HSBC

The Traded Risk team serves as the first line of defence for the APAC region's trading desk activities. Upon identifying risks, the team analyses them and applies relevant mathematical and statistical models built by the modelling teams. On the Market Risk side, I performed a peer review analysis based on the Pillar 3 reports of the GSIBs, conducted a gap risk analysis for the USD–CNY volatility curve, executed VaR and sVaR shock analyses for USD and JPY curves, and summarised the proposed Basel 3.1 regulations. In Stress Testing, I assisted the team in updating model methodologies and acted as the model risk manager for one model, aiming to improve its efficiency and accuracy using Python. I also performed annual model monitoring and built a tool to test model effectiveness.

A notable aspect of the internship was the emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. By working in diverse groups, I experienced an environment where different perspectives and ideas were welcomed. This not only enhanced my problem-solving skills but also taught me the importance of effective communication and interpersonal relationships in the workplace.

The internship required a good understanding of financial products, stochastic calculus, programming and statistical modelling. The RMSC programme curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in statistics and finance and applied knowledge of programming in R, VBA, and Python, which helped me stand out during the placement. Furthermore, the one-credit RMSC courses incorporated soft skills that helped me to secure the internship and thrive in a professional environment.

Overall, the RMSC curriculum, coupled with the internship experience, has given me the confidence to tackle challenges and excel in a professional setting. I am grateful to HSBC and the RMSC Department for this opportunity and the support that I have received during my time at the university.


Carens-Georgia-Pangabdi
BSc in Risk Management Science
Maples Fund Services (Asia) Limited



Last summer, I interned at Maples Fund Services (Asia) Limited for three months. During this tenure, I had the opportunity to rotate across various teams, including Fund Accounting, Registrar and Transfer Agency, Client Onboarding, and Anti-Money Laundering. My primary responsibility was to prepare a net asset value package for hedge fund clients, involving regular cash and position reconciliations, price verifications, and financial statement generation using Advent Geneva and Bloomberg Terminal. This task enhanced my knowledge of accounting and the structure of hedge funds and different types of securities. Additionally, I conducted quality assurance testing on a newly implemented Advent Geneva function aimed at automating expense booking. This involved assessing its functionality and identifying potential issues to ensure reliability and effectiveness. I also learned to provide services to the investors of the fund, especially in handling subscription and redemption requests. I gained valuable experience of analysing and extracting relevant information from the Private Placement Memorandum of both Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds. Furthermore, I learned the steps and actions needed to identify and mitigate risks related to money laundering, terrorist financing, and other criminal activities to ensure compliance with all required regulations for the fund and its investors.

The RMSC programme equipped me with essential knowledge in finance, investments, statistics, and mathematics, which helped me gain this internship opportunity and excel during my time there. The analytical skills developed during the curriculum proved to be extremely useful in the learning process, even for the areas not explicitly covered by the programme. Overall, the curriculum provided strong support during my internship journey.


Tai Wing Lam
BSc in Quantitative Finance and Risk Management Science
ING Bank N.V., Hong Kong Branch



The QFRM programme plays a crucial role in equipping students with fundamental concepts for banking and finance, setting the stage to kick-start my career in investment banking. During my 6-month internship at ING Bank’s Corporate Finance team, I actively supported the team in various M&A marketing pitches and live deal executions. My responsibilities included preparing pitch books, reports, and transaction materials, conducting financial analysis and valuation, performing industry and market research, and assisting with due diligence processes. I had the opportunity to contribute to cross-border M&A deals in various sectors such as renewables, transport & logistics, and diversified industries, gaining valuable exposure to the dynamics of investment banking. The learning curve was undeniably steep, thanks to the support from seniors who were always willing to teach. Ultimately, this internship provided me with a valuable platform to apply the financial knowledge I acquired from my QFRM coursework to real-world situations.


Yau Ka Man
BSc in Quantitative Finance and Risk Management Science
Morgan Stanley



The six months at Morgan Stanley were invaluable. I rotated into two very different desks – Listed Derivatives Sales Trading and Prime Brokerage Sales – where I was so fortunate to learn about not only my desks but how the Institutional Equity Division coordinates as a whole. The first desk offered practical exposure in block crossing and client engagement over macro futures, while the latter allowed me to delve into the full suite of services offered to hedge fund clients. I am genuinely grateful about the strong curriculum at QFRM that prepared myself with both industry and product knowledge to quickly adapt to desk work and become an effective contributor.