Prof. Walter YAO
Professor of Practice (Finance)
- M1040
- +852 3400 8453
- walter.yao@polyu.edu.hk
Biography
Professional Profile
Prof. Walter Yao Xi brings over 20 years of extensive experience in finance, auditing, risk management, and corporate governance, having held senior leadership roles at top-tier global investment banks, leading technology firms, and multinational conglomerates. As a cross-industry expert, he served as an Executive Director at a premier global investment bank, managing clients on investment strategies, wealth & risk management; acted as CFO at a renowned technology company, overseeing financial strategy and capital operations; and held key leadership roles at a Fortune 500 group, including Global Head of Derivatives, Chief Risk Officer, and CEO of its asset management subsidiary, where he spearheaded investment strategies and regulatory compliance frameworks. Earlier in his career, he was an Executive Director at a Big Four accounting firm, managing over 100 audit and IPO projects, and began his professional journey in risk management at a major insurance company—demonstrating end-to-end leadership excellence.
His diverse expertise spans financial control, strategic investments, financial & digital asset management, fintech, cross-border M&A, and corporate governance, with a proven ability to deliver strategic insights and compliance solutions in complex business environments. His unique perspective and global management acumen make him a valuable advisor to students, enterprises, and international partners.
Academic Background
Prof. Yao combines deep academic rigor with industry expertise, holding a Doctorate degree from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Accounting and Finance, where he founded and currently serves as Director of the New Technology Research Centre. He teaches Investment and Risk Management subjects for the Master of Finance program and has been appointed as a Professional Mentor within the same faculty.
- Licenses
- Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA): Type 1, 4 and 9 (License ID: AI9726), (2022-2025)
- Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute (HKSFC) : Responsible Officer (RO) Type 4 and 9 (License ID: BNU869), (2019-2022)
- Certificates
- Fellow, Life Management Institute, LOMA, (2008 till today, lifetime)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor, CISA (Cert ID: 0861669), (2008-2012)
