Analysis of Operations & Technology, Shared Services, Foreign Banks and SMEs Financing Needs

The 5^th lecture of Citi-Fudan University Banking Courses consists of 2 parts, with the first part “China Operations & Technology and Shared Services” delivered by Stacey N. Lacy, head of operations & technology, Citi China and with the second part “外资银行与中小企业融资” (Foreign Banks and small and medium size firms financing) delivered by Zhang Jiannan, director manager of commercial bank, Citi China.
Stacey began her lecture by asking the question “What is operation?” Then she described operation and technology goals set in the year 2011. One of those goals she paid special attention to is the security issues. The data security issues nowadays have becoming an increasing controversial hotspot. Great differences are easy to investigate between the traditional bank and the current bank. Stacey spent a lot of time in introducing the organization chart of China Operation and Technology, followed by a brief introduction to Operations Model which is basically made up of 4 periods: Technology, CTI, CRS and CSS. O&T principles are worth mentioning, because they are considered to be the foundation of OStacey began her lecture by asking the question “What is operation?” Then she described operation and technology goals set in the year 2011. One of those goals she paid special attention to is the security issues. The data security issues nowadays have becoming an increasing controversial hotspot. Great differences are easy to investigate between the traditional bank and the current bank. Stacey spent a lot of time in introducing the organization chart of China Operation and Technology, followed by a brief introduction to Operations Model which is basically made up of 4 periods: Technology, CTI, CRS and CSS. O&T principles are worth mentioning, because they are considered to be the foundation of O&T, Citi China. Center of Excellence in China (COEs) includes CDPs and CSTS, which Stacey gave a detailed analysis from 4 aspects: Facts, Awards/Recognition, Strengths and Priorities/Challenges.The last part was about the leadership. As Stacey said, leadership is not doing your own things. Actually, leadership involves learning from your peers, colleagues and customers, evolving with the environment, adding value and making decisions. Stacey ended her presentation with a quote sitting on her desk, a quote saying “Leadership is the ability to hide panic”.

After a short break, Zhang Jiannan, director manager of commercial bank was warmly welcomed. Mr. Zhang brought us a Chinese presentation concerning small and medium size firms financing issues. She outlined the presentation by 3 questions: the first question is “What is called the small and medium size firms?” The second one is “Why did the banks want to do financial services to support small and medium size firms?” The third one is “Why do the banks establish independent departments to deal with the services regarding small and medium size firms?” Zhang cracked the topic by firstly analyzing the current situation of small and medium size firms in China, including the definition of small and medium size firms, current domestic financing services status, lack of enough attentions paid to those small and medium size firms and the influential factors brought by development of the foreign banks. In detail, Zhang explained a lot about the layout in the context of small and medium size firm financing. Zhang also pointed out how to get effective financing support for small and medium size firms in China. At last, Zhang introduced commercial bank of Citi China, which is considered to be a reliable partner for the developing small and medium size firms.

It is not surprise to see that today’s 2 graceful ladies from Citi China were rewarded “the light of wisdom” as usual.They both were very delighted to share their knowledge and experience with the Fudan MBA students who also were very satisfied with the practical experience from the real business world.

Written by 徐大钊 (2011 Fudan-MIT IMBA)
MBA Program
Nov. 15^th, 2011