The investor banking on the next generation

For Dr Edmond Lee, an illustrious 30-year career in finance in Hong Kong was only the beginning of his story.

After completing a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne in 1988, Edmond went on to build a successful career as an investment banker and equity strategist for leading international banks.

The lowest point, the biggest lesson

From as early as his high school days, Edmond was fascinated by economics.

“It was one of my favourite subjects,” he says. “Even as a teenager, I always liked to know about why things happened in the economy, what the GDP was.”

But it was only as he built a successful finance career that he became increasingly aware of a glaring gap in his home city’s education system; young people were not being taught how to manage money wisely. It was a gap he was determined to help close.

The mission was also shaped by his own financial missteps. In his 30s, he endured significant losses after being “reckless” with his money, taking financial gambles without proper research.

“I have a smile on my face now, but it was a terrible experience,” Edmond reflects. “I didn’t consider any risks of the investments I was making. I was driven by market sentiment. For example, if metals were very hot and the price was going up, I rushed into the metals."

It was only when hitting rock bottom financially that he pledged to his then girlfriend – now, his wife – that he would turn his situation around.

“So, I told myself: ‘If I have a chance to stand up again, if I have a chance to earn money again, I will treasure every dollar that I earn. I will save some more. I will spend it wisely. I won’t do any more speculation’.”

A new direction

Over time, he repaid his debts, rebuilt his financial footing and began turning his mind to helping others.

Fast forward to 2026 and he is now co-founder of the Child and Adolescent Financial Education Fund (CAFEF), which is delivering free financial education sessions to schools in Hong Kong.

What started with just one school a decade ago has expanded to 90 primary and secondary schools, and eight universities, reaching more than 22,000 students, 4500 parents and 1500 teachers.

Edmond says at its core lies an evidence-based financial and values curriculum called the 4S Program, covering not just basic economics but positive behaviours, such as paying off debt quickly.

“Our ultimate goal is to help young people develop sound financial values and habits,” he says. “But waiting until the teenage years is often too late – values and habits are harder to change by then.”

It’s the most meaningful chapter of his career to date, and he shares the heartwarming moments of witnessing the difference the program is making.

“After one class, a mother was waiting outside the school to thank us personally,” he says. “She shared that her son no longer made impulsive purchases. He used to love buying belts and had over 30 of them. After the course, he learned to distinguish between ‘wants’ and ‘needs’ and stopped buying unnecessarily.”

Dr Edmond Lee speaking at school

Foundations forged at Uni Melb

Taking the leap to travel abroad and study at the University of Melbourne had a lasting impact, both personally and professionally, according to Edmond.

From laying the foundations for his corporate career to landing his first job on campus and making lifelong friendships, he remains deeply grateful for the opportunities that flowed.

“I wanted to study at the University of Melbourne as it is one of the top universities in Australia and also in the world,” he says.

“I felt very fortunate to get in and I enjoyed my studies there. I was also working part-time in the office at university, so it gave me the chance to earn money at an early age. It helped prepare me for the world of work, and I developed the ability to work harder.”

Relationships proved just as formative. Edmond forged deep connections with classmates and faculty staff, ties that have endured across decades and continents.

He still returns to Australia to visit fellow alumni – and even attended the weddings of their children.

“I left with these long-standing friendships, and I am coming to Melbourne again this October as a friend’s eldest son is getting married,” he says.