Compared to most other industries, banking is highly profitable. However, whether it can actually make money still depends on specific operational conditions.
Take Guang'an Bank as an example. It currently has total assets of 200 million Hong Kong dollars, liabilities of 190 million Hong Kong dollars, and net assets of only 10 million Hong Kong dollars. Due to its mediocre operations, last year's net profit was under 1 million Hong Kong dollars.
If Guang'an Bank remains unchanged, a 5% profit share would amount to less than 50,000 Hong Kong dollars, a pitiful sum.
However, with Xia Yu's resources injected into Guang'an Bank, it will definitely expand, making a net profit of 10 million Hong Kong dollars achievable.
Moreover, Liu Tianci is confident that he can manage Guang'an Bank to that level. At that point, a 5% profit share would be 500,000 Hong Kong dollars. Adding the previous annual salary of 1 million Hong Kong dollars, his earnings would surpass his current salary at HSBC Securities.
In the future, Liu Tianci would also strive to develop the bank further to increase his income. As the bank's revenue grows, so will his share of the profits, which he deserves.
After all, he has to consider that 95% of the fruits of his labor go to Xia Yu. It's only fair that he gets some compensation for his efforts.
Of course, the 5% is also Xia Yu's consideration.
This is different from Yan Wenhan's situation with Jiuding Media Company.
When Yan Wenhan joined Jiuding Media, the company was already well-developed, and his joining came at a low cost. He wasn't an exceptionally top-tier talent, and he was unemployed at home. Given his situation, a 1% profit share was already generous.
But Liu Tianci's situation is entirely different. Guang'an Bank has just been acquired and is still in a low period. Liu Tianci needs to develop it, which is much more challenging.
Moreover, Liu Tianci originally had better treatment and development opportunities. Without knowing that Xia Yu was a reborn individual, Liu Tianci was willing to risk abandoning his golden job at HSBC to join Xia Yu's venture. Xia Yu had to offer something substantial; otherwise, Liu Tianci would harbor some reservations, even if he didn't voice them.
Offering him a larger incentive to motivate him to work harder is reasonable.
"Boss, give me five days to complete the handover at HSBC Securities before resigning," Liu Tianci requested.
Xia Yu, however, shook his head, surprising Liu Tianci.
Without waiting for Liu Tianci to ask, Xia Yu explained, "There's no rush. I have a plan to execute. I don't want Guang'an Bank to attract attention, and I need you to keep an eye on things at HSBC."
Liu Tianci frowned, thinking Xia Yu wanted him to act as an insider. He was somewhat resistant.
He couldn't betray his former employer for personal gain, even if Xia Yu asked him to. If Xia Yu did request such a thing, Liu Tianci would reconsider his view of him.
Realizing this, Liu Tianci expressed his concern, "Boss, isn't that inappropriate?"
"Haha, don't misunderstand. I'm not asking you to act as an insider. I just need you to keep an ear out for any information and alert me in advance," Xia Yu clarified, understanding Liu Tianci's concerns.
Liu Tianci relaxed and was about to ask further when Xia Yu said, "Let me explain the plan to you. Once you hear it, you'll know what to do."
Liu Tianci nodded and focused intently on Xia Yu, waiting for him to elaborate.
"You should know that Yihe has been acquiring and taking over other companies and assets over the years. Unfortunately, I am also their target. Recently, they took action against me, and I nearly faced a setback. So the enmity has been established!"
Xia Yu painted himself as a noble victim to justify his actions and stir Liu Tianci's sense of shared animosity.
"Since Yihe wants to take my assets, there's nothing more to say. I am also targeting Yihe's subsidiaries, and I have raised over 1 billion Hong Kong dollars. Fighting Yihe is absolutely not a problem!"
Liu Tianci's eyes widened, and his breath quickened. He didn't expect Xia Yu to present such explosive news immediately.
Targeting Yihe's subsidiaries and raising over 1 billion Hong Kong dollars? If what Xia Yu said is true, then fighting Yihe is definitely feasible. With proper planning, there's a high chance of overtaking one or two of Yihe's companies.
Moreover, the crucial point is the 1 billion Hong Kong dollars in funding. Xia Yu managed to raise this amount, comparable to all the funds he managed. It's almost unbelievable, and Liu Tianci wondered how Xia Yu did it.
Of course, if Liu Tianci knew that this money was all from Xia Yu, he would likely be shocked beyond belief. But such details are not for him to know.
While Liu Tianci was in awe, Xia Yu continued.
"But you also know the influence of Yihe. Even HSBC Bank likely has its connections with them. Therefore, my 1 billion Hong Kong dollars cannot be kept in HSBC. I need a bank that belongs to me to ensure the safety and confidentiality of the funds. That's why I acquired Guang'an Bank."
Upon hearing this, Liu Tianci nodded in understanding, finally comprehending why Guang'an Bank was acquired at this particular moment.
However, Liu Tianci's excitement grew. He didn't expect Xia Yu to have such a significant backing, raising over 1 billion Hong Kong dollars, and planning to place it all in Guang'an Bank. The situation at Guang'an Bank was far beyond his expectations, and he felt like he had won the lottery!
It was a pleasant surprise. He initially thought Guang'an Bank was just a small bank, and he braced himself for a tough few years. But now, it seemed like Guang'an Bank was a hidden treasure, and the surprise came so suddenly!
"Guang'an Bank will be renamed to Jiuding Bank. It will become the financial center for all my enterprises."
"Renaming it will also have significant benefits. At least the reputation and credibility won't have to be built from scratch, and business will be easier to develop."
"But until my plan is complete, I don't want Yihe to know I own a bank. With the bank just being acquired, and the staff not fully trusted yet, if Yihe investigates, they might find clues, increasing the risk."
"So until my plan is complete, Guang'an Bank must remain very low-profile. That's why the news of Guang'an Bank's change of ownership hasn't been made public yet."
"If you quit your position at HSBC Securities to join Guang'an Bank now, it will definitely attract a lot of attention. Do you understand now?"
Xia Yu finished with a smile.
Liu Tianci nodded solemnly, realizing that moving to Guang'an Bank at this moment was not suitable.
"You also know that my funds are currently in HSBC, and I'm using HSBC's financial leverage. I'm worried that Yihe might employ dirty tactics. So, while you're at HSBC Securities, you'll have more up-to-date information. Notify me in advance, and I can respond in a timely manner," Xia Yu explained.
"Rest assured, Boss. I will keep a close watch and report any news to you immediately!" Liu Tianci assured.
Since this was not about betraying HSBC but helping Xia Yu guard against Yihe, he would not refuse.
Even if Xia Yu weren't his new boss, Liu Tianci would still help based on their friendship.
Moreover, both of them were Chinese, and they should stand together against the British.
"Well then, I'm counting on you!" Xia Yu said with a smile.
"But you also have work to do. I'm giving you the task of thoroughly understanding Guang'an Bank and devising a development plan. Once my plan is complete, we'll immediately implement the bank reforms, so you need to come up with a complete plan as the bank's general manager."
Xia Yu's smile faded as he gave his instructions.
"Okay, I'll do my best!" Liu Tianci promised with a nod.
"During this period, Liang Dingbang will remain as Guang'an Bank's president. I'll take you to meet him now. He will hand over everything to you. You should contact him for any needs."
"Got it!"
...
Afterward, Xia Yu took Liu Tianci to Liang Dingbang. Upon seeing Liu Tianci, Liang Dingbang was surprised and began to wonder.
As one of the top figures at HSBC Securities, Liu Tianci was well-known to Liang Dingbang, and that made him curious.
Not letting Liang Dingbang dwell on it, Xia Yu introduced, "Mr. Liang, let me introduce you. This is Liu Tianci, General Manager of HSBC Securities Kowloon Branch, who will be taking over as General Manager of Guang'an Bank."
"Tianci, this is Liang Dingbang, the President of Guang'an Bank."
"Hello!"
Liu Tianci smiled and extended his hand.
Liang Dingbang quickly shook Liu Tianci's hand and expressed, "I didn't expect Mr. Liu to be taking over. With Mr. Liu's abilities and Mr. Xia's strong support, Guang'an Bank will surely thrive."
While speaking, Liang Dingbang was also impressed by Xia Yu's ability to recruit elite executives from HSBC in just a few days. He wondered how Xia Yu managed it!
...
After some pleasantries, Xia Yu said to Liang Dingbang, "Mr. Liang, I need you to stay on for a while. Tianci will need some time to complete the handover of his duties at HSBC Securities."
"During this period, Tianci will gradually familiarize
himself with Guang'an Bank. Any information or resources he needs should be provided by you. Please ensure a smooth transition."
"Mr. Xia, rest assured. I will cooperate fully!" Liang Dingbang promised with a serious expression.
"One more thing: until Tianci officially takes over, do not disclose any information about his job change."
Xia Yu gave his final instruction.
"Don't worry, I'm very discreet!" Liang Dingbang assured with a nod.
"Mr. Liang, I will rely on you at that time!"
"No trouble at all. It's my responsibility!"