Bank of America makes FIG hire

Bank of America has announced the appointment of Helen Pun as managing director, head of Greater China for Bank and Non-bank Financial Institutions. This is a newly created position based in Hong Kong.

Pun is currently the sole person in the new department, but has been given a clear mandate to grow the business. and when asked if she will be adding to the department, her immediate response is "absolutely".

Bank of America regional head financial institutions, Alok Kochhar says Pun's expertise will help the bank broaden and deepen its relationships in the Greater China region.

"Financial institutions in Greater China have emerged as strong investors with huge liquidity. They are increasingly demanding structured and cross-border products. Helen's in-depth segment expertise will help us to meet these growing demands," he comments.

Pun has worked in Hong Kong for 18 years, specialising in the financial institution sector for Greater China. She has held previous roles at JP Morgan, Citibank and most recently at ABN AMRO, where she headed the Greater China financial institutions sector, focusing on corporate finance and global market products.

Pun says she is delighted to be heading the bank's Greater China financial institutions franchise. "Bank of America has shown its ability to prosper in Asia despite the challenging environment," she concludes.

Pun's appointment is the second senior hire this year for Bank of America in Asia. On February 7 the bank announced the appointment of Abidin Siregar as Head of Global Markets, Hong Kong.