Belinda Wong, the Founder of Leader Corporate Services Limited and a respected figure in the company secretarial industry, has played a pivotal role in shaping the profession over the years. After a serendipitous entry into the field, she founded her own firm in 2010, offering corporate governance and advisory services. Known for her expertise, she authored the Hong Kong Company Secretary’s Practice Manual and other key publications that have become essential resources for professionals. Today, Belinda shares her journey, insights into the evolving landscape of the company secretarial industry, and advice for young professionals.
In an interview with Business Frontier, Wong speaks about her experiences and vision for the future.
Q. How did you find your way into the company secretarial industry?
It was a bit of an accident. After university, I was unsure about which career path to pursue. I happened to come across an advertisement from the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators, which piqued my interest. Their examinations covered a broad range of topics such as law and finance, and I decided to take the exams on my own. Once I passed, I joined a company secretarial firm, and that’s where my career began.
Q. The 1990s were turbulent years, especially with the mergers and changes in the big accounting firms. What challenges did you face during that time?
The 1990s were a period of upheaval. The collapse of one of the big six accounting firms due to accounting fraud was a stark reminder of the instability in the corporate world. During this time, the firm I worked for merged with another, and we saw firsthand how quickly things could change. I realized that job security wasn’t guaranteed, so I began expanding my skill set by taking courses with the Hong Kong Institute of Directors and the Hong Kong Securities and Investments Institute. That broadened my perspective on where I wanted my career to go.
Q. What motivated you to eventually start your own firm, Leader Corporate Services Limited?
By 2010, I recognised a gap in the market. Many companies needed company secretarial services at a reasonable cost but didn’t want to deal with large, impersonal firms. I decided to start my own firm, offering personalized services that prioritized quality and strong client relationships. I also understood the importance of building a personal brand, so I started using LinkedIn to network with professionals, particularly in the legal and finance sectors. It was a way to connect with potential clients, and it helped grow the firm.
Q. In 2011, you published the Hong Kong Company Secretary’s Practice Manual. How did that come about?
At that time, CCH, a publisher of professional reference books, was looking for an author to write a manual for company secretaries in Hong Kong. I saw the opportunity and reached out to them. They agreed to let me write the book, which was a lot of work but also very rewarding. The manual became popular because it provided much-needed clarity on Hong Kong’s legal and compliance systems, especially as they were becoming more complex. Over the years, I published multiple editions and even wrote another book, the Hong Kong Company Secretary Checklist, for students.
Q. Hong Kong’s legal and tax landscape has evolved significantly. What are some of the common misconceptions you encounter from clients?
Many clients still believe Hong Kong is a tax haven, which is not entirely accurate. Hong Kong has a low corporate tax rate, but it’s based on a territorial taxation system. This means only profits earned in Hong Kong or from Hong Kong-based businesses are subject to corporate tax. Some clients also ask about offshore companies, but in reality, there’s no such thing as an “offshore company” in Hong Kong. If a company conducts business outside of Hong Kong, it needs to prove to the Inland Revenue Department that its profits are not taxable in the region. There’s also increasing global pressure for tax transparency, and Hong Kong complies with OECD and G20 standards for tax information exchange.
Q. The company secretarial industry has changed over the years. How do you stay current with the evolving regulations and practices?
Keeping up with industry changes requires constant learning. The Companies Ordinance introduced in 2014 brought about several significant changes, and I was fortunate enough to write a third edition of the Practice Manual to reflect these updates. There are always new filing requirements, forms, and legislative changes to keep track of, which is why it’s important to be proactive. Additionally, the rise of technology has brought new challenges, such as the possible introduction of an Inward Re-domiciliation Regime for offshore companies. The industry is evolving, and it’s important to stay adaptable and knowledgeable.
Q. Trust plays a central role in professional relationships. What do you think is key to building trust in business?
Trust is built over time. It’s something that can’t be rushed. In business, technical competence and honesty are crucial. You need to deliver on your promises, and your actions should align with your words. Whether you’re working with colleagues or clients, they need to know they can rely on you. When people trust you, they will come back to you, which is how long-lasting relationships are formed.
Q. What advice would you give to young professionals starting their careers in the company secretarial industry?
One of the most important things is to build a strong personal network early on, not just for business reasons but also for personal growth. Make connections with people who can help you develop both professionally and personally. Pursue activities outside of work, like volunteering, photography, or traveling, to make your life fuller and more meaningful. And always prioritize continuous learning. The industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay adaptable and keep honing your skills.
Q. In such a demanding industry, how do you ensure a balance between work and personal life?
Hiking gives me the chance to clear my mind and step back from the busyness of work. When you’re up in the mountains, you get a broader view of the world, and that’s how I try to approach challenges in my professional life. Sometimes, stepping away from a problem helps me think more strategically and creatively. It’s a way to reset, gain clarity, and return to work with a fresh perspective.
