“Eight years ago, I stepped out of my comfort zone, and now I’ve made this new environment my comfort zone.”
Jing Qian, CEO of Morgan Stanley Securities (China), shared her journey of resilience and growth during a fireside chat with John Quelch, the executive vice chancellor of Duke Kunshan University.
As CEO, Qian manages a team in a highly competitive market. “We are less than 1% of the market in China, but our size allows us to be nimble,” she explained. This flexibility has enabled her team to excel in cross-border mergers and acquisitions and private financing projects.
Qian emphasized the importance of embracing technology in banking while maintaining human connections.
“Technology is a tool, not a replacement,” she said, adding that although AI is being used for tasks like performance evaluations, trust and relationships remain central to the financial industry.
Morgan Stanley also prioritizes diverse talent, recruiting candidates from various backgrounds. “We don’t require candidates to have a finance background,” she explained. “We value diverse perspectives because they bring new ideas to the table, especially when working on investment stories or due diligence.”
Encouraging students to apply for internships, Qian said, “Our summer internship programs are designed for students like you. Don’t hesitate to apply. It’s a great way to gain hands-on experience.”
When asked about her advice for students, Qian urged them to embrace uncertainty. “Every step in your career matters, but don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” she said. “Keep learning and step out of your comfort zone.”
She also highlighted the value of mentorship. “I usually ask for advice from people five to ten years senior to me because their experiences are more relevant,” she said. “But lately, I’ve started asking younger people too. They often have bolder and more innovative perspectives.”
In 2016, Qian was offered the chance to lead Morgan Stanley Securities (China). Initially hesitant due to her lack of experience in China’s domestic capital markets, she ultimately decided to take on the challenge after discussing it with her family. “My husband said, ‘Perhaps you should consider this—it could be a chance to reshape yourself.’”
Moving back to Shanghai proved transformative both professionally and personally. “Now, eight years later, it feels like the right decision for both my career and my family.”
Balancing a demanding career with family life requires careful planning, Qian noted. “Investment banking is essentially 24/7, but I’m fortunate to have my family’s support. We divide responsibilities—my husband handles swimming lessons, while I take care of other tasks. It’s all about teamwork.”
Reflecting on her upbringing, Qian shared, “My mom always dreamed of playing the violin but never had the chance, so she signed me up for violin lessons. I didn’t particularly enjoy it, but I stuck with it.”
Qian was awarded a Singaporean government scholarship and studied finance and business at the National University of Singapore. However, upon graduating in 1998, during the Asian financial crisis, she faced a tough job market.
“It was a very desperate time,” she said, recalling the limited opportunities for fresh graduates.
An unexpected opportunity arose when she saw a Credit Suisse First Boston analyst position advertised in The Wall Street Journal.
“That was the only year they advertised for analysts. I sent my resume and was lucky to get in,” she said. The role began her investment banking career, a field she soon discovered she was passionate about.
Quelch, who hosted the fireside conversation, said Qian’s tale exemplifies the financial industry’s complexity and the value of global viewpoints. The fireside is part of DKU’s Distinguished Speaker Series, which connects students with global professionals to inspire and assist their professional journeys.
