Call for ethics in syllabus to enhance role
In its 34 years of operation, the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers, has striven to encourage bank employees to study and improve themselves to ensure Hong Kong competes with the best in the banking world, according to Mark Waller, Standard Chartered Bank's regional head of finance for Europe.
He said the courses and examinations offered by the HKIB were well planned and eminently suited to the industry's needs in the SAR.
Mr Waller added: 'I would also like to see courses on ethics forming part of the syllabus.
'In addition, there should be courses on corporate government and compliance and on banking developments on the mainland, now that the SAR is part of China.' Mr Waller is a former secretary of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Hong Kong Centre, the forerunner of today's institute.
He continues to take an interest in the progress of the HKIB and keeps in close touch with the institute's members and administrators.
During his 10-year term as secretary, the institute saw many changes, including moving its premises three times and changing its constitution twice.
'With the establishment of the SAR, I encouraged the institute to incorporate locally to better serve its members' interests,' Mr Waller said.
'I am pleased to be a founder fellow and also to have made the opening speech at the official ceremony to establish the HKIB.' He said the institute had come a long way and continued to play an important part in the financial life of Hong Kong and the region.
He said its great advantage was that it kept abreast of change.
'The institute monitors the banking scene and keeps a close watch on the introduction of new banking services and products to ensure suitable training programmes are launched to equip people with the necessary skills and knowledge.' He stressed the HKIB had good relations with a number of regional institutions and organisations.
'It maintains close links with other Asia- Pacific regional financial institutions and with the UK Chartered Institute of Bankers as well as with institutes in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
'Although the HKIB is not a mandatory training institute, it enjoys the support of the entire banking industry, including the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
'The composition of its governing council and the participation of senior bankers at its various functions demonstrates the support it receives and its status,' Mr Waller said.
