Its overseas branch, led by Ayman al-Zawahiri, forged an alliance with Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda.

ECONOMIST: Public repentance

In line with other art-world powerhouses like Gagosian and Ben Brown, White Cube chose Hong Kong for its first foray into the region, and this is also the esteemed contemporary art gallery's first overseas branch.

BBC: White Cube gallery opens in Hong Kong

The branch is attaching increasing importance to the loan business for Chinese companies during their overseas merger and acquisition activities.

FORBES: Where China Goes, Banks Will Follow

In the past two years, as groundwork for the creation of a new branch, Mr Wu travelled to China monthly, making presentations to regulators and cultivating the overseas offices of existing clients.

ECONOMIST: For once, a foreign bank may have bought wisely in China