Margaret Ren

Ren Keying (Margaret Ren) is a renowned Chinese financial professional. She was born in China; her father is Ren Zhongyi, and her husband is Zhao Sijun, with her father-in-law being Zhao Ziyang. Ren Keying completed her studies at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, earning a bachelor's degree.

After China's reform and opening-up in 1978, Ren Keying became one of the earliest Chinese students to study abroad in the United States. She possesses extensive experience in the financial industry, having held senior management positions at various international financial institutions. In 1994, she joined Bear Stearns, working there for seven years and rising to the position of Managing Director. In August 2001, she left Bear Stearns to join Salomon Smith Barney (later part of Citigroup) as Managing Director of Investment Banking for China. At that time, Salomon Smith Barney's projects in China were limited, but under her leadership, Citigroup significantly expanded its operations in China, successfully securing major projects such as China Life, China Netcom, China Construction Bank, and China Minsheng Bank, establishing its prominent position in China's investment banking sector.

In 2004, Ren Keying was suspended from her position due to allegations of disclosing false information to the company and regulators during the initial public offering of China Life in the U.S. and Hong Kong. She was subjected to an informal two-year investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In September 2006, the SEC announced the investigation concluded, confirming that she had not engaged in improper conduct. The incident drew widespread attention, but she expressed relief at the findings and gratitude for the SEC's cooperation.

After the investigation concluded, Ren Keying leveraged her extensive domestic connections to return to the investment banking industry. She served as President of the Greater China Corporate Finance Department at BNP Paribas and later as Chairwoman of Merrill Lynch's Investment Banking Division from 2007 to 2009. In 2009, she joined BNP Paribas again as Chair of Greater China Corporate Finance. In October 2012, she was appointed Managing Director and Chairwoman of Merrill Lynch China, overseeing the firm’s operations in China comprehensively.

In the industry, Ren Keying is known for her professionalism and leadership. On December 16, 2015, she participated as a guest at the second World Internet Conference. She holds an influential position within China's financial sector and the international capital markets, with a career spanning several key roles and high-profile projects, actively contributing to Chinese enterprises’ international expansion.