Enhanced Competency Framework on Green and Sustainable Finance (Professional Level)

55th Floor, Two International Finance Centre, 香 港 中 環 金 融 街 8 號 國 際 金 融 中 心 2 期 55 樓 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong 網 址：www.hkma.gov.hk Website: www.hkma.gov.hk Banking Policy Department Our Ref: B9/166C 21 November 2024 The Chief Executive All Authorized Institutions Dear Sir/Madam, Enhanced Competency Framework on Green and Sustainable Finance (Professional Level) I am pleased to announce the launch of the Professional Level of the Enhanced Competency Framework on Green and Sustainable Finance (ECF-GSF). The ECF-GSF sets out the competency standards for banking practitioners performing GSF-related functions in the banking industry in Hong Kong. Further to the launch of the Core Level of the ECF-GSF in July 2023 targeting the entry￾level and junior-level banking practitioners, the HKMA in collaboration with the banking industry has developed the Professional Level for middle-level and senior￾level banking practitioners to acquire specialised domain knowledge related to GSF and develop professional competencies in the GSF-related area. We have updated the Guide to the ECF-GSF, which provides details on the Professional Level framework, including its scope of application, competency standards, qualification structure, modular exemption, certification and grandfathering arrangements, as well as continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. Updates are shown in blue in the attached Guide. As the Supervisory Policy Manual module CG-6 “Competence and Ethical Behaviour” emphasises the importance of ensuring the competence of staff members, authorized institutions (AIs) are strongly encouraged to adopt the ECF￾GSF as part of their overall staff development efforts. The HKMA expects AIs to adopt appropriate measures to monitor, develop and maintain the competence levels of their staff.

• 2 - 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-GSF. The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) is the administrator of the ECF-GSF, 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 the HKIB at 2153 7800. Meanwhile, if there are any enquiries concerning this circular, please feel free to contact Ms Ivy Yong at 2878 8495 or Ms Rita Kong at 2878 8303. Yours faithfully, Donald Chen Executive Director (Banking Policy) Encl cc: FSTB (Attn: Mr Justin To) HKIB (Attn: Ms Carrie Leung)