At the recent asset management forum in Shanghai, CGTN reporter Wang Tianyu sat down with Alexandre Werno, CEO of the BNP Paribas-Agricultural Bank of China joint venture, to discuss his on-the-ground experience in the Chinese mainland’s evolving financial market.
As the financial sector in the Chinese mainland continues to open up, Werno sees a clear path for foreign institutions: localize or miss out. "Localization is key to success," he says, highlighting how adapting global practices to local realities can unlock new growth.
He highlights three pillars of effective localization: building local teams, tailoring global products to domestic regulations, and forging deep partnerships with Chinese institutions. This approach has helped his joint venture align international risk frameworks with local client needs in real time.
Werno also points to the rapid evolution of client expectations—digital platforms, ESG-themed funds, and sophisticated asset allocation models. By combining BNP Paribas’s international expertise with the Agricultural Bank of China’s domestic footprint, the JV has rolled out innovative solutions across wealth management and institutional services.
Looking ahead, Werno advises global players to embrace local insights from day one. "Invest in talent, respect local culture and regulations, and design products that resonate with investors here," he concludes. For him, the roadmap to success in the Chinese mainland is paved with genuine localization.
Reference(s):
CEO of BNP Paribas JV: Localization is key to success in China
cgtn.com
