Chapter 301: Chapter 301: Industrial Consolidation and Enclosure
The next day, Hardy began his inspections with Wells Fargo Bank. Located in Central on Hong Kong Island, Wells Fargo's office, formerly a foreign bank, occupies a prominent position on Hong Kong's Financial Street.
President Sandy Weir briefed Hardy on the bank's performance over the past year, which had been stable despite the challenges. While Hong Kong still has HSBC, Hardy's strategy divides their roles: HSBC manages general business operations, while Wells Fargo acts as a core engine for the Hardy Group.
In the future, the Hardy Group's funds in Hong Kong will primarily flow through Wells Fargo, ensuring that the group's industrial core remains discreet.
After leaving Wells Fargo, Victor and Sandy accompanied Hardy to HSBC, situated just a few hundred meters away. As they arrived, a group of senior HSBC executives and managers awaited him, drawing the attention of curious onlookers.
Hardy exited the car, and HSBC President Sanders promptly greeted him. The crowd buzzed with speculation about Hardy's impressive background.
As Hardy approached the HSBC building, he paused to observe the structure. The building, the third generation of HSBC's headquarters, was a 13-story edifice with bronze lions flanking the entrance. These lions had a storied past, having been relocated during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and eventually returned by the U.S. Army.
Despite superstitions linking the displacement of these lions to misfortune in Hong Kong, Hardy, who typically does not believe in such notions, took a moment to address the lions directly. "Remember, no matter how things change, these bronze lions must remain where they are," he instructed. The staff nodded in agreement, acknowledging the boss's directive.
Inside the conference room, Hardy listened to reports from HSBC's management. Although the bank faced financial difficulties, with Wells Fargo and Manhattan Bank having provided substantial support, the situation was manageable. Sanders outlined plans to tighten financial controls, reduce loans, and restore depositor confidence.
Hardy offered his strategic insights: "Firstly, this is a good time to attract deposits. HSBC and Wells Fargo must intensify efforts in this area."
"Secondly, the Hong Kong stock market is currently limited. While there were three major exchanges in mainland China, Hong Kong's market remains relatively small, with only around 30 listed companies. I propose establishing a new stock exchange—perhaps the Far East Stock Exchange or the Kowloon Stock Exchange—to provide a platform for a broader range of companies, including those in shipping, hotels, real estate, and other sectors. This would stimulate financial activity in Hong Kong."
The executives were taken aback by Hardy's ambitious plans. The idea of creating a new stock exchange and transforming Hong Kong into a major financial center was both bold and impressive.
Hardy then addressed the organizational structure of the Hardy Group's operations in Hong Kong. "HSBC will continue to operate independently under its own board of directors. Wells Fargo Hong Kong will remain a branch of Wells Fargo Bank and will report to its headquarters."
"The Hong Kong branch of HD Security will operate independently as well. Global Times and ABC TV stations will be directly controlled by higher authorities."
"For other industries, we will establish a Hong Kong branch of the Hardy Group, managed by Victor. This branch will oversee all enterprises in the Kowloon Tong Industrial Zone, the penicillin company, the auction house, and Hardy Properties."
Victor would later need to find a suitable building for the Hong Kong branch headquarters. Hardy also planned for Han Yezhen to continue managing the auction house, given her expertise in antiques.
Back at the Mid-Levels Villa, Hardy and Victor enjoyed a warm afternoon in the backyard, sipping coffee and discussing future plans. Hardy posed a new question: "Victor, where do you think we should build a racecourse in Hong Kong?"
Victor was surprised by this shift in focus. "Are you considering building a racecourse?"
Hardy nodded. "The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a gathering place for the upper class and holds significant influence. Establishing our own racecourse is just the beginning. We need to join the Jockey Club and gain a say in its operations."
"Currently, there are few Chinese members in the Jockey Club. By establishing our own racecourse and joining the club, we can attract more Chinese members and build a new force in Hong Kong's financial landscape."
Victor suggested the large piece of land in Sha Tin, but Hardy decided on Kowloon. "Find a piece of land larger than Happy Valley in Kowloon for the new racecourse. We can consider Sha Tin later. Kowloon offers better accessibility now, and we can relocate the racecourse to Sha Tin when infrastructure improves. This will also allow us to capitalize on valuable land in Kowloon in the future."
Hardy's forward-thinking plans included the potential to relocate the racecourse later and maximize its value as Hong Kong's land becomes more valuable.
Victor understood Hardy's vision and agreed to find a suitable location for the racecourse and the Hong Kong branch headquarters.
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