Macquarie's Steven Lu is optimistic about the potential for financial services in Asia, and the Group's continued expansion in the region

The launch enables Macquarie Group to tap Asian investors, as well as to support key corporate clients. Head of Investment Banking, Nicholas Moore, said the expansion would give the Group critical mass in institutional broking in the region.

"The focus for Macquarie Securities is to strengthen the existing Asian equities platform, add more facets to the business and bring clients an even wider range of innovative products," said Mr Moore.

"Hong Kong is a regional base for our operations in the Asian market," explained Steven Lu, director of Macquarie's Corporate Communications for Asia. "Hong Kong offers us a world standard of infrastructure for the financial sector in communications, availability of related professions, media and multiculturalism. It also has an accommodating corporate taxation regime, a stable currency and regulatory regime, and a mature legal system."

"Its proximity to the Chinese mainland and the ability to reach any Asian destination within a 5 hour flight are added advantages," added Mr Lu.

With regard to expansion into the mainland, plans will be made in response to client needs and the pace of market and regulatory developments there.

"We have recently opened our first corporate advisory office in Beijing to complement our existing businesses in property development and management, and mortgage securitisation advisory," said Mr Lu.

"We are optimistic that with improving corporate governance, and regional governments interested to promote the development of the financial sector in domestic markets, it would be a major benefit for our businesses in the region."

Macquarie Group first set up operations in Hong Kong in 1994, and today houses over 200 staff.

The Hong Kong operations cover various business areas, including derivative warrants and structured products, institutional cash equity trading, corporate and structured finance, real estate investment and advisory, equity research and sales & distribution.

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Macquarie Group, Hong Kong

*Macquarie Bank Limited does not conduct banking business in Hong Kong. It is not an Authorised Institution under the Banking Ordinance and therefore is not subject to the supervision of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.