Money Moves Award of the year jointly organised by HKIB and Career Times by Carmen To Aware of the potential that the China market represents for the banking and finance sector, the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) has been developing opportunities there, while also striving to raise service standards within the industry. At the recent annual meeting, HKIB chairman Randolph Sullivan took the chance to speak about some of the successes. "The year 2005 has been fruitful for the institute in that we have laid a sound foundation for future growth and closer cooperation with the mainland," he said. "On 10 June last year, our Beijing Representative Office was opened. This was an important milestone in the development of the institute and we are sowing the seeds of multiple success for the banking sectors and economies of both Hong Kong and the mainland." The HKIB offers two professional examinations — for a professional diploma in financial planning and an associateship specialist diploma. The latter is widely recognised by the banking and financial services sectors in both Hong Kong and mainland China, and leads to a qualification as an AHKIB (Associate of the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers). Mandy Lam, who works as a personal financial adviser at the Tsim Sha Tsui branch of the Bank of China (BOC), was presented with her AHKIB golden pin at the annual meeting. "This programme has been very helpful since, among other things, I learned about banking practice, corporate finance and risk management," she says. "BOC strongly supports employees who take this programme." Ms Lam was particularly happy to receive her award because she knows the pass rate is comparatively low. "It is an important form of recognition for me and the bank," she notes. "I will certainly recommend the programme to my colleagues." To enable wealth management professionals to advance their careers and deal with changes in the industry, a remodelled Certified Personal Financial Planner (CPFP) programme will be launched in August. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has designed the academic framework, and it is the only financial planning programme that covers banking products, banking law and practice, international standards, and local needs in Hong Kong and the mainland. There is also strong emphasis on aspects of ethics and social responsibility. To recognise excellent performance in the field of financial planning, the HKIB is organising the Outstanding Financial Planner Award 2006 jointly with Career Times. The award is widely supported by leading banks and regulatory bodies. The purpose is to raise the profile of the profession and give due public recognition to the key practitioners, thereby also promoting the development of the industry in Hong Kong. In total there are six categories and participants will be judged on their ability to meet the changing financial goals of customers at different stages of life. Three rounds, taking place in July, September and October, will determine a champion for each category. All financial planning practitioners in the banking and finance sector are welcome to enter. Taken from Career Times 9 June 2006, p. A2 Your comments are welcome at [email protected]