CITIC Securities is the largest securities firm in mainland China. In 2013 it bought CLSA, a Hong Kong-based broker and investment bank with a long history in Asian equities.
For Chinese students at UK and US universities, this is one of the most relevant firms on any list. It's how a lot of Chinese companies raise money and do deals abroad.
Why it suits Chinese students
- Mandarin is genuinely needed, not just nice to have. Much of the work involves mainland clients.
- Hong Kong and mainland deals, including IPOs in Hong Kong, which have been a large part of the market.
- A good stepping stone. Experience at a Chinese firm with a global presence reads well to the US and European banks' Asia teams later.
Writing the CV for CITIC CLSA
- Translate job titles from Chinese internships properly. A screener in Hong Kong will know the firms, but a CV also sent to London banks needs to be readable there too.
- Give your gaokao score with a percentile or provincial ranking if you include it, and convert your GPA for a UK or US reader.
- Show both sides: Chinese market knowledge and the international experience that makes you useful on cross-border deals.
Before: Intern, Investment Banking Department, a securities company
After: Investment Banking Intern, CICC (Beijing); built the comparables for a HK$3bn Hong Kong IPO of a consumer brand