Keynote Speech at the Graduation Ceremony of the Hong Kong Academy of Finance Financial Leaders Programme
Speeches
15 Jan 2026
Keynote Speech at the Graduation Ceremony of the Hong Kong Academy of Finance Financial Leaders Programme
Eddie Yue, Chairman, Hong Kong Academy of Finance and Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority
- Good morning, everyone. And a very warm welcome to the graduation ceremony of the fourth cohort of the Financial Leaders Programme (FLP) organised by the Academy of Finance.
- This cohort kicked off on a very special day: 2 April (2025), the so-called “Liberation Day,” when the US government announced the most sweeping tariff increases in decades. I vividly recall welcoming this cohort on that very day, and I sounded caution about the potential shocks and volatilities in the global financial markets, which did happen in quite a messy way. But I also mentioned that it is precisely in testing times such as these that we need our next generation of financial leaders to acquire the skills to ride through global uncertainties, including through the FLP programme.
- As we all know, the FLP is not a conventional training programme. It is not based on a set curriculum. Instead, we want to create an environment where senior executives can step outside of their daily routines to reflect on issues vital to the long-term growth of their firms, their sectors, and the financial system as a whole. What makes the FLP so unique is our ability to assemble an impactful lineup of accomplished leaders, including many of you here, to meet with the cohort in person.
- These distinguished speakers do not “teach” in the traditional sense. They speak from their real-world experiences, share insights, and offer practical wisdom. The idea is to pass on their valuable experience and equip our future financial leaders with a stronger sense of financial and geopolitical acumen, which is crucial in maintaining Hong Kong as an international financial centre in today’s challenging global environment.
- The cohort last year did very well. Today, we celebrate with them this wonderful journey of intellectual rigour, cross-sector collaboration, and hopefully useful personal growth. Their dedication to continuous learning embodies the very essence of what it means to be a future leader. I have heard nothing but praise about their preparedness and active engagement throughout the past months. I am also pleased to learn of the fruitful trip to Riyadh last October. The cohort represented Hong Kong with distinction.
- All these would not be possible without the support of the CEOs who nominated your colleagues to the programme. Your trust in the participants and your support for their development were crucial. This important pipeline of future leaders is not only good for your organisations, but also good for Hong Kong as a whole. I hope you view your support as a meaningful co-investment with us in cultivating Hong Kong’s future leadership pool.
- Since the inauguration of the FLP in 2022, more than 80 participants have graduated from the programme. I am pleased to report that a significant number of the graduates have gone on to achieve various extents of career advancements. In addition, many FLP participants have served or are taking leadership roles in industry associations, or serve on advisory committees of financial regulatory bodies. They are active participants of AoF activities too. This reflects their dedication to giving back to the community and their willingness to utilise their learnings from the programme to promote the industry. I hope that the FLP continues to serve as a key avenue for nurturing more senior financial leaders for Hong Kong in the years to come.
- In today’s world, the need for visionary, agile, and globally aware financial leaders for Hong Kong has never been greater. To our Class of 2025, you are now part of a powerful alumni network, united by shared experience and a collective mission to elevate Hong Kong’s financial sectors. Graduation is not an endpoint, but a beginning. I urge you to remain engaged, to support one another, and to contribute meaningfully to Hong Kong’s development story. Let us continue to build a community where ideas are openly shared and challenges are met with solidarity.
- Once again, congratulations. Thank you.
