10 Jul 2026
On 5 June 2026, International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) hosted a collaboration meeting with the Digital Finance Innovation Department of Bank of China Jiangsu Branch to discuss joint initiatives in digital finance talent development.
The two parties held in-depth discussions on future collaboration, including digital finance trends, industry research to support banking practice and the development of interdisciplinary financial professionals; exploring new models of collaboration between universities and financial institutions.
Representing Bank of China Jiangsu Branch were Mr Chen Wei, Senior Manager of the Digital Finance Innovation Department, and Mr Zhang Yutong, Manager of the Digital Finance Innovation Department.
The IBSS delegation included Mr David Hu, Acting Associate Dean for Executive Education and Enterprise; Professor Stephen Gong, Head of the Department of Finance; Dr Yajun Xiao, Senior Associate Professor in the Department of Finance; Dr Wenquan Li, Assistant Professor in the Department of Finance; Dr Wentao Ma, Assistant Professor in the Department of Accounting; Dr Zuben Jin, Assistant Professor in the Department of Finance; Ms Ying Jin, Business Development Director; and Ms Yun Zhou, Manager of Business Intelligence and Industry Research.
Prior to this meeting, the two parties had already collaborated on research in the field of digital finance talent development. Led by Dr. Wenquan Li, Assistant Professor in the Department of Finance at the International Business School Suzhou (IBSS), with the participation of Professor Stephen Gong, Head of the Department of Finance, and Dr. Wentao Ma, Assistant Professor in the Department of Accounting, the Digital Finance Talent Development System and Pathways Report project focused on establishing a systematic framework for cultivating digital finance professionals. Drawing on industry needs and emerging trends, the project resulted in the Digital Finance Talent Development Pathways Report, which provides valuable insights into talent development models in digital finance and has laid a solid foundation for further collaboration between the two parties.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on the evolving landscape of banking in the digital economy and the changing requirements for financial talent.
Chen Wei, Senior Manager of the Digital Finance Innovation Department Of BOC Jiangsu Branch shared insights into the challenges banks face in supporting the real economy and driving industrial transformation. As industrial upgrading accelerates, banks increasingly require a deeper understanding of corporate operations, industry trends and value chains. Traditional client assessment methods based primarily on financial indicators are shifting towards more comprehensive evaluations, incorporating industrial ecosystems, supply chains, and long-term growth potential. Improving the identification of high-quality enterprises, optimising the timing of financial resource allocation, and enhancing capital efficiency have become key priorities for digital finance innovation.
The two parties also discussed the role of industry research in banking practice. They agreed that value chain research, sector trend analysis, and dynamic market monitoring can support more accurate client identification, stronger risk assessment and more effective financial services. They further explored how university research expertise could help strengthen the professional capabilities of relationship managers, particularly in analysing key industrial value chains.
In light of Jiangsu Province's strategic industrial priorities, both sides also discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in the biopharmaceutical sector. They explored opportunities to jointly organise thematic lectures, industry seminars and knowledge-sharing activities. By combining academic research with industry expertise, both parties aim to strengthen links between frontier industry research and financial practice, while supporting the development of digital finance talent.
Both sides agreed that the rapid development of digital finance presents significant opportunities for deeper collaboration. Looking ahead, they plan to strengthen exchanges in areas including talent development, industry research, professional training, and thematic seminars, while exploring resource-sharing and complementary collaboration models to support regional industrial development and financial innovation.
Following the meeting, the delegation from Bank of China Jiangsu Branch visited the Financial Trading Centre at IBSS to learn more about the School's platforms for financial practice education, digital finance talent cultivation, and financial technology applications.
The delegation also visited the Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy at XJTLU to gain further insight into the University's research initiatives and innovation in life sciences and biopharmaceuticals. The visit offered additional perspectives on how financial institutions can better support the development of strategic industries through more effective capital allocation.
The meeting strengthened mutual understanding and laid a solid foundation for future collaboration in digital finance, industry research and talent development. Moving forward, IBSS will continue to leverage its strengths as an international business school, actively connecting academic expertise with industry and financial resources to support the integration of education, research and practice.
10 Jul 2026