During her final university days, Tifa Luk Wing-chi came across an opportunity to join the financial planning industry in the form of a meeting with  Tinlo Poon, director agency at AXA China Region Insurance. They had a long chat about a career in financial consulting, and how financial planning can help people at different stages of their lives. As a result of that talk, Luk was inspired to join an internationally renowned insurance company as a management associate. She talks with Wong Yat-hei.  

What is your academic background?

I am a graduate of Lingnan University’s Chinese faculty. 

How do you start your day?

My mornings are spent discussing the latest market and product trends, and working on case studies. After the morning meetings, I read the newspapers. As a financial planner, it is important that we have a good grasp of what goes on in the society and what issues are concerning Hong Kong people so that we are able to better understand their needs. I also contact my clients each day. I call them by phone or meet them in person to make sure they are doing fine.        

What does your job entail?

My job is to help clients invest and plan for the future. Financial planning is a life-long process and clients’ needs vary from one life stage to another. From planning the education for their kids to money for retirement – I help clients take care of their investments.    

What major challenges have you faced? 

The biggest challenge is the increasing focus on wealth creation in Hong Kong. It is our job to get our clients to focus on their real financial goals and to advise them on how to achieve those goals. I am aware that it is my client’s hard-earned cash that I am handling.          

What have you learned about your chosen career and what are your plans?

Through this job, I have had the privilege to get to know many different people from all walks of life. I have learned the importance of long-term planning. My short-term goal is to expand my client base and to help clients meet their life goals. Ultimately, I would also like to be able to build my own team and share my personal experiences with them.   

Any advice for those who want to enter the insurance industry?

Be responsible and accountable. If one is not serious about the job, he wastes his time, and will disappoint those who have entrusted their money to him.