The agreement helps to expand industry recognition of Hong Kong's banking professionals in the international arena
A mutual recognition agreement was signed in April between the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland (CIOBS). It means members of HKIB's Associateship Examination (AHKIB) and CIOBS Chartered Banker can obtain dual qualifications through a simple and direct conversion programme.
Following the agreement, applicants don't have to go through the whole set of examinations, which carry 10 credits, because they can apply for exemptions. HKIB said the agreement represented a major milestone in expanding industry recognition of Hong Kong's banking professionals in the global environment. AHKIB, with a history of more than 40 years, is a prestigious qualification for banking professionals.
It is also the only professional examination recognised and endorsed by banks established in Hong Kong.
Many banking professionals have been AHKIB qualified and have become the backbone of Hong Kong's banking sector.
'We are extremely pleased to see that the HKIB and the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland have reached this important mutual recognition agreement, which signifies Hong Kong's banking and finance professionals are well qualified and have the same international vision and global knowledge that are imperative to any global banking operations,' said Stanley Wong Yuen-fai, director and deputy general manager of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) and chairman of the membership and professional development committee of HKIB.