Vivian Fu brings a wealth of expertise and a broad perspective to Tower Research Capital. From her early career in commodities to her current role, in which she oversees the successful execution of Tower’s trading strategies, she has developed a strong track record of success and innovation in the dynamic Shanghai market.
Read on for Vivian’s thoughts on the power of mentorship, workplace flexibility, and more! To learn more about careers at Tower Research Capital, explore here.
1. Tell us a bit about your career journey and what led you to join Tower.
After graduating, I began my career at a commodities exchange in China, where I developed a solid understanding of market operations and trading mechanisms. This experience helped me to view financial markets from a different angle, particularly from the perspective of market infrastructure and participant dynamics.
Joining Tower in 2017 was exciting because it allowed me to transition from working in a single market to engaging with multiple global markets, exploring their similarities and differences with the support of Tower’s powerful infrastructure. As a member of our Business Management team, I’m constantly fascinated by how global markets operate, how they’re interconnected, and how Tower’s platform and strategies can maximize their performance in these diverse environments. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience.
2. How has your role evolved over the years?
My team’s day-to-day responsibility is to ensure that Tower’s strategies are effectively executed in the local market in Shanghai. At the same time, a key focus of our work is driving the long-term growth of the business by building strong relationships both internally with trading teams and externally with key partners and stakeholders.
Over time, my role has evolved significantly. Initially, I focused on supporting local operations and ensuring compliance with market practices. As Tower’s business expanded, my responsibilities grew to include building strategic partnerships, understanding global asset classes, and collaborating more closely with our trading teams.
One aspect I find particularly fascinating is observing the interconnectedness of different markets. Whether it’s in terms of correlations, liquidity, microstructure, or regulation, these connections reveal a deeper complexity and provide invaluable insights into how strategies can adapt and thrive across regions. This perspective has been instrumental in shaping my approach to both day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
3. How would you describe the local financial industry in Shanghai?
Shanghai’s financial industry is characterized by its strong drive for innovation and its ability to attract both local and global institutions. As China’s premier financial hub, the city blends cutting-edge financial technologies with a firm commitment to regulatory compliance, ensuring a balanced and sustainable environment for growth.
What makes Shanghai truly unique is its dynamism. While the market can be challenging, it is never boring. The city’s ability to constantly adapt and evolve keeps professionals engaged and inspired, offering endless opportunities to learn and contribute.
4. How would you describe the culture at Tower and particularly in the Shanghai office? How important are collaboration and mentorship to your success?
Tower provides an incredible opportunity to work alongside some of the smartest people in the industry, while also offering ample room for personal and professional growth.
Mentorship plays a significant role in our culture. Everyone here is generous with their knowledge and willing to share insights, creating an environment of innovation and continuous learning. For me, having access to experienced colleagues who are open to discussing strategies or offering guidance has been invaluable to my development. At the same time, I’ve found great fulfillment in mentoring others. It’s a two-way process that strengthens teamwork and mutual understanding.
In the Shanghai office, we employ around 30 people, including both trading teams and support staff. This size creates a close-knit environment where everyone knows each other, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie. The open and friendly atmosphere, combined with Tower’s strong support for our independent trading teams, ensures smooth communication, enabling us to work together efficiently and effectively.
5. You’re a working mom balancing a demanding career. How do you manage the challenges of both roles?
At Tower, there’s a strong emphasis on valuing each employee as an individual and supporting their ability to achieve balance in life. Rather than focusing solely on one aspect of life, the company encourages everyone to thrive both personally and professionally.
Tower’s flexibility and understanding create an environment where all employees — not just working parents — are empowered to manage their responsibilities effectively. Whether it’s through a collaborative team culture, transparent communication, or providing the resources necessary to support work-life balance, the company ensures that everyone has the tools they need to succeed.