Jacques (Ziyu) Zhang

Education: Bachelors, University of Nottingham, UK; graduated in 2026

Subject: Economics, International Economics with Trade

Sector(s) of interest: Private Equity, Investment Banking, Economics

My greatest challenge when I applied to business school: Deciding and being confident about whether I am good enough to be here yet.

About me: I am from Hangzhou in China. I graduated from the University of Nottingham with first-class honours in economics before joining the MiM programme at London Business School.

My experience spans investment banking, private equity and venture capital. I supported initial public offering (IPO) transactions through industry research, financial analysis and due diligence, and evaluated companies across technology and emerging industries. These experiences strengthened my interest in business growth and value creation through strategy and capital allocation.

At the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris, I analysed regional development data. I also co-authored research on fintech and bank credit risk and continue to edit EU–China policy analysis for European Guanxi. These experiences have helped me analyse financial transactions from an economic perspective and better understand China’s business and investment landscape.

At London Business School, I hope to deepen my knowledge of finance and learn from classmates with diverse backgrounds. I aspire to a career in investment banking, applying my economics and research background to transactions that shape businesses.

Outside my studies, I enjoy snowboarding, reading philosophy and learning about whisky. I also explore cocktail culture by visiting acclaimed bars around the world and experimenting with recipes at home.

Three topics I can be approached about: Student life on campus; connection between London Business School and China; pivoting from an economics background to a career in finance.

Email: zzhang.mim2027@london.edu