Margaret Leung, vice-chairman and chief executive of Hang Seng Bank, said: “There is great potential for further financial cooperation between Hong Kong and mainland China – the Central and Hong Kong governments have been very supportive of new initiatives. The mainland market is a key driver of Hang Seng’s future business, with the Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta and Bohai Economic Rim as strategic regions in our long-term development.

“Hang Seng will continue to invest in the mainland market. Hang Seng’s second cross-city sub-branch will soon open in Zhongshan and we will continue to explore opportunities to set up cross-city sub-branches in other cities in Guangdong in support of our commitment to long-term business growth on the mainland.”