Message from the Chairman

A rich talent pool and a strong research base are essential ingredients for the success of an international financial centre. This is particularly so when the financial industry becomes increasingly driven by knowledge and technology. We need to equip ourselves to leverage on the opportunities that lie ahead for Hong Kong.

With that in mind, the Hong Kong Academy of Finance (AoF) was set up in June 2019 with full collaboration amongst all the financial regulators in Hong Kong, namely the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority, and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority. The AoF has two missions: to serve as a centre of excellence for developing financial leadership and a repository of knowledge in monetary and financial research, including applied research.

On the leadership development front, the AoF has been inviting senior management and promising talents from financial institutions, professional services, and the academia to join the Academy as Members and encouraging them to participate in its Leadership Development Programme. The Programme aims to groom future leaders and broaden Members’ perspectives on global and inter-disciplinary issues. We have received very positive feedback from our Members, who especially appreciate the valuable opportunities to exchange views with global and local financial leaders and to network with others from the industry.

On the research front, the AoF endeavours to fill the gap in applied financial research in Hong Kong. Such research aims to help the industry better grasp new trends in the financial world, and attempts to provide practical answers to issues of interest to both the industry and regulators. The initial series of applied research projects will focus on two important recent developments: the first series relates to fintech adoption and its implications for the industry, the markets and regulations; and the second series relates to the emergence of Hong Kong as a green finance hub and the opportunities arising. These projects will be carried out in the next twelve months in collaboration with the regulators, academia and the financial industry.

The work of the AoF is guided by its Board of Directors comprising the chairmen of all the financial regulators in Hong Kong. The AoF also benefits from the advice of its International Advisers drawn from global leaders in the field of finance, its two Councils of Advisers for research, and its Fellows.

The AoF has made a good start so far. In the coming months, we will continue to recruit Members, enrich the Leadership Development Programme including the introduction of thematic modules, and embark on research projects. I look forward to working closely with the financial industry, my fellow regulators, the academia, professionals and other stakeholders through this new collaborative platform to upgrade our talent pool and further enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness as a premier international financial centre.

Eddie Yue, JP
Chairman, Hong Kong Academy of Finance
Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority