Keen to expand its local presence, Citic Bank International is on the lookout for up to 50 professionals to fill new roles in the coming months. There will be openings for relationship managers and associates within Citicfirst wealth management, and for financial service managers.

Each relationship manager will deal with 200 to 250 clients, introduced from among the bank's own customer base, and new hires will offer traditional banking services as well as wealth management solutions.

Candidates should have a bachelor's degree as a basic requirement plus relevant work experience in finance or banking. Anyone with professional financial planning qualifications will have an advantage. 

"Commercial and business acumen, with a strong desire to achieve personal and team success, are the prime qualities we are looking for," says Felix Lau, executive vice-president and head of sales and distribution at Citic Bank International's retail banking group.

As part of their training, recruits will complete a 20-day programme to obtain wealth management certification. This will give them product knowledge, customer relations skills and preparation for day-to-day challenges.

"To make the programme more flexible we have added an e-learning system for self-study for some modules," Lau says.

During their placement at a branch, new hires will start tutorials to learn more about product knowledge, operations and get practical advice on procedures and dealing with clients.