Pushing the boundaries

She spent four years in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), where she cut her teeth managing crossborder operations in what proved a key period for the transformation of China’s capital markets. ‘I put tremendous effort into helping mainland Chinese financial institutions migrate from the old PRC GAAP to the new IFRS-converged PRC GAAP, while also modernising their risk management practices,’ she says. ‘I was witnessing China’s Big Four banks evolve from local powerhouses into global players. I feel privileged to have played a part in this historic journey and in advising financial institutions on going global.’

Her efforts included elevating corporate governance standards and driving the adoption of international best practices, and her work took her across Beijing, Shanghai, Fujian, Yunnan and more. It gave her insight into ‘Chinese ways of conducting business and the diverse cultural practices in different regions of the country’.

The next frontier

In 2023, she notched up another achievement, becoming the first Deloitte partner to graduate from the prestigious financial leaders programme at the Hong Kong Academy of Finance – candidates need CEO nomination and have to be recognised as emerging leaders in finance. ‘Being in a room with the industry’s brightest minds, sharing visions for Hong Kong’s financial future – those conversations and experiences changed my perspective on leadership and the financial services sector,’ she says.

At Deloitte, she manages everything from consulting and taxation to audit and assurance, but her influence goes beyond her corporate role, most notably as a past chairman of ACCA Hong Kong and a current Global Council member. ‘One of my proudest achievements was establishing the ACCA GBA advisory committee in 2019. It provides policy recommendations and organises the annual ACCA GBA CFO Summit, which has become a flagship event,’ she says.

‘ACCA’s Think Ahead philosophy really resonates with me, as the industry grapples with technology disruption and the sustainability imperative. We focus on developing comprehensive curricula that support members from their student years through to professional career development.’

One focus is ensuring the industry always stays ahead of the curve. At Deloitte, this means leveraging generative artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline data analysis, information searches and content creation, while also developing its own generative AI system.

Financial force

As Hong Kong reinvents itself as a global talent hub, Chan sees unprecedented opportunities for the accounting industry. ‘We’re witnessing a sea change,’ she says, pointing to the government’s recent inclusion of accountants and finance professionals on its talent list. ‘Hong Kong has always been a melting pot of cultures and expertise, but now we’re taking it to another level.’

Nurturing talent is all about driving innovation and success through varied perspectives, she says. ‘Finding the right balance of male and female talent is crucial in our team-based industry. Men and women often bring different soft skills to the table, and I always aim for a mixed-gender team.’

Changes are underway. According to Deloitte’s latest Women in the Boardroom report, women’s representation on Hong Kong-listed company boards has grown from 14% in 2021 to 17% in 2023. Chan is also a stalwart supporter of initiatives such as Deloitte’s SheXO programme, launched in 2019.

‘We’re building support systems that acknowledge the real challenges women face,’ she says. ‘Many of our female leaders are juggling family responsibilities with career ambitions. Our role is to say, “We understand and we’re here to help you succeed.”’ Outside of Deloitte, Chan is co-chair of the innovation and technology committee of the Hong Kong Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association.

From mentee to mentor

Chan recalls her own big career break. As a senior manager, she was made the audit lead of a Hong Kong bank, including its global consumer banking business, at a time of significant expansion. ‘I owe much of my professional success to my mentors, who were the partners in charge at the firm at the time,’ she says.

The assignment became her masterclass in global banking. As the bank expanded its footprint, Chan witnessed first-hand how banking titans crafted their expansion strategies; she was also involved in major banking acquisition deals in Korea, China, Taiwan and Indonesia. ‘These opportunities sparked my passion to further my career in professional services to financial institutions, and mentorship helped shape me into who I am today,’ she says.

Now, Chan is paying her mentors’ help forward. She is actively involved in university mentorship programmes, but one relationship stands out: a woman and ACCA prizewinner who has risen through the ranks to become a senior manager in Deloitte’s financial services group. ‘When I see her leading teams today, I see the mentorship cycle coming full circle,’ Chan says with pride.

Her advice to budding professionals, especially women, is tried and tested. ‘Take ownership of your development, master the art of communication and embrace collaborative teamwork,’ she says. ‘Success in this industry requires both competence and confidence – and having the right support system makes all the difference.’

Chan practises what she preaches in pushing boundaries. In 2023, she took up running, clocking 2,000 kilometres in her rookie year. ‘Running has become my perfect way to stay healthy, unwind and connect with friends,’ she says. ‘Looking at 2025, I plan to expand my fitness regime to include hiking and wall rope yoga.’