and members are continually joining BCT's programmes, they expand organically from 10 to 20 per cent every year and, combined with a fairly typical annual turnover rate, openings and opportunities are plentiful.

While experience may not be necessary, technical skills for more functional positions are required. For fund management roles, prudence, precision and experience are critical. Other traits BCT looks for in candidates are motivation, excellent communication skills and comprehension, common sense, and a knack for effective problem solving.

Perhaps the most vital attribute though is absolute integrity, a characteristic 'that is not optional, but obligatory'. The company deals with billions of dollars of other people's money and as clients are quite literally placing their future in BCT's hands, reliability and caution are non-negotiable.

Compliance, marketing and customer service personnel are also key areas for BCT, as the company finds itself catering to clients on a more individual basis. Fund administration people and IT engineers are also important. BCT boasts one of the most comprehensive data centres in the industry and as a fairly new company - it was formed in 1999 - its IT platform is based on cutting-edge technology.

There are 25 specific vacancies, primarily in client services, IT and operations.

There have been situations where positions have actually been created for individuals with that certain 'spark' found during the interview process. It is not uncommon for the company to hire someone within a few hours of the interview.

'While we may not necessarily fit the applicant for the position, we will almost always actively find a fit for an exceptional candidate, because they are often hard to find,' Ms Lau said.

New recruits undergo in-house and external training and mentoring programmes, depending on their responsibilities. When key talent is identified, BCT executes a broad but focused succession planning system and career development path for those individuals, as talent retention is crucial to the firm's sustainability and growth.

Another telltale sign of commitment to serving the community, while nurturing employees, is the company's corporate social responsibility programme, which includes community activities and is infused into the day-to-day operations.

The CSR committee comprises employees from different departments.

There are also a number of benefits in place for BCT staff. It was one of the first organisations in Hong Kong to establish a five-day work week and paternity leave for husbands and fathers-to-be. The company maintains an alumni network of former employees who have left on positive grounds, allowing them to participate in CSR or recreational activities.

'We are a local company committed to the local workforce, regardless of where they are from. We want to show everyone that a local company with a vision is just as good, or better, as any foreign international corporation,' said Ms Lau.

BCT was founded as a consortium between a number of leading local banks and, since its establishment, it is one of the top five MPF service providers in Hong Kong, and also deals with a number of other pension, trust and retirement programmes.

In a nutshell

BCT is a trust consortium specialising in MPF and other pension, trust and retirement schemes

It employs about 300 people and with 10 to 20 per cent organic growth per year, the need for suitable talent is perpetual

There are 25 specific vacancies in client services, IT and operations

It offers a variety of in-house and external career development and talent retention programmes

It is one of the first companies in Hong Kong to establish a five-day work week and paternity leave for staff