Zong Ke: A Global Fintech Leader with a Passion for Empowering Communities

Zong Ke is a seasoned portfolio manager (Director) with over a decade of experience across multiple Asian countries, including Singapore and China. Having worked with some of the world’s leading financial institutions and top regional players, Ke has demonstrated expertise in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and data science to address critical challenges in the financial sector. These include identifying investment opportunities, mitigating risks, alerting regulators to market risks, and fostering innovation in financial inclusion and Fin-tech across Asia. Throughout his career, he has been recognized with several national honors.

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership 

Ke grew up in a rural area of central China and attended the National University of Singapore on a tuition scholarship, majoring in statistics and probability. This experience instilled in him a sense of gratitude and purpose, inspiring him to view finance not just as a means of profit but as a tool to give back to society.

After graduation, Ke gained valuable international experience in Singapore before returning to China to join Huatai Securities, one of the country’s top investment banks. At Huatai, he spearheaded the development of financial inclusion products, including a mobile app that attracted over 10 million registered users and 3 million monthly active users. The app enabled small-town and rural residents to access financial education, and make informed financial decisions.

Ke also played a critical role in rescuing AssetMark, a struggling American Fintech company with an 11% U.S. TAMP market share. With his international experience in fintech and his objective, rigorous analysis and persuasion, the senior management of Huatai ultimately decided to increase their investment in this near-bankrupt American company, helping it achieve stable operations, avoid layoffs, expand its scale, and eventually achieve a $3 billion market capitalization upon listing on the Nasdaq.

Subsequently, Ke worked as portfolio manager at two top-tier quant funds, focusing on using AI algorithms to manage social security funds, insurance assets, and retail investments. He helped safeguard assets while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and technology firms through strategic funding.

Driving China’s Leadership in AI-Driven Finance 

China has emerged as a global leader in areas such as cashless payments and financial inclusion, thanks to its competitive edge in Internet and AI technologies. In quantitative investing and Fin-tech equity investments, the nation is also narrowing the gap with, and in some cases surpassing, the United States. Ke is one of the few people in this country who has played a pivotal role in this transformation.

Ke’s contributions in applying data science and AI to finance have earned him numerous accolades. As a key team member, he has received prestigious awards such as the Golden Bull Award from China Securities Journal (widely regarded as the “Oscars of China’s financial industry”), the Golden Tripod Award from National Business Daily, the Asian Annual Investment Manager from Asia Investors and Outstanding Achievement APP Awards from Securities Times (owned by Central Committee of CCP’s People’s Daily). Notably, the Golden Bull Award recognizes only the top 0.5% of teams out of approximately 10,000 contenders annually, putting Ke in elite company alongside global giants like Bridgewater Associates from U.S.

Passion for FinTech and Social Impact 

Ke’s work combines his passion for technology and his drive to make a difference:

1. Advancing AI in Finance: Ke applies cutting-edge AI technologies such as deep learning models and LLM to investment strategies, making finance more efficient and accessible.
2. Risk Management: In collaboration with institutions like the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Ke has streamlined regulatory processes and developed AI-driven tools to preempt market risks.
3. Fostering Economic Development: By providing liquidity to SMEs and enabling their growth, Ke’s work indirectly supports employment and economic stability.

Current Role at Financial Industry 

Ke now serves as a portfolio manager at Wenbo Investment, one of Asia’s premier quantitative hedge funds with peak assets under management exceeding $6 billion. Wenbo uniquely manages both institutional funds, such as pension funds, and retail investments from everyday citizens, including rural residents. Through innovative financial solutions, the firm enables small investors to participate with as little as a few hundred dollars while enjoying high-quality financial services.

This mission aligns closely with Ke’s background, as both he and the fund’s founders come from humble beginnings. Their commitment to inclusivity earned Wenbo the 2024 Golden Bull Award, shared with distinguished firms like Bridgewater Associates.

A Professional with Heart 

Ke is recognized not only for his technical acumen but also for his deep sense of social responsibility. His compassion for everyday citizens, particularly underserved populations, drives his work and philanthropy. In addition to volunteering in underprivileged communities, he integrates AI and Fin-tech to design impactful financial products that benefit society at large.

Giving Back to the Community 

Despite his achievements, Ke remains deeply connected to his roots. In the summer of 2019, he volunteered in Tibet, teaching financial literacy to children in high-altitude villages and donating essential supplies worth ¥1 million.

From 2021 to 2024, he designed financial products to fund operations for the Shanghai Guangci Disabled Children’s Welfare Center.

Ke also runs a free social media account at Xiaohongshu, a platform where over 300 million users every month share their life experiences and suggestions, with over 10,000 followers, sharing the latest information and knowledge in Fintech and scam prevention tips with Chinese-speaking audiences. He hopes to launch a similar platform in English to reach a broader audience.

Praise from Industry Leaders 

Dr. Cao Qin, Director at HSBC Global Banking, describes Ke as “a rare talent in AI and finance with a deep understanding of retail and grassroots customers.”

Zhou Fang, a portfolio manager at the U.S.-based hedge fund William J. O’Neil, lauds Ke for his innovative contributions in AI-driven investment strategies.

An Alibaba Group technology executive Yao Tian calls Ke “a global tech talent with exceptional expertise in big data, system architecture, and product design, paired with a user-centric approach.”

Li Siya, Head of China Operations at the Edward Charity Foundation, adds: “Ke’s approachable demeanor and dedication to empowering underprivileged children with financial knowledge make him truly exceptional.”

Future Outlook 

Zong Ke’s career exemplifies the transformative power of combining AI-driven finance with a deep commitment to community well-being, setting a benchmark for global FinTech leaders.

In a statement, Ke highlighted that while the application of AI in finance has garnered significant attention, its true potential lies in its ability, like the replicability at a lower cost, to serve underserved “long-tail” customers—particularly those from disadvantaged communities. This, he notes, is a crucial advantage that many have yet to fully appreciate.

Looking ahead, Ke is committed to further advancing this vision, dedicating himself to this lifelong mission. While the path forward presents significant challenges, he remains confident that progress will follow as long as one remains focused and determined to push forward.

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