14 | Acquisition International, Issue 2 2024 Expert Financial Services in Wealth Management General International Agency Limited (GIA) provides comprehensive financial consultancy and referral services for clients in Southeast Asian countries. Under the expert guidance of founder, CEO, and CFO, Dr. Teresa So, the company’s superior services and experienced team have received numerous awards and recognition in the industry, including Acquisition International’s Leading Wealth Management Consultancy Firm of the Year - Hong Kong award. We learn more about the company and how Dr. Teresa continues to spearhead its success in what is traditionally a male-dominated sector. Contact: Dr. Teresa So Company: General International Agency Limited Web Address: https://www.gialtdhk.com/ Having started her financial career in the 1980s, Dr. Teresa So quickly became very aware of the lack of females in the industry at the time – and how she and others would miss out on progression opportunities. She tells us, “It did happen that a few downline agents chose not to be headed by me, a woman. They conservatively thought female leaders, as compared to male leaders, were over critical with something unimportant. Over time, I dealt with my downline agents persuasively and proved to them I am not a picky leader.” She explains how, back then, most women worked in the back office, as opposed to frontline sales, while top executive positions were held by males. However, as the industry evolved over the decades, more women began joining as frontline sales, with some achieving leadership positions. Today, not only are female consultants finding they have greater access to career advancement, but they are also enjoying flexible time management to strike a balance between career and family. In 2001 Dr. Teresa founded her own financial services company, General International Agency Limited, alongside Mr. Alex Wan . Over the last 23 years, Dr. Teresa has proven herself a strong leader, as well as a passionate advocate for women in finance, sharing, “I would advise women practitioners to equip themselves and be truly professional, embrace the change, and excel in this highly competitive and ever-changing industry. To reach that level, women must keep updating their knowledge and surround themselves with smart people and role models. “One of the best ways to start with is by completing an RFC programme and pursuing an RFC professional designation. The programme not only delivers professional knowledge of the industry but also gives practitioners access to valuable insights and experience of influential industry leaders. Continuing education is always an excellent supplement. I would also advise women practitioners to exercise good time management between business and family so that they can enjoy the benefits of both worlds.” Dr. Teresa is pleased to see that career opportunities in finance are more equally available for both men and women. As such, she believes that for any individual to succeed within the industry, they should keep abreast of the rapid and frequent changes occurring across the financial landscape and keep up with market trends to identify potential risks and opportunities for clients. At GIA, Dr. Teresa has integrated core values of integrity, innovation, teamwork, and sustainability in order to achieve successful outcomes for clients. GIA places great emphasis on providing training and growth opportunities for its financial planning consultants. Over 50% of GIA’s consultants have achieved the qualification of Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) which represents the top 4% of the financial services industry’s elite. Dr. Teresa has received numerous accolades including the Industry Achievement Award, by the Life Underwriters Association of Hong Kong (LUAHK), and two awards for China’s Top 100 Outstanding Female Entrepreneurs from the Beijing Women Entrepreneurs Association. She was also appointed as the Co-Director of the Global Family Office & Wealth Management Hub by the President of Hang Sang University of Hong Kong. With almost four decades’ experience in the financial services industry, Dr. Teresa is empathetic while fostering strong working relationships, in addition to understanding the many challenges that women must navigate within the sector and aiming to inspire them to succeed. Furthermore, over the next five to ten years, Dr. Teresa predicts that more women will seek work within financial services, not only in Hong Kong and Macau but across all Asian countries. Under Dr. Teresa So’s insightful leadership, GIA will continue to accomplish its overarching mission of enhancing the lives of its valued clients and their families through the support of its expert, growing team helping them to achieve various financial goals throughout their lives and ensuring the transfer of wealth between generations to come.
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