The challenge for David Li (Pt 1)

David Li leads a busy and conspicuous life. The Bank of East Asia CEO, member of the Hong Kong legislature and regular tabloid target, faces pressure not only from an intrusive press but from an economic environment that is pushing his, and other smaller banks in Hong Kong, to merge or be bought. But he has placed himself at the forefront of a debate he believes will be good not just for his bank but all of Hong Kong: the SAR's role as an offshore renminbi centre. Can he keep his bank independent? By Pauline Loong.