Alice Gao is SVP, Head of Cross Border Commercial Banking for East West Bank. In this role, she is leading a multi-functional team in bridging banking services in and between the U.S. and China, the world’s two largest markets.
Prior to joining East West Bank in 2021, Alice spent 9 years responsible for business development in ICBC USA, a subsidiary of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. Before ICBC, Alice led the West Coast Credit Approval team in HSBC USA for 8 years. Alice also held successive positions in Bank of the West and other local banks in the areas of Commercial banking, SBA, Trade finance, Branch operation, Wealth management and Regional Administration.
A seasoned banker, compelling leader and mentor in the commercial banking sector, Alice has received numerous honors in her banking career and is a frequent speaker before industry groups. She was named the “Distinguished Alumna” by University of New Haven in 2014, and currently serve in University’s Advisory Board. Alice holds M.B.A. degree in Business Administration, BS in Accounting and BA in Literature, She also completed Advanced Executive Leadership Program at Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
I am experienced in financing lines of credit and commercial real estate. For credit line, we can structure working capital, trade finance, and small business finance. For commercial real estate, we have a full spectrum of services ranging from acquisition to value-added bridge financing, including construction, bridge, and mini-permanent financing for all commercial types of properties, i.e., multi-family residential, retail, office, warehouse, hospitality, etc. We can tailor the terms of each loan transaction to meet your business needs.
Cash flow is the key for all types of lending. For CRE, the property’s current and future cash flow, the Loan to Value and Equity that the Borrower put in, the support that the guarantor(s) can provide, and the customer’s whole relationship, including deposit relationship, loan relationship, cross-border relationship, etc., with the bank.
We recognize the importance of having banking capabilities in Greater China. Our array of foreign exchange products and services offers you the tools and flexibility to build your business through our network of international offices. Our focus is on helping you make your goals a reality:
Non-Resident Accounts: The internationalization of RMB continues to unfold, and conducting business in China is becoming more accessible. If you have business activities in Mainland China, we can help facilitate your cross-border banking and trade settlement needs. Our network of subsidiary banks in Mainland China and Hong Kong enables companies without a physical presence in China to settle their international payment needs using an RMB Non-Resident Account (NRA). We can assist you with all facets of the account opening process.
On-Shore Collateral, Off-Shore Loan Program: Our bank offers a distinctive program designed to provide credit facilities to Foreign-Invested Enterprises (FIE) secured by Standby Letter of Credit. As many FIEs lack credit history and operating experience, this program will help an FIE obtain financing and bridge the gap between joint ventures. The credit facilities can be used as short- or long-term debt-to-income-generated investments and are not applicable to individual or personal use.
