The Li family are a banking dynasty in
Hong Kong
Hong Kong ( (US) or (UK); , ), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (abbr. Hong Kong SAR or HKSAR), is a List of cities in China, city and Special administrative regions of China, special ...
and associated with the
Bank of East Asia
The Bank of East Asia Limited, often abbreviated to BEA, is a Hong Kong banking and financial services company, headquartered in Central, Hong Kong. It is currently the largest independent local Hong Kong bank, and one of two remaining family ...
, although its family members have held positions in various other businesses, as well as the
Hong Kong Government
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, commonly known as the Hong Kong Government or HKSAR Government, refers to the executive authorities of Hong Kong SAR. It was formed on 1 July 1997 in accordance with the Sino- ...
, the
Hong Kong Judiciary, and the
Hong Kong Legislative Council
The Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LegCo) is the unicameral legislature of Hong Kong. It sits under China's "one country, two systems" constitutional arrangement, and is the power centre of Hong Kong' ...
. While the Li family spans many generations and has many members, this page only includes those who were directly involved with the running of the Bank of East Asia. The "first generation" refers to the generation that founded the Bank.
Despite holding a minority stake in the Bank of East Asia, the Li family has been able to retain direct management control of the bank since 1918 through complex holding structures.
First generation
Li Koon-chun (1877–1966)
Born into a wealthy family in Hong Kong, Li Koon-chun and his younger brother were approached by Kan Tong-po for financing to help form the Bank of East Asia in 1918.
Li Tse-fong (1891–1953)
The younger brother of Li Koon-chun, Li Tse-fong was one of the first graduates of the
University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) (Chinese: 香港大學) is a public research university in Hong Kong
Hong Kong ( (US) or (UK); , ), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (abbr. Hon ...
and worked in his father's rice and shipping business. After founding the Bank of East Asia in 1918, he was also a director of the China Emporium, China Provident Co., Ltd.,
Green Island Cement Co., Ltd.,
A. S. Watson Co., Ltd. and various other public companies.
Li Lan-sang (1900–1969)
Younger brother of Li Koon-chun and Li Tse-fong, Li Lan-sang help establish
Kowloon Dairy in 1940. He served as a director of the Bank of East Asia from 1933 until his death in 1969, where he died while watching horse racing at the
Hong Kong Jockey Club
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) is one of the oldest institutions in Hong Kong, having been founded in 1884. In 1959, it was granted a Royal Charter and renamed The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club (). The institution reverted to its original name ...
.
Second generation
Li Fook-shu (1912–1995)
The oldest son of Li Koon-chun, he was educated in England and qualified as an accountant; he was a member of the
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is a professional membership organisation that promotes, develops and supports chartered accountants and students around the world. As of July 2022, it has over 198,000 members ...
. He became a director of the Bank of East Asia in 1958, and remained a director until his death in 1995.
Simon Li (1922–2013)
The younger brother of Li Fook-shu, Simon Li was trained as a barrister at
King's College London
King's College London (informally King's or KCL) is a public research university located in London, England. King's was established by royal charter in 1829 under the patronage of King George IV and the Duke of Wellington. In 1836, King's ...
, the
University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) (Chinese: 香港大學) is a public research university in Hong Kong
Hong Kong ( (US) or (UK); , ), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (abbr. Hon ...
, and the
University College London
, mottoeng = Let all come who by merit deserve the most reward
, established =
, type = Public research university
, endowment = £143 million (2020)
, budget = ...
. He joined the judiciary in 1963, and became acting
Chief Justice of Hong Kong in 1986. Upon his retirement in 1987, he joined the Bank of East Asia as a director until retirement from the board in 2006. He also stood in Hong Kong's first ever
Hong Kong Chief Executive election in 1996.
Ronald Li (1929–2014)
The youngest son of Li Koon-chun, Ronald Li was educated at the
University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) (Chinese: 香港大學) is a public research university in Hong Kong
Hong Kong ( (US) or (UK); , ), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (abbr. Hon ...
and received an MBA at the
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania ( ; also known as Wharton Business School, the Wharton School, Penn Wharton, and Wharton) is the business school of the University of Pennsylvania, a Private university, private Ivy League rese ...
. He created the Far East Exchange in 1969, breaking the
Hong Kong Stock Exchange's monopoly in the buying and selling of stocks. In 1986, Li helped merge the Far East Stock Exchange with three other exchanges into the
Stock Exchange of Hong Kong
The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK, also known as Hong Kong Stock Exchange) is a stock exchange based in Hong Kong. As of the end of 2020, it has 2,538 listed companies with a combined market capitalization of HK$47 trillion. It is repo ...
, precursor of today's
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX; , also 香港交易所 or 港交所 ) operates a range of equity, commodity, fixed income and currency markets through its wholly owned subsidiaries The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (SEHK ...
, and became its first chairman. He was later arrested by the
Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in December 1987 and in 1991 convicted of taking bribes in return for approving listings during his office as the Chairman of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in 1987. He was sent to
Stanley Prison
Stanley Prison (c. January 1937, previously known as Hong Kong Prison at Stanley) is one of the six maximum security facilities in Hong Kong.
History
Built in 1937, Stanley Prison is currently the oldest institution still in service (the old ...
, and served 30 months of a four-year sentence.
Li Fook-wo (1916–2014)
Son of Li Tse-fong, Li Fook-wo joined the Bank of East Asia in 1940 and became Chief Manager (equivalent to Chief Executive Officer) in 1972, a post he held until 1976. He would also serve as the bank's chairman from 1984 to 1997.
Henry Li (1920–1993)
Younger brother of Li Fook-wo, Henry Li was trained as a doctor the president of the
Hong Kong Medical Association
The Hong Kong Medical Association (HKMA; ), formerly called the Hong Kong Chinese Medical Association, is a medical association based in Hong Kong
Hong Kong ( (US) or (UK); , ), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of t ...
from 1976 to 1978. He was a director of the Bank of East Asia from 1970 until his death in 1993.
Li Fook-kow (1922–2011)
Younger brother of Li Fook-wo and Henry Li, Li Fook-kow was educated at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private land-grant research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1861, MIT has played a key role in the development of modern technology and science, and is one of the ...
and joined the Hong Kong Government in 1954, later becoming the first Chinese to be appointed
Secretary for Home Affairs
The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs is the head of the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau of the Government of Hong Kong, which is responsible for local issues, and the provision of community and youth services.
List of office holders Registr ...
, holding the post from 1977 to 1980.
Eric Li (1929– )
Eric Li is the son of Li Lan-sang, and served as Chairman of Kowloon Dairy. Eric Li also served on the board of Bank of East Asia from 2006 to 2016.
Third generation
Sir David Li (1939– )
Son of Li Fook-shu, David Li studied mathematics at
Imperial College London
Imperial College London (legally Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine) is a public research university in London, United Kingdom. Its history began with Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, who developed his vision for a cu ...
, and then studied economics and law at
Selwyn College,
University of Cambridge
, mottoeng = Literal: From here, light and sacred draughts.
Non literal: From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge.
, established =
, other_name = The Chancellor, Masters and Schola ...
. He joined the bank in 1969, becoming Chief Executive in 1981 to 2019, and Chairman in 1997. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as a member of the
Legislative Council, the
Executive Council, was the
Pro-Chancellor of the
University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) (Chinese: 香港大學) is a public research university in Hong Kong
Hong Kong ( (US) or (UK); , ), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (abbr. Hon ...
and sat on a number of boards of public Hong Kong companies. In the 2005
Queen's Birthday Honours
The Birthday Honours, in some Commonwealth realms, mark the reigning British monarch's official birthday by granting various individuals appointment into national or dynastic orders or the award of decorations and medals. The honours are present ...
, he was made a
Knight Bachelor
The title of Knight Bachelor is the basic rank granted to a man who has been knighted by the monarch but not inducted as a member of one of the organised orders of chivalry; it is a part of the British honours system. Knights Bachelor are the ...
by the United Kingdom for his contributions to British education.
Arthur Li (1945– )
Younger brother of David Li, Arthur Li is a qualified doctor and politician. Educated at the
University of Cambridge
, mottoeng = Literal: From here, light and sacred draughts.
Non literal: From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge.
, established =
, other_name = The Chancellor, Masters and Schola ...
, Arthur Li held several prominent roles in education and government, becoming the Vice-Chancellor of
Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a public research university in Ma Liu Shui, Hong Kong, formally established in 1963 by a charter granted by the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. It is the territory's second-oldest university an ...
from 1996 to 2002, the
Secretary for Education and Manpower
The Secretary for Education is a principal official in the Hong Kong Government, who heads the Education Bureau (EDB). The current office holder is Christine Choi.
History
The position of Secretary for Education and Manpower was set up in 198 ...
from 2002 to 2007, and since 2015 has been appointed as the Chairman of the Council of the
University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) (Chinese: 香港大學) is a public research university in Hong Kong. Founded in 1887 as the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese, it is the oldest tertiary institution in Hong Kong. HKU was also the fi ...
. He is also a current member of the
Executive Council, and serves as a director of the Bank of East Asia.
Gladys Li (1948– )
Daughter of Simon Li, Gladys Li trained as a barrister in England and became involved in politics and public affairs upon her return to Hong Kong in 1982. Appointed
Queen's Counsel
In the United Kingdom and in some Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth countries, a King's Counsel (Post-nominal letters, post-nominal initials KC) during the reign of a king, or Queen's Counsel (post-nominal initials QC) during the reign of ...
in 1990, she was the Chairman of the
Hong Kong Bar Association
The Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) is the professional regulatory body for barristers in Hong Kong. The Law Society of Hong Kong is the equivalent association for solicitors in Hong Kong.
Victor Dawes SC is the current chairman of the Cou ...
in 1995 and 1996.
Stephen Li (1960– )
Younger brother of Gladys Li, Stephen Li trained as an accountant at
King's College London
King's College London (informally King's or KCL) is a public research university located in London, England. King's was established by royal charter in 1829 under the patronage of King George IV and the Duke of Wellington. In 1836, King's ...
and joined the Bank of East Asia as a director in 2006.
Aubrey Li (1950– )
Son of Li Fook-wo, Aubrey Li was educated at
Brown University
Brown University is a private research university in Providence, Rhode Island. Brown is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, founded in 1764 as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providenc ...
and received his MBA from
Columbia University
Columbia University (also known as Columbia, and officially as Columbia University in the City of New York) is a private research university in New York City. Established in 1754 as King's College on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhatt ...
. He worked as an investment banker and joined the Bank of East Asia as a director in 1995.
Donald Li (1954– )
Son of Henry Li, Donald Li was educated at
Cornell University
Cornell University is a private statutory land-grant research university based in Ithaca, New York. It is a member of the Ivy League. Founded in 1865 by Ezra Cornell and Andrew Dickson White, Cornell was founded with the intention to teach an ...
and at the
University of Hong Kong Faculty of Medicine. Donald Li was an active member of a number of government and public health bodies as well as serving as a steward of the
Hong Kong Jockey Club
The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) is one of the oldest institutions in Hong Kong, having been founded in 1884. In 1959, it was granted a Royal Charter and renamed The Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club (). The institution reverted to its original name ...
.
Andrew Li (1948– )
Son of Li Fook-kow, Andrew Li was educated at the
University of Cambridge
, mottoeng = Literal: From here, light and sacred draughts.
Non literal: From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge.
, established =
, other_name = The Chancellor, Masters and Schola ...
as a barrister and was called to the
Hong Kong Bar in 1973. He was appointed as
Queen's Counsel
In the United Kingdom and in some Commonwealth of Nations, Commonwealth countries, a King's Counsel (Post-nominal letters, post-nominal initials KC) during the reign of a king, or Queen's Counsel (post-nominal initials QC) during the reign of ...
in 1988 and became Hong Kong's 1st
Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal
The chief justice of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, sometimes informally known as the chief justice of Hong Kong, is the head of the Judiciary of Hong Kong and the chief judge of the Court of Final Appeal. The chief justice is one of t ...
, serving from the Court's establishment in 1997 until 2010.
Lord Millett
Peter Julian Millett, Baron Millett, , (23 June 1932 – 27 May 2021) was a British barrister and judge. He was a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary from 1998 to 2004.
Biography
Early life
The son of Denis and Adele Millett, he was educated at Har ...
, who served alongside Li as a non-permanent judge of the CFA, described Li as "
ertainlythe wisest" member of the court.
Fourth generation
Adrian Li (1973– )
Oldest son of David Li, Adrian Li first joined the Bank of East Asia in 2000, was appointed Deputy Chief Executive in 2009 and was appointed co-Chief Executive in 2019.
Adrian Li was educated at the
University of Cambridge
, mottoeng = Literal: From here, light and sacred draughts.
Non literal: From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge.
, established =
, other_name = The Chancellor, Masters and Schola ...
(
Robinson College
Robinson College is a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. Founded in 1977, it is one of the newest Oxbridge colleges and is unique in having been intended, from its inception, for both undergraduate and graduate students of bo ...
) and the
Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University, and is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales and Hong Kong.
Brian Li (1974– )
Younger brother of Adrian Li, Brian Li first joined the Bank of East Asia in 2002, was appointed Deputy Chief Executive in 2009 and was appointed co-Chief Executive in 2019.
Brian Li was educated at the
University of Cambridge
, mottoeng = Literal: From here, light and sacred draughts.
Non literal: From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge.
, established =
, other_name = The Chancellor, Masters and Schola ...
and holds an MBA from
Stanford University
Stanford University, officially Leland Stanford Junior University, is a private research university in Stanford, California. The campus occupies , among the largest in the United States, and enrolls over 17,000 students. Stanford is consider ...
, and is qualified as a chartered accountant in England and Wales and Hong Kong.
See also
*
Bank of East Asia
The Bank of East Asia Limited, often abbreviated to BEA, is a Hong Kong banking and financial services company, headquartered in Central, Hong Kong. It is currently the largest independent local Hong Kong bank, and one of two remaining family ...
*
Four big families of Hong Kong
The four big families of Hong Kong ()Sing Tao Daily. Section C-4 HR news. 7/31/2007. is a term used to describe the four business families who historically rose to prominence and became influential in Hong Kong. In order of influence, they are ...
References
{{ Banking families
Banking families