The people of Hong Kong were blatantly lied to. Nothing has been the same since then. The umbrella movement in 2014 was already an expression of this displeasure.

Did you think it would culminate in the turmoil we are now seeing?

Yes, for the reasons I mentioned and also, don't forget: freedom is a drug democracy is intoxicating. Many people are utterly euphoric after their experiences of recent months.

«Protesters aren't congruent in their demands»

We also shouldn't forget that Hong Kong cannot survive on its own. The city is much too dependent on China, starting with infrastructure like water and power.

In other words, Hong Kong isn't in a position to make demands?

Yes, not least because the protest movement isn't clear on what exactly it wants – or at least it hasn't managed to convey it yet. Do they want more freedom, more democracy, or «one vote for all», independence? There's a blurring of issues. What is clear is that the movement won't achieve independence. Maybe «one vote for all», but democracy...less so.

Has the bank you work for issued any directives for staff since the protests began in June?

No, never. This could be interpreted to mean they are somewhat more liberal than other financial institutions. 

Did you ever join the protests yourself?

No, this isn't my battle. My ancestors at home in Switzerland already fought centuries ago for what I have today.

Are there everyday things that you have stopped doing for now?

No, but together with my wife we've taken some measures. She has power of attorney on my accounts, and vice-versa. We've also ensured that we have contacts to get us out of Hong Kong relatively quickly if need be. I may be somewhat paranoid about this.

«Timetable for protests»

Then again, I also heard that for example the Thai government has prepared ten planes in case it needs to evacuate its citizens quickly. Ultimately, if the situation becomes dicey, we have to follow instructions provided by the authorities.

It's relatively quiet for the moment. The protests even have a sort of timetable so that everyone knows when and where things are happening. In a way, the protest movement is almost as pedantic and proper as us Swiss citizens.

How long do you predict these exceptional circumstances will last?

No idea. It can ignite at any moment, but it could also quiet down again. Many protesters are quite young and have to return to school or University again soon. Anything is possible. The protesters want to be «like water», in homage to legendary kung fu fighter Bruce Lee who once said he wanted to be like water: formless and shapeless in order to face life's challenges.

Swiss banker Max H. (not his real name) has worked in Hong Kong's financial industry for more than ten years. He is married to an Asian woman and has worked for several different firms. He prefers to remain anonymous.