CEO Insights Magazine

The role of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) in a business is pivotal, overseeing the daily operations and ensuring that the company's strategies align with its objectives. COOs typically manage various aspects of the organization, including operational efficiency, resource allocation, and implementation of policies to drive growth and profitability. They often collaborate with other C-suite executives to streamline processes, optimize workflows, and enhance overall performance.

Chief Operating Officer at Ten Asset Management, Hill Yu brings over a decade of extensive experience in the Asset Management industry to his role as Chief Operating Officer at Ten Asset Management. His expertise spans across multiple key areas, encompassing the orchestration of asset management startups, adept operation of the Type 4 and 9 SFC licensing corporation, establishment, and management of funds, as well as proficient portfolio management and risk control.

Hill Yu's comprehensive skill set also includes expertise in internal and sales compliance control, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards while optimizing operational efficacy. With a proven track record and proficiency in navigating various facets of asset management, Hill Yu plays a vital role in steering Ten Asset Management towards sustainable growth and success within the industry. Let’s read.

Can you briefly outline your professional background and experiences? Also, what drives your daily routines?

I completed my Master of Science (MSc) in financial mathematics at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and obtained Type 4 and 9 licenses as a responsible officer under the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong.

My daily motivation stems from my commitment to improving my family's quality of life. With a focus on providing a comfortable life for my wife and children, their happiness and well-being serve as the primary fuel that drives me forward.

How would you characterise Ten Asset Management as a company and its current standing in the market?

Ten Asset Management stands as a rapidly advancing entity within the asset management sector. The term ‘Ten’ in Chinese signifies a tenfold return, illustrating our aspiration not only to deliver substantial returns to our investors but also to ascend as a leading and influential enterprise in asset management. Our vigor, youthfulness, and readiness to confront challenges are intrinsic to our belief that overcoming obstacles is integral to business growth and eventual success.

Our distinctive corporate culture fosters a transparent management environment, encouraging our staff to chart their career paths. We firmly believe that our company's growth emanates from the development of our people, hence fostering an environment that values open communication and encourages free expression of ideas.

As a small market-cap company managing assets worth USD $200 million and overseeing two hedge funds – Ten Fund Global and Spring River Greater China Fund – we differ from traditional hedge funds. Our focus prioritizes the enhancement of fund performance over fund capital raising. We believe that our investors' support is best appreciated through delivering strong fund performance. Looking ahead, our goal is to elevate our company to a mid-market cap status, aiming to grow our existing assets under management to USD $1 to 2 billion within the next 5 years.

Please elaborate on your approach to leadership. What principles or methodologies guide your leadership style?

My leadership style can be succinctly described as 'transparency.' I firmly believe that transparency serves as the linchpin for maximizing the productivity of our team and fostering effective connections among individuals. I actively encourage our team members to express their thoughts openly in front of their colleagues. This not only promotes collaborative brainstorming but also brings diverse perspectives to the table. I've found that this kind of transparency in thoughts encourages individuals to readily share their experiences and expertise, fostering mutual learning and growth among our staff members. This personal and professional development adds significant value to our company.

Simultaneously, our management direction remains transparent to all staff members. It's crucial for me that our team understands the workings of the company. For instance, we ensure that our staff is informed about the rationale behind our investment decisions and various management policies. I actively listen to their feedback, creating an environment that genuinely cares about everyone's perspectives and opinions.

How do you stay informed about current industry trends to guide your organization's path forward?

I maintain daily communication with professionals in the asset management industry to remain updated on the latest industry insights. Additionally, I am deeply interested in exploring how advancements in information technology can propel our sector's development. For instance, I actively engage with various instant messaging platforms to participate in different groups, including investor and asset manager communities, allowing me to grasp the industry's evolving needs.

Moreover, I leverage artificial intelligence technologies like ChatGPT to receive recommendations on the most recent trends within asset management. This AI-powered assistance significantly aids me in understanding and staying abreast of the dynamic shifts occurring in our industry.

Can you discuss some significant hurdles you've faced during your journey thus far? How did you navigate these challenges, and what lessons did you glean from them?

One of the most formidable challenges we encountered revolved around the stringent enforcement of compliance and anti-money laundering regulations by regulatory bodies. This escalation significantly impacted compliance costs. Fortunately, our close rapport with investors proved invaluable. When the regulatory authorities introduced new policies, our investors proactively collaborated with us to fulfill all compliance procedures. Their active involvement not only facilitated adherence to the new regulations but also underscored their staunch support for our funds.

Where do you envision the company heading in the future?

Our immediate aim is to bolster the company's infrastructure, particularly by integrating artificial intelligence to streamline operations, reducing costs, and boosting overall efficiency.

In the long term, our aspiration is to scale the company significantly, elevate our human resources to industry-leading standards, and establish ourselves as a trailblazer and exemplar within the industry.

Hill Yu, Chief Operating Officer, Ten Asset Management

Hill Yu brings has amassed extensive experience in the Asset Management industry. Having spent a decade in the industry he specializes across multiple key areas, encompassing the orchestration of asset management startups, adept operation of the Type 4 and 9 SFC licensing corporation, establishment, and management of funds, as well as proficient portfolio management and risk control.