The Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Monetary Authority of Macao jointly promote the Enhanced Competency Framework for Banking Practitioners in Macao

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 26 October 2018 to jointly promote mutually recognised professional training and certifications under the Enhanced Competency Framework for Banking Practitioners (ECF).  This would support talent development and facilitate mobility of talent for the banking industry in Hong Kong and Macao.

Developed by the HKMA in collaboration with the banking industry, the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) and other relevant professional bodies, the ECF provides a set of common competency standards for the industry.  According to the Memorandum of Understanding, the HKMA and the AMCM have designated the HKIB and the Macau Institute of Financial Services (MIFS) to join hands in providing related professional training and implementing the mutual recognition of professional certifications under the ECF.  The HKIB and the MIFS will also offer a bridging course on relevant laws and regulations of Hong Kong and Macao for banking practitioners in the respective jurisdictions.

Mr Arthur Yuen, Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA said, “The cooperation between the HKMA and the AMCM to promote the ECF in Macao is a major milestone, signifying that we have entered a new stage in promoting talent development and facilitating the mobility of talent for the banking industry in Hong Kong and Macao.  Whilst the ECF is not a mandatory licensing regime, we hope that through the ECF, banking practitioners will be encouraged to enhance their core competence and conduct.  They could also gain a better understanding of the risks associated with their relevant professional areas.  I am confident that our cooperation will help expand the pool of banking talent in Hong Kong and Macao and support the continued development of the banking industry in both jurisdictions.”

Mr Simon Vong, Executive Director, Board of Directors of the AMCM said, “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the AMCM and the HKMA on the introduction of the ECF will help strengthen the professional competence training for financial practitioners of Macao.  We believe that this will help enhance the competence level of banking practitioners in Macao and achieve mutual recognition of certifications in both jurisdictions so as to provide higher standards of professional services to the residents of Macao and help promote Macao's status in international financial services.”

Hong Kong Monetary Authority
30 October 2018 

Mr Arthur Yuen, Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA (fifth from the right), and Mr Simon Vong, Executive Director, Board of Directors of the AMCM (sixth from the left), sign and exchange the Memorandum of Understanding in Macao.