China Universal Asset Management, the China-based asset management firm, has named the two executives who will be heading its planned office in Hong Kong, a report by Asian Investor reveals.

Sheldon Gao, currently the chief executive of Schroders China, will become CEO of the new office when it commences operations in February next year. Doris Wong, an investment director at Standard Life Investments, will be assuming a head role in retail sales by late February, the news service said.

China Universal has been aggressively pushing its QFII advisory business to institutional investors in Asia, the US, and Europe. A Hong Kong office will strengthen its goal towards overseas business opportunities and taking a significant share of the increased investor interest in the East.

Current preparations over the Hong Kong branch are dependent on the licensing approval from the Securities and Futures Commission. The company has declined to comment prior to an official announcement.