Mauro Alfonso is a curious choice to help lead China’s transition from low-cost manufacturing to global high finance. The Italian safari enthusiast, who did not speak Mandarin, left a comfortable directorship at one of the world’s big credit rating agencies for a then unknown Chinese start-up in 2012.

Mr Alfonso compares the decision to become head of Dagong Europe to his penchant for travelling through the African bush in 4x4 jeeps. “I like to explore,” he says.

The bespectacled manager, who has a soft-spoken but direct demeanour, left his job at Fitch, the US-based rating agency, following a visit to Beijing in mid-2012. It was his first visit to China. In his new role he is leading China’s international challenge to the “Big Three” – industry shorthand for Standard & Poor’s, Fitch and Moody’s, which dominate global credit ratings.