David Thomas

David Thomas is well known in the Asia Pacific region for his experience, credibility and passion for identifying, building and facilitating business and investment relationships between developed and emerging countries. Over the past 20 years, David has inspired, motivated and educated global business leaders,entrepreneurs and investors to pay attention to the massive growth potential offered by modern China as the financial engine of Asia and taken them on a journey to identify and build long-term business and investment relationships.

David lived in Hong Kong in the 1980s and 90s with his father, Michael Thomas QC, who was the Attorney General for Hong Kong (1983-88) and intimately involved in the negotiations between Britain and China to design and implement the new Basic Law of Hong Kong to take effect from 1997. In addition, his step-mother, Baroness Lydia Dunn, was a senior political leader in Hong Kong and worked with Deng Xiaoping and Margaret Thatcher to negotiate the future of Hong Kong under Chinese sovereignty post 1997. These unique insights and high level family connections provided David with a fascinating perspective on China�s ambitions for the future which prompted his first visit to Beijing in 1989 and a life-long interest in China�s role on the global stage.

David ran his own successful wealth management firm in Hong Kong from 1988 to 1995 before moving to Australia and working with leading financial planning firm, Godfrey Pembroke (1996-8) before joining the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (1999-2001). Over the past 20 years, David has led and organised many missions, study tours and business delegations to China and the other �BRIC countries� which, in addition to enhancing his reputation, influence and networks within the Asia Pacific region, has provided him with unique opportunities to stay ahead of the trends that are impacting the wealth management sector in China, Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Based in Sydney, David is a Keynote Speaker and Thought Leader on Australia�s role in the Asian Century, and the author of two books and over 500 blogs on the topic of doing business in China.

Presentation Titles: Business Destinations of the 21st Century, The secrets of doing business in Asia, Bridging the cross-cultural divide.

Fee Range: C