On the afternoon of July 2, 2025, a faculty-student delegation from the School of International Education and the School of Finance of Zhongnan University of Economics and Law visited the Wuhan Branch of China Zheshang Bank for an industry-academia research activity under the "Silk Road Financial Future Leaders Pilot Program". Participants included Professor Lü Yongbin, Vice Dean of the School of Finance; Wang Geng from the School of International Education; Li Ailing and Wang Yao from the School of Finance; 18 international students from the summer school program; and 20 graduating students from the Class of 2025 at the School of Finance.

The delegation first visited the branch's cultural exhibition corridor. Ms. Yao Linlin from China Zheshang Bank, starting from the bank's corporate philosophy of "Upholding Integrity and Connecting All Sectors", elaborated on distinctive practices such as the "Zheshang Philanthropy Standard" evaluation system and the "One Bank, One School" educational assistance program. This provided the delegation with an in-depth understanding of the bank's development history, corporate culture, vision, and business layout.

Subsequently, the delegation conducted an on-site inspection of the branch's business hall, visiting employee facilities including the cafeteria, activity rooms, and staff library. They observed banking operational processes at close range and experienced the working environment of a modern bank.

At the Private Banking Center, Mr. Mao Yanyu from the Retail Finance Department demonstrated the bank's specialized services, including the "1+1+N" expert team service model, full life-cycle product system, and exclusive private banking privileges. Through practical cases, he vividly illustrated how private banking provides comprehensive financial services such as wealth management and family legacy planning for high-net-worth clients. Mr. Mao not only detailed the diversified development directions of the banking industry—including retail banking, corporate banking, investment banking, and wealth management—but also shared the challenges and rewards of a banking career based on his professional experience. He emphasized that while banking offers abundant opportunities, it requires practitioners to possess solid professional knowledge, continuous learning capabilities, and strong communication skills. With his extensive industry expertise, Mr. Mao provided meticulous answers to all student inquiries.

During the training cooperation symposium, both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on talent cultivation, internships and employment, and research collaboration. Xiao Qing, Deputy Party Committee Member and Vice President of China Zheshang Bank Wuhan Branch, stated that as a financial institution with a strong cooperative foundation with Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, the branch would continue to provide practical platforms for faculty and students and jointly explore new models for financial talent development. Vice Dean Lü Yongbin expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hoped to further expand collaborative areas for mutual benefit.

Since its establishment in 2015, China Zheshang Bank Wuhan Branch has recruited over 70 alumni from Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, 12 of whom have grown into mid-level managers. This research activity not only offered valuable practical learning opportunities for students but also served as an important platform for international students to understand China's financial industry development, significantly contributing to deeper industry-academia cooperation and the cultivation of high-quality financial talent.