Bankers in Hong Kong Backing an “Occupy” Movement

Labor Union Protesters Marches To Zuccotti Park

We probably all remember the “Occupy Wall Street” movement that was so big in the United States a few years ago, but it seems that our Western neighbors in China are beginning to share some of the same feelings towards their economy. In hopes to ignite a political awakening among bankers, stockholders and finance traders, former hedge fund manager Edward C. K. Chin is starting a movement in China that may have major influence over the elections in Honk Kong in 2017 and beyond.

Writing and sending a letter to Chinese government leadership that was published in various newspapers last week, activists say the city’s economic growth and social integrity have been jeopardized by threats to independent media outlets and an influx of suspicious money within in the economy.

In all honesty, it almost sounds like the exact plot of the wildly popular Netflix show, House of Cards, if you ask us. Chin and his army of supporters represent a trend that could prove costly for future political leaders in both Hong Kong and Beijing, which maintain separate administration and laws, but could be a changing of the guard. While the movement could hurt the Chinese economy, the supporters of it say Hong Kong’s long-term social and economic health requires political action to make a change and see a difference in the current format.

The argument is that many middle-class residents can’t even afford such wealth and opportunity as those who Chin is going against, saying that even financial professionals aren’t part of the “ruling class” as the hedge fund manager refers to the small percentage of wealthy citizens. With so many in the Chinese population dependent on financial services, the supporters of the Occupy Central campaign are taking a major risk by putting themselves on the protest line—but it may prove worth it should their voices be heard.

Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Written by Nick Dimengo

Graduate of the University of Kentucky. Cleveland sports fan. Frustrated respecter of LeBron James. Influencer of bad ideas. In addition to Worthly/Housely, I'm a regular contributor to Bleacher Report, Scout, Esquire and Maxim, and run or bike way too much for my own good when not writing. The day a Cleveland sports team wins a title is the day I can officially say my life is complete.