Driving Change with Purpose: Ms. Carol Fong, Group CEO, CGS International Securities

In a dynamic industry shaped by constant transformation, it takes more than business acumen to stand out. For Ms. Carol, CEO of CGS International, being named a Top CEO by Influential Brands is a testament to her unwavering leadership, empathy, and commitment to long-term excellence. Her journey to this recognition is one marked by resilience, people-centric values, and forward-looking strategy.

We gather her leadership approach across 5 different pillars:

Pillar 1: Leadership Rooted in Empathy and Empowerment

At the heart of Ms. Carol’s leadership philosophy is the belief that great leaders inspire and empower. Rather than command from the top, she has cultivated a leadership style that balances vision and decisiveness with empathy and adaptability. She places strong emphasis on understanding her team’s challenges and fostering an environment where trust, respect, and collaboration thrive.

“I focus on people development, getting to know my team well and treating everyone with respect,” she shares. “By balancing decisiveness with empathy, one can build trust and loyalty.”

This approach has helped transform CGS International’s business model, creating new revenue streams resilient to market volatility and positioning the firm ahead of competitors.

Pillar 2: Embracing Change with Courage and Strategy

The past few years have seen CGS International undergo profound transformation—including becoming wholly owned by China Galaxy Securities in 2023, and pivoting from a traditional brokerage to a diversified financial services firm.

“Managing through change requires purpose, discipline, and grace.”

Ms. Carol explains.

She led her team through this pivotal transition by instilling a shared sense of purpose and embracing mistakes as learning opportunities. Her transparent communication style and strategic foresight helped align all levels of the organisation during this critical time.

Pillar 3: A Relentless Drive for Growth and Innovation

Ms. Carol’s leadership has been defined by her commitment to continuous learning and adaptability—traits that have kept her ahead in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. She promotes innovation not for its own sake, but as a means to create value for clients and the industry.

By fostering cross-functional collaboration, encouraging creative problem-solving, and aligning innovation with regulatory and business priorities, she has positioned CGS International as a forward-thinking institution with sustainable ambitions.

Pillar 4: Championing Inclusivity and High Performance

Under Ms. Carol’s stewardship, CGS International has become known not only for its business performance but also its inclusive workplace culture. The company’s progressive policies—ranging from gender-neutral hiring practices and fair pay to diversity celebrations and DEI-focused employee feedback—are driving meaningful impact.

“Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about creating a workplace where every employee can thrive and contribute meaningfully.”

Ms. Carol says.

CGS International’s gender pay ratio of 1:0.94 (male to female) across MIST countries is one example of how these principles are being translated into tangible outcomes, exceeding global benchmarks.

Pillar 5: Vision for the Future: Building Asia’s Global Investment House

Looking ahead, Ms. Carol envisions CGS International becoming Asia’s leading investment bank—bridging China and ASEAN markets while empowering communities with greater financial literacy. By democratising access to capital markets and expanding its services in investment banking, wealth and asset management, and private equity, the Group is redefining its position as Asia’s Global Investment House.

The company has already secured full investment banking licences in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, as well as asset management licences across key markets—solidifying its regional presence.