Investment patterns alter with times

In many mature markets, investment is all about focusing on growth values rather than speculation, said Zhu Jingzhi, a Shanghai-based investor.

"Investment motives have changed in the last 10 years. Earlier investment decisions were largely based on the internal information that was circulated through gossips. In most cases, even if the investor knew nothing about the company or the shares, it was possible to make money," said Zhu.

Such trends have disappeared and it is important for investors to be more responsible with their investment choices, he said.

Most of the investors are keen on creative financial products as it helps expands wealth and achieve financial goals like children's overseas education, foreign holidays, to enjoy a life of high quality after retirement, to have enough measures to secure against risks including diseases and accidents, said Li from OCBC Bank.

It is not surprising that wealth management consultants are feeling the pressure, as professionals need better insight to remain and succeed in their positions, said Zhou Lin, wealth manager with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank.

"The choices for Chinese investors in the domestic financial market is limited, when compared to overseas markets, due to the strict regulations, and the need for financial products to stay within the prescribed limits," said Thomas Luk, a London-based wealth management consultant.

Some investors, however, find reliable agents to invest in overseas markets through the QDII program at the current stage, as a supplement to their choices in domestic market.

"I think that as a more liberalized market emerges in China, both investors and wealth managers will applaud a much wider range of choices to cater to specific needs," said Luk.