FOAHK Summer Internship Programme 2024
The rapid accumulation of wealth in the Asian region has supercharged the family office sector. As family offices expand in size and transition across generations, their demands naturally evolve and diversify. Recognising this, many family offices and asset owners acknowledge the necessity for a clear strategy, sound governance and infrastructure, along with efficient operational execution. These objectives are best achieved through bespoke and professional management.
The question that follows is whether Hong Kong, as a premier global hub for family offices, possesses a talent pool capable of supporting the continued growth of this flourishing industry.
The FOAHK is an independent family office trade association established in 2020. As a non-profit consultative industry body, we represent family offices advising ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families on governance, investment, and strategic matters. Serving as the voice for the family office industry in Hong Kong, we aim to drive dialogue between industry participants, advocate for legislative and regulatory matters favourable to the industry’s development, and facilitate knowledge exchange within the community. Through these efforts, we strive to reinforce the city’s global leadership in the industry, attracting and retaining investment and top talent for sustained industry growth and prosperity.
Since our establishment, the FOAHK has been committed to cultivating family office talent by bringing together government, industry, and academia to nurture the next generation of family office executives. We believe that talent development is a critical pillar for the industry’s future.
To effectively navigate the industry’s fast-changing dynamics, managing a family office demands more than specialised skills in any single discipline. Talent must possess all-rounded management capabilities and a thorough understanding of the purpose, operations, and diverse functions and services of a family office.
Through our tailored programmes and opportunities, including our annual case competition and internship programme, we aim to provide students with insights into the operations and infrastructure of family offices, their compliance with regulatory mandates, and the interplay between stakeholders within the family office ecosystem.
We are committed to fostering the next generation of family office leaders – passionate and enthusiastic individuals empowered by innovation to tackle the growing complexity and diversity of both financial and non-financial needs within the family office business.
We welcome applications from undergraduate and graduate students based locally who are eager to explore the family office and/or asset management industry. Applicants must be available between mid-June and late-August.
Throughout the programme, alongside your work experience with our esteemed employers, you will engage in various group activities such as exclusive training sessions, on-site visits, seminars, and workshops. These opportunities will allow you to interact with key players in the family office ecosystem, including regulators, private and investment banks, financial service providers, and fund houses, among others.
These sessions will offer insights into how different industry participants collaborate with wealth managers to create sustainable, long-term value and meet clients' investment goals. Furthermore, through on-site visits to prominent institutions spanning diverse industries, you will have the opportunity to interact with senior thought leaders and investment experts. This will broaden your industry network and enhance your understanding of sectors both within and beyond finance.
Your responsibilities may include:
• Screening incoming funds and advising the investment committee on investments
• Conducting market research, due diligence, and financial analysis
• Assisting in operations such as launching new funds and executing deals
• Identifying private deal opportunities in the market and new distribution channels for secondary market products
• Collaborating with legal and compliance on investment structures, KYC processes, and negotiation.
• Any ad-hoc duties as assigned.