CEO Insights Magazine

In the complex world of finance, legal leaders are the guardians of integrity. Their role transcends mere compliance; it's about navigating ethical currents and safeguarding organizational trust. Like sentinels, they guide through regulatory mazes, ensuring every step aligns with the law. Their expertise not only shields against legal pitfalls but also fosters a culture where integrity and compliance are woven into the fabric of every transaction and decision.

Brian Yeung, General Counsel & Director of Compliance-APAC at Interactive Brokers Group (IBKR), is one such luminary with over 20 years of experience in the Finance Industry. Throughout his career, he has specialized in Legal & Compliance roles within Investment Banking and Brokerage Firms, with a strong focus on Fixed Income, Equities, Equity Derivatives, and Future Products. Brian has spent the last 13 years providing regional coverage in APAC, collaborating closely with Senior Group Executives, front and back office teams, external consultants, and Law Firms to ensure regulatory adherence and operational excellence. He brings extensive leadership experience, having managed legal and compliance strategies that support business growth and regulatory compliance across diverse financial markets.

In an exclusive interaction with CEO Insights Asia, Brian Yeung enlightens us more about his professional traits and leadership attributes.

Tell us your story of starting your profession in the legal field & the fuel behind your perseverance.

My journey in the legal field began after earning a commerce degree in Sydney, Australia, in 2002. Intrigued by law, I pursued a postgraduate degree while working full-time. Initially, I balanced both full-time study and work, achieving top grades, but later switched to part-time law studies. By 2008, I had completed my law degree and began my legal career at a top tier Australian Financial Services firm, eventually moving to a regulatory role.

In 2011, I relocated to Hong Kong, joining IBKR in 2013 as Head of Legal and Compliance. Over the years, my role expanded to cover Hong Kong, Australia, India, Japan, and recently Singapore, focusing on diverse laws, including privacy and HR regulations.

My fascination with law was sparked by courtroom dramas and a natural inclination for argument. It further solidified through my commerce studies and commercial law courses, ultimately guiding me toward a fulfilling career in financial services law.

Share with us your expertise in recommending changes to an organization's policies and how do you utilize your previous experiences to ensure value is brought to the business.

My approach to recommending changes in organizational policies centers on thorough risk assessment and effective communication. I draw from extensive experience across diverse jurisdictions like Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, India, and Japan, where regulatory landscapes vary. Understanding these nuances sharpens my ability to identify issues and tailor solutions that meet regulatory requirements.

I prioritize clear, balanced communication, particularly when delivering potentially adverse news. This involves contextualizing risks within broader regulatory goals, fostering constructive dialogue, and steering the organization toward consensus on necessary adjustments. By focusing on strategic outcomes and aligning policies with regulatory standards, I ensure the organization remains compliant and competitive.

Furthermore, managing teams across these diverse jurisdictions enhances my cultural competence and ability to navigate differing perspectives. Regular interaction with APAC as well as US and European colleagues refines my skills in cross-cultural communication, vital for articulating complex legal issues effectively.

Tell us about your leadership approach. How do you impart your knowledge to guide your team to bring out their best potential?

My leadership approach focuses on guiding rather than managing, fostering a culture of mutual respect and continuous development. One key lesson I've learned is to control the urge to react impulsively.

While initial reactions are often accurate, they can be misinterpreted if delivered with emotion. Instead, I emphasize listening, thinking, and then responding thoughtfully.

I tailor my guidance to the team's needs, considering their experience levels and perspectives. As our team grows, we integrate more junior members, requiring a nuanced approach to leadership. I strive to put myself in their shoes, understanding their objectives and guiding them toward achieving the best results for themselves and the team.

Honesty and open communication are fundamental. I encourage my team to challenge my decisions and provide feedback, fostering a two-way street of respect and mentorship. This collaborative approach helps individuals reach their full potential, ultimately benefiting the entire organization.

How do you manage the balance between your personal & professional lives?

Balancing personal and professional lives as an industry leader is challenging but crucial. I prioritize family time alongside work, benefiting from flexible hours to manage both effectively. During critical work moments, I may sacrifice rest to meet deadlines, ensuring I maintain equilibrium. Family is my main focus outside work, driving me to prioritize their needs over personal downtime. This balance is essential for my well-being and productivity. Additionally, hobbies like exercising, particularly strength training and cardio classes, serve as stress relief and mental clarity boosters, crucial in managing the demands of leadership effectively.

What is your advice to individuals stepping into the legal field while hacking future opportunities?

My advice for those entering the legal field is to pursue it for the right reasons—genuine enjoyment of the law, its intricacies, and the challenge of critical analysis and discussion. Avoid entering solely for perceived prestige or financial rewards, as a lack of passion makes success harder. Enjoying your practice area and the law itself is crucial for long-term satisfaction and effectiveness. As your career progresses, prioritize work-life balance and downtime to manage pressure effectively. Maintaining clarity and composure ensures you can provide sound, thorough legal advice consistently.

Brian Yeung, General Counsel & Director of Compliance – APAC, Hong Kong

Brian Yeung, boasts over 20 years in the Finance Industry, specializing in Legal & Compliance for Investment Banking and Brokerage Firms, with extensive experience in Fixed Income, Equities, Equity Derivatives, and Future Products. He has held senior management roles for over 13 years, overseeing regional operations & collaborating closely with Senior Group Executives, front and back office teams, & external consultants.