Guidance · HKMA · 27 Sep 2022
Authorized Institutions must support Relevant Practitioners in Hong Kong offices to obtain ECF-Compliance certification or grandfathering, keeping proper training records and assisting with applications. Grandfathering criteria must be met by 31 January 2024, with late applications prohibited. Certified practitioners must renew certificates annually with the HKIB by paying fees and completing Continuing Professional Development: 10 hours for Core Level and 12 for Professional Level, including specific compliance and ethics topics. Practitioners must self-declare CPD compliance during renewal, and institutions must retain documentary evidence for random audit by the HKIB.
Our Ref: B9/166C
27 September 2022
The Chief Executive
All Authorized Institutions
Dear Sir/Madam,
Enhanced Competency Framework on Compliance
I am pleased to announce the launch of the Enhanced Competency Framework on Compliance (ECF-Compliance). The ECF-Compliance is a collaborative effort of the HKMA, the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) and the banking industry in establishing a set of common and transparent competency standards for raising the professional competence of relevant practitioners working in the compliance function of authorized institutions (AIs). This framework will facilitate talent development and help enhance the professional competencies of existing practitioners performing the compliance function more effectively. Details of the ECF-Compliance, including its scope of application, competency standards, qualification structure, modular exemption, certification and grandfathering arrangements, as well as continuing professional development (CPD) requirements are set out in the Guide attached to this letter. As the Supervisory Policy Manual module CG-6 “Competence and Ethical Behaviour” emphasises the importance of ensuring continuing competence of staff members, AIs are strongly encouraged to adopt the ECF-Compliance as part of their overall efforts in supporting relevant employees’ on-going professional development. The HKMA expects AIs to adopt appropriate measures to monitor and maintain the competence levels of their staff. Apart from supporting their staff to attend trainings and examinations that meet the ECF certification, AIs are also advised to keep proper records of the relevant training and qualification of their staff and to provide them with necessary
assistance in their applications for grandfathering and certification, and fulfilment of CPD training under the ECF-Compliance. The HKIB is the administrator of the ECF-Compliance, whose major roles include handling certification and grandfathering applications, providing the training programmes, administering the examinations and CPD requirements, and maintaining a public register of qualified certification holders. AIs may direct any enquiries regarding certification, grandfathering, training and other related matters to Mr Ivan Li at 2153 7813 / 2153 7800 of the HKIB. Meanwhile, if there are any enquiries concerning this circular, please feel free to contact Ms Ivy Yong at 2878 8495 or Miss Rita Kong at 2878 8303. Yours faithfully, Daryl Ho Executive Director (Banking Policy) Encl cc: FSTB (Attn: Mr Justin To) HKIB (Attn: Ms Carrie Leung)
Guide to
Enhanced Competency Framework on Compliance
Hong Kong Monetary Authority
27 September 2022
Table of Contents
1. Introduction................................................................................................................................ 3
2. Objectives ................................................................................................................................... 4
3. Scope of application................................................................................................................... 5
4. Competency standards .............................................................................................................. 8
5. Qualification standards and certification................................................................................ 9
6. Training programmes and examinations............................................................................... 11
7. Grandfathering ........................................................................................................................ 11
8. Modular exemption.................................................................................................................. 13
9. Continuing professional development (CPD)........................................................................ 14
10. Maintenance of relevant records............................................................................................ 16
11. Administration of the ECF-Compliance................................................................................ 16
12. Accreditation ............................................................................................................................ 16
Annex 1 - ECF-Compliance: Key roles and tasks for Relevant Practitioners..................... 18
Annex 2 - ECF-Compliance: Competency framework............................................................ 21
Annex 3 - ECF-Compliance: Learning outcomes and syllabus .................................................. 24
Annex 4 – Accreditation mechanism for the ECF-Compliance................................................... 32
1. Introduction
1.1 The Enhanced Competency Framework (ECF) is a collaborative effort of the Hong Kong
Monetary Authority (HKMA) with relevant professional bodies and the banking sector in establishing a set of common and transparent competency standards for different professional areas which are central to the safety and soundness of banks and where talent shortages are more apparent. The development of a set of competency standards will enable more effective training for new entrants and support the ongoing professional development of existing practitioners in the banking industry, which will contribute to maintaining the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international financial centre. To date, the HKMA has launched eight ECF modules, namely private wealth management, anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), cybersecurity, treasury management, retail wealth management, credit risk management, operational risk management and Fintech.
1.2 Banks in Hong Kong have to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic business environment while
navigating the increasingly complex regulatory environment. The compliance function of a bank plays a key role in ensuring the bank’s compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and internal policies. There is a clear demand for the banking industry to keep up with the evolving regulatory environment and have an effective compliance framework in place to manage the compliance risk. Against such a background, there is a need for banking practitioners to be equipped with the technical skills and professional knowledge required to properly perform the compliance function for an Authorized Institution (AI) and to facilitate the development of the required policies, procedures, and controls accordingly.
1.3 The ECF on Compliance (ECF-Compliance) is aimed at equipping banking practitioners
with the technical skills and professional knowledge required in the day-to-day activities of the compliance function of an AI.
2. Objectives
2.1 The ECF-Compliance is a non-statutory framework which sets out the common and core
competencies and capabilities required of compliance practitioners in Hong Kong’s banking industry. The objective of the ECF-Compliance is twofold:
(a) to develop a sustainable talent pool of compliance practitioners for the banking industry; and (b) to raise and maintain the professional competence of existing compliance practitioners in the banking industry.
2.2 Although the ECF-Compliance is not a mandatory licensing regime, AIs are encouraged to
adopt it for purposes including but not limited to:
(a) serving as a benchmark to determine the level of competence required and assess the ongoing competence of relevant employees; (b) supporting relevant employees to attend training programmes and examinations that meet the ECF-Compliance benchmark; (c) supporting the continuing professional development (CPD) of relevant employees; and (d) promoting the ECF-Compliance as an industry-recognised qualification, including for recruitment purposes.
2.3 The ECF-Compliance is designed to cover practitioners who are performing functions that
involve the monitoring of an AI’s activities to ensure its compliance with relevant laws, rules, regulations and internal policies. The structured competency framework would enable relevant practitioners to develop the required technical skills and professional knowledge for managing the compliance risk within an AI.
2.4 The ECF-Compliance is not intended to cover all applicable laws and regulations. The main
focus of this ECF will be on the application of key legal and regulatory requirements set by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Insurance Authority (IA), as well as international regulatory standards which are applicable to AIs based on the jurisdiction of domicile of their parent company.
2.5 The ECF-Compliance comprises the following two elements:
(a) Competency standards
These standards are derived from the job skills and competencies required for the compliance function and its relevant job roles such as regulatory affairs management, compliance advisory, and compliance monitoring, covering compliance risk identification, assessment, monitoring, testing, assurance and mitigation, providing regulatory advice on laws, rules and standards, providing oversight to the business units, and enhancing compliance awareness within an AI. (b) Qualification standards These standards are the requirements for qualifying compliance practitioners, including certification requirements, grandfathering arrangements and CPD for the required qualifications.
3. Scope of application
3.1 The compliance function of an AI ensures that it adheres to the laws, regulations and
guidelines relevant to its business processes. The fast evolving regulatory landscape has heightened the need for a sound compliance function to support an AI in navigating its responsibilities and avoiding regulatory actions and fines. Within the compliance function, the practitioners’ responsibilities can typically be segregated into three components:
(i) Compliance risk governance – to establish a compliance programme that ensures the AI’s compliance with the statutory provisions, regulatory requirements and codes of conduct applicable to its banking or other regulated activities; (ii) Identify and assess – to identify and assess compliance risk and provide advice to senior management on the legal, regulatory requirements and standards with which the AI is required to comply; (iii) Monitor – to ensure that the AI’s compliance policies and guidelines remain effective and compliance issues are adequately monitored and addressed. Depending on the organisational structure and the assignment of roles and responsibilities within an AI, these activities may be housed under a business unit solely dedicated to compliance function or as part of a wider legal and compliance function. A strong firm-wide focus on ethics and responsibility, coupled with a firm commitment to upholding compliance principles, and having adequate resources to support those principles are important characteristics of a good compliance function.
3.2 The ECF-Compliance is intended to apply to staff whose primary responsibilities involve
performing the compliance function (other than AML/CFT compliance) within an AI. Specifically, it is aimed at “Relevant Practitioners (RPs)” located in the Hong Kong office of an AI who perform the compliance job roles as listed in Table 1 below.
Table 1 – Job roles of the ECF-Compliance
Role 1 – General Compliance
Role 2 – Investment and Insurance
Compliance
Responsibilities
of RPs is met. To facilitate the determination of whether a staff member falls under the scope of RPs, the key tasks of different job roles are specified in Annex 1 as a reference.
3.4 It should be noted that the ECF-Compliance is not intended to cover staff members
performing the following functions:
a) Staff performing solely AML/CFT roles within an AI, as they are already subject to the ECF-AML/CFT. Please refer to the HKMA’s Guide to ECF on AML/CFT for details on these roles. In some cases, the responsibilities of compliance and AML/CFT roles may overlap. AIs should consider the relative weight of roles and responsibilities relevant to compliance and AML/CFT roles performed by staff members when assessing whether they should fall under the ECF-Compliance or ECF-AML/CFT or both; b) Staff performing compliance functions within an AI that are not related to regulatory compliance (e.g. financial/accounting risk); c) Staff performing specialised functions within an AI for ensuring compliance with prudential regulations (e.g. capital and liquidity requirements) and for risk areas that are covered under other ECF modules (e.g. liquidity risk, credit risk and operational risk that are covered under the ECF on Treasury Management, ECF on Credit Risk Management, and ECF on Operational Risk Management respectively); d) Staff in the compliance function within an AI who are performing solely clerical and administrative duties or other incidental functions1 . e) Staff in the legal or internal audit function of an AI; f) Senior management or relevant compliance committee members 2 other than the manager or person-in-charge of the compliance department; and g) Staff employed by an AI in Hong Kong whose primary function does not involve serving the AI in Hong Kong (e.g. regional office staff who are based in Hong Kong serving the compliance function for an overseas office) and staff based in the subsidiaries of AIs or overseas branches of AIs who are serving the compliance function for Hong Kong and/or overseas offices. That said, it should be noted that AIs have a responsibility to 1 Examples of other incidental functions include arranging meetings to discuss compliance related issues and preparing minutes of meetings that involve the discussion of compliance related issues. 2 Given that the main responsibilities of senior management or relevant compliance committee members (other than the manager or person-in-charge of the compliance department) may not be limited to managing the compliance risk of an AI, they are not captured within the scope of the ECF-Compliance. However, such persons may choose to acquire the ECF certification(s) which is(are) of interest and relevance to them.
ensure that the relevant staff based in the subsidiaries and overseas branches receive adequate compliance training, including those applicable in overseas jurisdictions.
3.5 For the avoidance of doubt, a staff member is not required to work full time in the compliance
function or perform all of the roles specified in the job description in order to be classified as an RP. AIs are expected to adopt a principles-based approach when determining whether a staff member with multiple job roles falls within the definition of RPs. If a staff member’s job responsibility covers a majority of the key tasks detailed in ECF-Compliance’s role description, the staff member will be considered in scope. AIs should refer to the key tasks listed in Annex 1 to assess the significance of the compliance role performed by the staff member. AIs are expected to justify their decisions made in this regard. The following is a non-exhaustive list of criteria that can be taken into consideration when assessing whether a staff member should be classified as an RP:
Competency standards
4.1 Competency standards are set at two levels:
(a) Core level
This level is applicable to entry to junior level staff with less than 5 years of work experience in the compliance function. (b) Professional level This level is applicable to middle to senior level staff with 5 years or above of work experience in the compliance function.
4.2 The competency framework for the ECF-Compliance with details on the qualifications
required and CPD requirement for each job role of an RP is included in Annex 2.
Qualification standards and certification
5.1 Qualifications are set in accordance with the following two competency standards:
(a) Core Level
This level of qualification can be met by completing Module 1 to Module 3 of the ECF-Compliance Core Level training programme. RPs who have completed the training programmes as specified in Annex 2 are eligible to apply for exemption on Module 1. (b) Professional Level This level of qualification can be met by completing Module 4 (for Role 1 – General Compliance) or Module 4 and Module 5 (for Role 2 – Investment and Insurance Compliance) of the ECF-Compliance Professional Level training programme on top of the Core Level qualification and having at least 5 years of relevant work experience3 in the compliance function. Details of the learning outcomes and syllabus are set out in Annex 3.
5.2 Upon attaining the above qualifications and fulfilling the minimum relevant work experience
requirement, RPs may apply to the administrator of the ECF-Compliance, the HKIB, for certification as an Associate Compliance Professional (ACOP) or a Certified Compliance Professional – General Compliance Stream (CCOP(GC)) or a Certified Compliance Professional – Investment and Insurance Compliance Stream (CCOP(IIC)). (a) Associate Compliance Professional (ACOP) Successful completion of Module 1 to Module 3 of the Core Level training programme; or grandfathered pursuant to paragraph 7.1(a). (b) Certified Compliance Professional – General Compliance Stream (CCOP(GC)) On top of the Core Level certification, successful completion of Module 4 of the Professional Level training programme plus 5 years of relevant work experience4 in the general compliance function as specified in Annex 1; or grandfathered pursuant 3 In general, the administrator of the ECF-Compliance will consider whether the nature of work experience is substantially the same as that described in the compliance roles 1 and 2 in Annex 1. Relevant work experience is expected to be obtained from AIs. As for work experience related to compliance gained from non-bank financial institutions and/or regulators, they will be considered on a case-by-case basis taking into account the level of involvement in performing compliance related key tasks. The work experience acquired from frontline business processes and operations, internal audit and risk management functions will also be considered on a case-by-case basis. 4 Please see footnote 3.
to paragraph 7.1(b). The 5 years of relevant work experience 5 required for CCOP(GC) certification should be accumulated within the 10 years immediately prior to the date of application for certification, but it does not need to be continuous. (c) Certified Compliance Professional – Investment and Insurance Compliance Stream (CCOP(IIC)) On top of the Core Level certification, successful completion of Module 4 and Module 5 of the Professional Level training programme plus 5 years of relevant work experience6 in the investment and/or insurance compliance function as specified in
Annex 1; or grandfathered pursuant to paragraph 7.1(b). The 5 years of relevant
work experience7 required for CCOP(IIC) certification should be accumulated within the 10 years immediately prior to the date of application for certification, but it does not need to be continuous.
5.3 It may be the case that an RP performs the key roles and tasks of both Role 1 and Role 2 in
Annex 1. In determining whether an RP is required to obtain CCOP(GC), CCOP(IIC) or
both, the AI should assess the relative weight and significance of the key roles and tasks performed by the RP. The following is a non-exhaustive list of criteria that can be taken into consideration when assessing which certification a staff member should obtain:
related to AML/CFT that can be taken into consideration during such an assessment:
a) Core Level:
At least 3 years of relevant work experience8 in the general compliance function (for
Role 1) or in the investment and/or insurance compliance function (for Role 2) as specified in Annex 1; and
Employed by an AI at the time of application.
b) Professional Level:
At least 8 years of relevant work experience9 in the general compliance function (for
Role 1) or in the investment and/or insurance compliance function (for Role 2) as specified in Annex 1, of which at least 3 years must be gained from respective Professional Level job roles; and
Employed by an AI at the time of application.
7.2 The majority of work experience gained from different job roles will affect the certification
title (i.e. CCOP(GC) and CCOP(IIC)) upon grandfathering for Professional Level. For example, RPs with a majority of work experience gained from Role 1 – General Compliance will be granted the CCOP(GC) certification, while RPs with a majority of experience gained from Role 2 – Investment and Insurance Compliance will be granted CCOP(IIC).
7.3 RPs who have sufficient work experience in Role 1 – General Compliance and Role 2 –
Investment and Insurance Compliance can be granted both the CCOP(GC) and CCOP(IIC) certifications (i.e. 8 years of work experience in Role 1 and 8 years of work experience in Role 2).
7.4 Work experience gained from non-bank financial institutions, regulators (e.g. HKMA, SFC,
IA, etc.) and professional service firms providing compliance related services will be considered for grandfathering on a case-by-case basis taking into account the level of involvement in performing compliance related key tasks of the ECF-Compliance.
7.5 Work experience gained in performing both compliance and AML/CFT functions will be
considered on a case-by-case basis during the grandfathering period, taking into account factors such as the level of involvement in compliance job roles as compared to AML/CFT job roles. The following is a list of non-exhaustive examples of work experiences related to AML/CFT that can be taken into consideration during such an assessment:
Interpreting regulatory requirements and performing impact analysis on the AI;
8 Please see footnote 3.
9 Please see footnote 3.
Implementing and executing the compliance monitoring programmes;
Reporting of regulatory breaches to senior management and/or regulators; and
Designing controls and/or policies and procedures for managing AML/CFT related risks and
meeting relevant regulatory requirements.
7.6 Existing RPs who meet the above criteria can submit their grandfathering applications to the
HKIB, the administrator of the ECF-Compliance, from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024. A one-off grandfathering fee will apply.
7.7 For other individuals who have the relevant work experience but are not working in an AI or
those staff of an AI who are not performing the compliance function during the grandfathering period, they may submit their applications to the HKIB for grandfathering within three months from the date of joining the compliance function of an AI and becoming RPs. However, they should have met all the applicable grandfathering criteria on or before 31 January 2024 as prescribed above.
7.8 Applications for grandfathering are handled and assessed by the HKIB. The HKIB may
request that the applicant provide employment records or additional information to substantiate the application for grandfathering. Late application will not be accepted.
7.9 Upon grandfathering, the RP is required to apply for ACOP, CCOP(GC) and/or CCOP(IIC)
and to renew the relevant certification annually with the HKIB.
i) An RP who has passed any of the following training programme(s) is eligible to apply for exemption on Module 1 of the ECF-Compliance Core Level training programme:
Training Programme Programme Provider
Certified Professional Risk Manager Asia Risk Management Institute Certification in Risk Management Assurance Institute of Internal Auditors International Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance International Compliance Association Professional Ethics and Compliance module under the Advanced Diploma for Certified Banker (Stage I) The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers Bachelor’s or higher degree in law Universities in Hong Kong or overseas OR ii) An RP who is the holder of the following professional qualification(s) is eligible to apply for exemption on Module 1 of the ECF-Compliance Core Level training programme:
9.3 Any excess CPD hours accumulated within a particular year cannot be carried forward to the
following year.
9.4 Activities that qualify for CPD include:
(a) Attending seminars or courses (both online and in-person) provided by AIs, financial services regulators, professional bodies, academic and training institutions, and the HKIB; (b) Taking professional examinations; and (c) Delivering training and speeches.
9.5 CPD training topics should be related to banking and finance or the job function. Examples
of appropriate training topics include:
(a) Compliance, code of conduct, professional ethics or risk management (including AML/CFT and other regulatory related topics); (b) Banking and financial knowledge; (c) Economics; (d) Accounting; (e) Legal principles; (f) Business and people management; (g) Language and information technology; and (h) Subject areas covered in the HKIB’s professional examinations.
9.6 The annual CPD requirements are also applicable to RPs meeting the ECF-Compliance
benchmark through the grandfathering route.
9.7 The CPD requirements will be waived for the first calendar year (ending 31 December) of
certification and grandfathering.
9.8 RPs are required to self-declare their CPD compliance to the HKIB at the time of certification
renewal. Documentary evidence should be kept for random audit by the HKIB. The minimum
CPD requirements will be subject to periodic review in light of the latest developments in the banking sector. For details, please refer to the HKIB’s website (https://www.hkib.org/).
9.9 For the avoidance of doubt, RPs who are captured under multiple ECFs are only required to
fulfil the CPD hours for one of their certifications per year (whichever is greater).
10. Maintenance of relevant records
10.1 AIs should keep proper training, examination and CPD records of RPs for monitoring
purposes. AIs that are current employers of RPs are expected to keep and confirm relevant information of their staff to facilitate the HKIB’s processing of the applications for grandfathering and certification. Regarding information related to an RP’s previous employment(s), the current employer of the RP is expected to confirm whether such information is consistent with its records (e.g. curriculum vitae provided by the RP at the time of job application).
11. Administration of the ECF-Compliance
11.1 The HKIB is the administrator of the ECF-Compliance and will be tasked with certifying
the qualification required under the ECF-Compliance, ensuring that applicants are satisfactorily certified under the specified qualification requirements. The HKIB will also be administering the CPD requirements for ECF-Compliance certification holders.
11.2 The HKMA will, as part of its ongoing supervisory process, conduct regular surveys to
monitor the progress of AIs’ effort in implementing the ECF-Compliance as a benchmark for enhancing relevant employees’ competence level and on-going professional development.
12. Accreditation
12.1 The ECF accreditation mechanism is established for interested AIs or education and training
operators to have their learning programmes accredited as meeting the ECF standards (including but not limited to the QF Standards) of this ECF module.
12.2 The general criteria for ECF accreditation are as follows:
(a) The learning programme meeting the required standards of individual ECF modules including programme objectives and learning outcomes, programme content and
structure, and trainer qualifications and learning mode; (b) Accreditation of the learning programme at corresponding QF Levels; and (c) Endorsement by the ECF Steering Committee.
12.3 In order to satisfy criteria 12.2 (a) and (b) outlined above,
(a) For self-accrediting institutions (e.g. institutions funded by the University Grants Committee, including their continuing education arms)/institutions with Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) Programme Area Accreditation (PAA) status in related programme areas, they are required to: (i) complete internal quality assurance processes for meeting the relevant ECF standards and the corresponding QF Level and (ii) be assessed by HKCAAVQ as fulfilling the ECF training objectives; and (b) For other institutions, they are required to complete the accreditation by HKCAAVQ to confirm that their learning programmes can meet the ECF training objectives and the corresponding QF Level.
12.4 HKCAAVQ will accept applications for ECF accreditation starting 1 November 2022.
12.5 Based on the relevant accreditation or assessment report submitted by the applicant, the ECF
Steering Committee will confirm whether the training programme is or is not successful in qualifying as an ECF accredited programme. The route for ECF accreditation mechanism is illustrated at Annex 4.
Annex 1 - ECF-Compliance: Key roles and tasks for Relevant Practitioners
Role 1 –
Role 2 –
Investment and Insurance
Compliance
Core Level
(For entry to junior level staff with less than 5 years of work experience) Examples of functional title (for reference only) Compliance Officer, Compliance specialist, Associate/Assistant Compliance Manager Key Tasks • Assist in drafting, revising and updating the AI’s compliance policies, procedures, guidelines and compliance related documents to ensure congruence with its legal and regulatory obligations and the AI’s internal requirements
Role 1 –
Role 2 –
Investment and Insurance
Compliance
Professional Level
(For staff taking up middle to senior level positions in the compliance function with 5+ years of work experience) Examples of functional title (for reference only) General Compliance Manager, Regulatory Compliance Manager Investment and Insurance Compliance Manager Key Tasks • Develop, review, evaluate and update the AI’s compliance policies, procedures, guidelines and compliance related documents to ensure congruence with its legal and regulatory obligations and the AI’s internal requirements
Role 1 –
Role 2 –
Investment and Insurance
Compliance
Professional Level
(For staff taking up middle to senior level positions in the compliance function with 5+ years of work experience) products and services
Annex 2 - ECF-Compliance: Competency framework
Role 1 –
Role 2 –
Investment and Insurance Compliance
Core Level
Qualification • Completion of Module 1 to Module 3 of the ECF-Compliance Core Level training programme (benchmarked at the QF Level 4) and experience 11 Certification title • Associate Compliance Professional (ACOP) Exemption RP who has passed the following training programme(s) is eligible to apply for exemption on Module 1 of the ECF-Compliance Core Level training programme:
Grandfathering
(on a one-off basis)
Role 1 –
Role 2 –
Investment and Insurance Compliance
Professional Level
Qualification • Completion of Module 4 of the ECFCompliance Professional Level training programme (benchmarked at QF level 5) on top of the Core Level certification; and
Annex 3 - ECF-Compliance: Learning outcomes and syllabus
Learning Outcomes
Core Level (Benchmarked at QF Level 4)
Module 1 – Ethics and Corporate Governance in the Banking Industry Module 2 – Regulatory Framework and Compliance in the Banking Industry Module 3 – An Effective Compliance Function Learning outcomes - after completing Modules 1 to 3, participants will be able to:
Module 5 – Investment and Insurance Compliance (For Relevant Practitioners who are performing Role 2 - Investment and Insurance Compliance function) Learning outcomes - after completing Module 5, participants will be able to:
Syllabus
Core Level (Benchmarked at QF Level 4)
Module 1 – Ethics and Corporate Governance in the Banking Industry
Business ethics
Understand business ethics, their place within modern financial institutions, ethical questions
encountered in the second line of defence in the context of the broader risk environment
Provide understanding of identification and analysis of ethical situations in financial institutions
and the management of ethics
Overview of ethical behaviour application and ethical decision making in the second line of
defence in the context of the broader risk environment
Understanding governance, risk and compliance
Fundamentals of governance, risk and regulatory compliance and why there is a need to
understand the regulatory landscape for financial institutions
Key tenets of governance and culture for effective management of regulatory compliance e.g.
why risk management is the key to effective compliance
The role of the compliance department and compliance professionals in Governance, Risk and
Compliance
Overview of Section 71 & 72B of Banking Ordinance (Cap. 155) and Supervisory Policy Manual
related to corporate governance
Corporate governance in the banking industry and requirements mandated upon AIs
Corporate governance code (for listed AIs)
Code of conduct, common policies and procedures
Corporate social responsibility
Case studies, good practices and challenges associated with ethics and corporate governance in the
banking industry
Module 2 – Regulatory Framework and Compliance in the Banking Industry
Overview of the regulatory framework under the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the
Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Insurance Authority (IA)
Overview of the regulatory regime in Hong Kong, providing an understanding of how regulations
and applicable laws impact the operations of financial institutions
HKMA Bank culture reform (Governance, Incentive systems, Assessment and Feedback mechanisms)
Introduction to international regulation (roles of regulator, regulatory powers, different international
regulatory models, latest market trends)
Regulatory objectives and relevant mandates
Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance
EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Code of Banking Practice
Code of Conduct for Persons Licensed by or Registered with the SFC
Supervisory approach and Manager-In-Charge (MIC) Regime
Specific overview of the MIC regime and the compliance implications upon AIs in Hong Kong
Formulation of internal policies, standards and guidelines
An overview of good practices in the implementation of internal governance documents
(including internal policies, standards and guidelines) to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks
Overview of the investment and insurance products in Hong Kong
Registration and licensing requirements, including listing rules (for listed AIs)
The process that needs to be undertaken to ensure compliance with registration and licensing
regulations
Examples of regulatory breaches
Overview of the future of banking and expected compliance requirements covering areas such as
sustainability, green finance, cross-border activities and virtual banking
Case studies, good practices and challenges associated with adapting to regulatory changes in the
banking industry
Module 3 – An Effective Compliance Function
Overview of an effective compliance function
An overview of how organisations can drive an organisational culture of compliance
Principles and components of compliance frameworks and internal controls
An overview of the key principles and components required for an effective compliance function
The importance of the compliance function in delivering more than incident prevention and
ensuring legal compliance
Understanding the organisational structure of HKMA and the roles and responsibilities among
departments
Roles and responsibilities of a compliance function
Key compliance activities and processes
The impact of an effective compliance programme and function on an organisation
Core foundational elements:
Compliance structure
Compliance risk assessment
Compliance annual plan and testing
Compliance monitoring and review
Compliance reporting and escalation
Compliance breaches investigation (including escalation and whistle-blowing)
Understanding operational risk management
Implementation of compliance programmes
An explanation of how formal compliance programmes are implemented, diving into how
compliance programmes are applied in practice
Understanding compliance tools
An overview of the technologies, workflows, policies, monitoring, and training necessary to create
an effective compliance function
Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) tools that can be implemented and how they can interact
with existing business systems
Regtech solutions that can be implemented and how they can be applied in performing compliance
and risk management functions
Regtech: Overview and Emerging Trend of Development
Introduction to Regtech
Evolution of Regtech
Importance of Regtech to the Banking Industry
Regtech’s Underlying Technologies
Regtech’s Application Areas
Regtech: Current State and Government Initiatives
Regtech Adoption in HK: Opportunities and Challenges
Case Studies and Insights: Regtech Applications in Banks
Suptech and HKMA’s Adoption of Suptech
Future of Regtech
Legislative Framework and Regtech Overview
Regtech Taxonomy, LoNG PESTEL, BIDT
Why banking is under regulation?
History of Regtech
Regtech 1.0, 2.0 …..
Regtech – Digital Identity and Digital Signature
Managing Trust and Managing Risk
Data, Financial Intelligence and Customer Protection
Data Governance in Opening Banking Regtech – ownership, stewardship, custodian
Digital (Computer) Forensics in Regtech
Corporate Strategy, Data Governance and Incident Response
Case studies, good practices and challenges associated with compliance
Developing a sound compliance culture in the organisation, including setting the right tone from
the top, defining clear accountability for compliance and creating the right incentives
Development of performance indicators and reporting mechanisms
Maintaining governance for the oversight of compliance risk
Direct reporting line to the board or a board committee
Access to all relevant information to enable the function to carry out its responsibilities
Compliance training and communications strategy
Professional Level (Benchmarked at QF Level 5) Module 4 – Regulatory Compliance (Advanced) & Building a Sustainable Compliance Framework – (For Relevant Practitioners who are performing Role 1 – General Compliance function and Role 2 – Investment and Insurance Compliance function)
Sound bank culture – Banks are expected to develop and foster a sound culture that promotes fair
treatment of customers; embedding a culture of compliance within an organisation and implementing a successful and sustainable compliance framework in line with behavioural standards that promote a customer-centric culture
An in-depth review of the essentials/elements to a successful and sustainable compliance framework:
Codes of conduct; Policies, procedures, and standards; Training; Development of a compliance
plan; Information flows; Communication and interaction with business partners; Sustainable monitoring and reporting.
Investigation and enforcement orders – an overview of the strategies for dealing with non-compliance,
particularly in the light of Hong Kong’s regulations:
Managing non-compliance
Use of a Senior Response Team
Reporting and other communication (both internally and externally)
Enforcing compliance discipline within an organisation
Root cause analysis of compliance breaches
Regular review of the effectiveness of monitoring measures on non-compliance
Application of key regulatory requirements/expectations and international regulatory standards
Key Banking Regulations (e.g. Banking Ordinance (Cap. 155))
Banking (Disclosure) Rules (Cap. 155M)
Banking (Exposure Limits) Rules (Cap. 155S)
Code of Practice, Supervisory Policy Manual, Guide to Authorisation, and other supervisory
guidance
Treat Customers Fairly Charter
Code of Banking Practice, and other industry standards/good practices
Deposit Protection Scheme (Representation on Scheme Membership and Protection of Financial
Products under Scheme) Rules and Deposit Protection Scheme (Asset Maintenance) Rules
Other Financial Regulations
Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) and rules (e.g. Cap. 571AL and 571AN on OTC
derivatives reporting and clearing)
Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41), including subsidiary legislation, and the codes, guidelines,
circulars of the IA
Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II)
Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Schemes Ordinance (Cap. 485)
Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, Ethical Accountability Framework, as well as relevant codes
of practice/guidelines issued by Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data
Some areas of regulatory focus
Suitability, best execution, virtual banking, complaint handling, staff dealing policy, digital
financial services, engagement of third parties such as lending intermediaries
Key challenges and the future of compliance
Disruptive Changes in Banking, Finance and Regulations
Disruptive Innovation and Technology in Banking and Finance
Scoping Exercise re Future Money and Crypto-tokens
Disruptive Changes Impacting Banking and Regulation
Banking Strategy: Crossroad Regtech 1.0 or Regtech 2.0
What is Regtech 2.0
Case Study: Regtech 2.0 as an integral part of WealthTech Application/ Robotrader
Regtech 2.0 in Open Banking APIs and Open Banking Architecture
Smart Banking, and Smart Regtech
FPS and Regtech 2.0
CBDC/ DCEP
Smart Contracts
Algorithmic Regulation: Automating Financial Compliance Monitoring and Regulation using AI
and Blockchain
Standards-based Technology Architecture for Regtech
Future Banking and Regtech Strategy
Case studies, good practices and challenges associated with compliance
Keeping up with regulatory changes and maintaining compliance in a changing landscape
Mapping of current controls and standards against new or updated regulations and the translation
to policy and processes
Comprehensive inventory of all legal and regulatory requirements in place to develop a risk-based
compliance risk assessment programme
Module 5 – Investment and Insurance Compliance (For Relevant Practitioners who are performing Role 2 – Investment and Insurance Compliance function)
Regulatory requirements on sales of financial products
Overview of relevant sections of Supervisory Policy Manual, Guidelines and Circulars issued by
HKMA
Securities and Futures Ordinance
Code of Conduct for Persons Licensed by or Registered with the SFC and other relevant
guidelines and circulars issued by the SFC relating to the requirements on sales of financial products, including but not limited to online distribution of complex/non-complex investment products (e.g. such as product due diligence, selling and suitability are indeed stated in the SFC’s guidelines/circulars, rather than the principle-based Code of Conduct)
Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41)
Code of Conduct for Licensed Insurance Agents and Code of Conduct for Licensed Insurance
Brokers and other guidelines issued by the IA in relation to sale of insurance products
Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Schemes Ordinance (Cap. 485)
Guidelines on Conduct Requirements for Registered Intermediaries (issued by the Mandatory
Provident Fund Schemes Authority)
Overview of the regulatory approach adopted by regulators towards financial services organisations
The remit of different regulators and different areas of focus for individual regulators, e.g.
illustration of the relationship between the SFC and HKMA and the IA’s delegation of inspection and investigation powers to the Monetary Authority
Regulatory expectations regarding the sale of investment products and handling of client securities
Investor protection measures, professional investor regime, and private placement regime
Pre-trade disclosure requirements (e.g. disclosure of risk statements, providing information to
customers to make informed decisions)
Requirements relating to sales suitability in online and offline environments (e.g. know your
clients, understanding the investment products being recommended to clients, providing suitable recommendations by matching the risk-return profile of each investment product with the personal circumstances of each client, consideration of concentration risk based on available information about the customer, portfolio suitability and robo-advisory)
Portfolio-based suitability assessment for private banking customers
Alternative investment products (e.g. any advice or recommendations provided to customers is
based on analysis and incorporates consideration of available alternatives)
Best execution (e.g. controls to ensure client orders are executed at the best prevailing prices,
monitoring measures carried out to review trade execution quality)
Complex products (e.g. definition and factors for consideration, disclosure and warning
statements)
Cross-border business activities
Conflicts of interest (e.g. disclosure and fair treatment, independence, the sale of in-house
products issued by related entities)
Compliance with licensing requirements (e.g. “Fit and Proper” criteria, competence, continuous
professional development)
Controls reviews required when handling client securities and selling/distributing investment
products (e.g. control systems must be implemented and regularly reviewed to ensure compliance with regulatory expectations)
Treat Customers Fairly Charter - Banking services and products must be designed to meet the needs of
customers, clearly outline the features, risks and applicable fees associated with the products offered
Specific requirements on the sale of insurance products
Overview of relevant sections of the Insurance Ordinance (Cap.41) and relevant codes, guidelines
and circulars issued by the IA including the Code of Conduct for Licensed Insurance Agents, the Code of Conduct for Licensed Insurance Brokers and guidelines on "Fit and Proper" criteria for licensed insurance intermediaries, offering of gifts, long term insurance policy replacement, benefit illustrations for long term insurance policies, cooling-off period, financial needs analysis, etc., and circulars issued by HKMA, e.g. circulars on selling of annuity insurance products
The regulatory submissions required when selling investment and insurance products
AIs as RIs under the SFO regime
Registration required for AIs under the SFO, communication of changes in management,
handling of client securities, corporate governance
AIs as licensed insurance intermediaries under the Insurance Ordinance regime
Licensing required for AIs as licensed insurance intermediaries under the Insurance Ordinance
and relevant rules and guidelines issued by the IA, such as guidelines on "Fit and Proper" criteria for licensed insurance intermediaries, and continuing professional development
Case studies, good practices and challenges associated with compliance
Embedding a compliance culture and an understanding of the compliance risk appetite across
different business units
Alignment of compliance activities with the AI's strategic objectives
Involvement of compliance where the AI seeks to undertake significant decisions, major change
projects, strategic initiatives and major transactions
Annex 4 – Accreditation mechanism for the ECF-Compliance
Subject to re-accreditation/re-assessment by HKCAAVQ Endorsement by ECF Steering Committee Applicant to notify ECF Steering Committee the intention of obtaining accreditation with programme objectives & learning outcomes, programme syllabus, training materials, and trainers’ profile for record Obtain ECF and QF accreditation through HKCAAVQ Submit proof of ECF and QF accreditation Training programme accredited for ECF Register on the QR Submit proof of ECF assessment
1) Complete internal quality assurance
processes for meeting ECF objectives and
QF standards
2) Obtain ECF assessment through
HKCAAVQ
Non self-accrediting institutions Self-accrediting institutions / institutions with HKCAAVQ PAA Status
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