President, Chief Executive, Cathay Bank
Liu oversees Chinatown-based Cathay Bank, which reported $23 billion in assets under management at the end of last year. Liu has held a variety of positions since joining the bank in 2014, overseeing lending and operations before assuming his role as president and chief executive. Chang also serves as a director on the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco—Los Angeles Regional Board.
What’s the best advice you ever got?
I’ve had some great mentors throughout my career, and all of them have influenced my professional approach and philosophy. The best advice I have always abided by is that I should always be open to other people’s thoughts and ideas but be mindful not to let that distract from my objectives and focus on what is in front of me.
What’s your favorite movie, all time and in any category?
My favorite movie is “Rudy.” It’s the story of an undersized football player who had a big heart and an even larger dedication to his college football team. Through his perseverance and hard work, he ultimately played in the last two plays of the last game of their season. Along the way, he won the respect of everyone on the team, not for his talent in football but rather for his grit to stand for what he loved and contribute to it in any way he could. This movie showed me that the key to success in life is not mere talent but dedication and the discipline to see things through.
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
For experience, I would want to travel more with family and friends. I would also like to continue to make a positive impact on those people around me: family, friends, co-workers, team members, and clients.
What was your first car?
I purchased my first new car in 1992, a Toyota Camry. This car became my mode of transportation, and I changed the oil and filter religiously for the next 19 years until the transmission gave out after 450,000 miles. It’s not a glamorous car by any means, but it served as a steady backdrop for almost two decades of adventures and fond memories.
What’s the best thing about living in Los Angeles?
The weather, the diversity, the food scene, and my close proximity to family and friends.
YEARS ON LA500: 4
