Conversation With a Christian Capital Markets Lawyer
This blog post is a story that was first published in City to City’s Asia Pacific City Portraits report. Alistair Chiu is City to City’s Asia Pacific Faith & Work Catalyst.
Grace, Pressure, Purpose, & The Gospel
In the marketplace, have we ever questioned why our work consumes so much of our lives, while our faith remains compartmentalized? Alistair Chiu recently had a chat with Anthony Lo, around how does faith make a difference in an industry known for long hours, intense pressure, and little margin for error?
Alistair: When did you begin connecting your faith with your legal practice?
Anthony: From the beginning. As a trainee, I worked long hours and struggled to attend church. I started wondering: Why is work invading my weekends, instead of my faith influencing my weekdays?
One night, I prayed with a colleague past midnight-that was a turning point. Later, through Scripture and a course on faith and work, I came to see that work isn't a result of sin, but part of God's original design. That reshaped everything. I now see my work as a way God blesses others, provides for me, and brings me into contact with people who need to hear the gospel.
Alistair: Does your faith help you navigate the pressures of your profession?
Anthony: Definitely-but not without struggle. In Hong Kong, mistakes are unforgivable. Lawyers are expected to be 100% accurate, always. That creates fear. But the gospel is radically different—it tells me I'm loved and accepted, not because of my performance, but because of Christ. That frees me from the fear of failure. My identity isn't based on my KPIs or bonus. I serve God first, and my reward is from Him.
Alistair: Do you see others in the profession experiencing the same fear?
Anthony: Absolutely. The fear runs deep-daily worries about job security, performance, and comparison.
Even when people reach a point where they can make better choices, they often don't. Work becomes a kind of slavery or a means of self-gratification. The gospel breaks that cycle. It frees us from having to prove ourselves.
Alistair: Do you have any stories of faith making a difference in your workplace?
Anthony: Since my industry and Hong Kong work culture do not tolerate mistakes, this creates immense pressure for lawyers to be perfect. Once, a mentee lost a critical file and didn't know what to do. He was tempted to hide it. I reminded him that the gospel isn't about being flawless, but about repentance and integrity. He confessed the mistake and was appreciated for his honesty. Later, that same department took him back. It was a powerful testimony of grace and trust.
Alistair: How do you share your faith at work?
Anthony: Mostly through presence, prayer, and care. I've prayed with colleagues struggling with illness or stress. Once, our whole team even prayed over Zoom before a colleague's surgery-with my boss's support. It's not about being preachy or perfect. It's about embodying Christ's love in real ways, with humility.
IN A CULTURE THAT PRIZES PERFECTION AND PERFORMANCE, ANTHONY'S STORY IS A REMINDER THAT FAITH DOESN'T PULL US AWAY FROM THE WORKPLACE - IT TRANSFORMS HOW WE LIVE WITHIN IT.
GRACE, NOT FEAR, BECOMES THE DRIVING FORCE.
AND THROUGH THAT, THE GOSPEL QUIETLY BUT POWERFULLY MAKES ITSELF KNOWN.