Press Release - The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers and The Treasury Markets Association Sign Strategic Memorandum of Understanding

The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers and The Treasury Markets Association Sign Strategic Memorandum of Understanding

Promoting mutual recognition of banking and treasury professional qualifications
Driving talent mobility and capacity building in the financial industry

4 May 2026, Hong Kong – The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) and the Treasury Markets Association (TMA) have signed a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), officially launching a mutual recognition mechanism between the “Treasury Management” stream under HKIB’s Certified Banker (CB) programme and the “Professional Level II” qualification under TMA’s Enhanced Competency Framework on Treasury Management (ECF-TM).

This initiative aims to promote talent mobility in the banking and treasury sectors, enhance professional standards among practitioners, and drive continued professional development and capacity building across the industry.  The MoU was signed by Carrie LEUNG, Chief Executive Officer of HKIB, and Chordio CHAN, Chief Executive Officer of TMA, and witnessed by Felton W M LAU FHKIB, Hon. Certified Banker Council Member and Honorary Treasurer of HKIB, and Dr Benny LUK, Executive Board Member of TMA.

The two professional qualifications covered under the mutual recognition arrangement are both benchmarked at Level 6 of Hong Kong’s Qualifications Framework, established by the Hong Kong Education Bureau, which reflects competence equivalent to a Master’s degree level.  This collaboration provides banking and treasury professionals with advanced learning and professional development, laying a stronger foundation for the development of professional talent in Hong Kong’s financial industry and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre. This initiative also echoes the “Devote” pillar of the ‘A.S.C.E.N.D.’ action plan outlined in the “Capacity Building for Future Banking 2026-2030” report jointly issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, The Hong Kong Association of Banks, and HKIB, which focuses on promoting industry-wide capacity building initiatives.

Carrie LEUNG, Chief Executive Officer of HKIB, said: “The collaboration with the Treasury Markets Association is of landmark significance, reflecting our shared vision of advancing industry professionalism and fostering the mutual recognition of qualifications across different segments of the financial sector.  Currently, HKIB has designed eight of the ten ECF streams.  Through this mutual recognition arrangement with TMA, HKIB integrates the ECF-TM (Professional Level II) into the CB qualification, further enhancing alignment between the CB and ECF frameworks.  This collaboration will further enhance the mobility and recognition of licensed banks and treasury professionals, and support Hong Kong’s financial industry in nurturing internationally competitive professional talent.”

Chordio CHAN, Chief Executive Officer of TMA, stated: “Hong Kong has long been committed to consolidating its position as an Asia-Pacific hub for treasury management.  Through the mutual recognition of the ECF‑TM (Professional Level II) Certificate and the Certified Banker Programme, we can more effectively integrate treasury training with professional banking qualifications, nurturing talent who are proficient in treasury market dealing, risk control and product innovation, while also possessing a well-rounded banking perspective.  This will help enhance the overall competitiveness of local banks and financial institutions in responding to the rapid changes and challenges in global financial markets.”

Under the mutual recognition mechanism, holders of the ECF-TM (Professional Level II) qualification are eligible for exemption from two modules under the Treasury Management stream of the CB programme, and will receive the corresponding credits (a total of 60 credits).

At the same time, learners who have completed the CB Treasury Management stream may directly apply for the ECF-TM (Professional Level II) qualification without taking part in additional training or examination.  This enables learners to obtain dual industry-recognised professional qualifications in a more streamlined and cost-effective manner, achieving a more efficient pathway for professional development.

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Carrie LEUNG, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) (second from left), and Chordio CHAN, Chief Executive Officer of Treasury Markets Association (TMA) (second from right) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding, the signing was witnessed by Felton W M LAU FHKIB, Hon. Certified Banker Council Member and Honorary Treasurer of HKIB (first from left), and Dr Benny LUK, Executive Board Member of TMA (first from right).