While China has lagged behind Hong Kong in salaries and hi tech opportunities, they are starting to catch up. On average, salaries on the mainland are 15-20% lower than those in Hong Kong in their financial industry according to Simon Lance. He is the regional director for recruitment agency Hays in China. The salary gap is narrowing and the higher cost of living in Hong Kong are both helping the mainland to look more attractive.
Internet finance is now begin regarded as the future industry leader by the well-educated in China.
Shanghai has been turning up the pressure, announcing its ambitions to become a global financial center by 2020. They are developing their trade-free zone as well.
Beijing is also reforming the interest-rate mechanism and introducing privately owned competitors. This should help to create more internet finance opportunties.