HKSI Institute and Macau Institute of Financial Services to Offer Licensing Examination for Securities and Futures Intermediaries in Macau

Hong Kong and Macau, 4 February: The Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute (HKSI Institute) and the Macau Institute of Financial Services (MIFS) signed an agreement to offer the Licensing Examination for Securities and Futures Intermediaries (LE) in Macau. This landmark initiative follows Macau Special Administrative Region’s (SAR) recommendation for its financial practitioners to raise their professional standards through international recognised qualifications to foster sustainable development of Macau’s financial industry. 

The LE, a practical and market-focused examination for individuals who wish to pursue their careers in the securities and investment industry in Hong Kong, is offered by the HKSI Institute. The LE is recognised by Hong Kong’s regulatory bodies Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and Insurance Authority (IA), as well as a number of international professional organisations. It is also recognised as an overseas professional qualification by the "Continuing Education Development Plan 2020-2023" of the Education and Youth Bureau of Macau SAR and the "Modern Financial Talents Professional Certification Award Programme 2021" of the Talent Development Committee and the Macau Foundation. 

“We are pleased to collaborate with MIFS to reinforce the professional standards of financial practitioners in Macau. There is a growing demand for financial talents in Macau, and the launch of LE is timely, covering competencies of regulatory framework and industry qualifications on financial market, securities and asset management,” said Ms Katherine Ng, Chairman of HKSI Institute. “The HKSI Institute is committed to contribute to the growth and development of the Greater Bay Area, and we look forward to working closely with MIFS to develop and offer bespoke training programmes for practitioners in Macau and strengthen the exchanges between our financial markets,” Ms Ng added.

Mr Simon Vong, Chairman of MIFS said, “The signing of this agreement further tightens the cooperation between Hong Kong and Macau, and underscores the importance of licence and qualifying examination. The introduction of LE in Macau is not only an opportunity for those who wish to commence their careers in the securities and investment industry but also ensure practitioners meet the requirements set by authorities for implementing relevant regulated activities. With HKSI Institute’s solid experience in managing LE in Hong Kong for more than 17 years with over 210,000 candidates, I am confident that the professional level of local financial practitioners can be significantly raised and benefit the industry and the community at large.”

Under the agreement, HKSI Institute will provide the LE Papers while MIFS will administer and conduct the LE in Macau based on the agreed examination schedule.  The LE will first be held in paper-based format, and the computer-based format will be rolled-out subsequently. Candidates will obtain the co-branded completion certificates upon passing the relevant examination papers.

Enrolment for LE in Macau will commence from 8 February 2021, with the first examination to take place in April 2021. For more information about the LE in Macau, please visit www.ifs.org.mo/Main_E.html.    

About the Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute (HKSI Institute)

The Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute is a professional membership organisation established in 1997 by leaders in the securities and investment industry with the support of the Securities and Futures Commission. The HKSI Institute champions professional standards of excellence in Hong Kong’s financial services industry and contributes to Hong Kong’s role as a leading international financial centre.  We offer a comprehensive programme of high-quality professional training, events and internationally recognised examinations, and a vibrant membership community to empower individuals to achieve their professional goals.

About the Macau Institute of Financial Services (MIFS)

The Macau Institute of Financial Services (IFS) was established in March 2002 as a non-profit organization. Its founding members are the Monetary Authority of Macao, the Macao Association of Banks, the Macao Insurers’ Association and the Macao Insurance Agents and Brokers Association. The objectives of the MIFS are to promote overall performance and professional standard of Macao’s financial practitioners by provision of professional training and qualifying examinations so as to foster the sustainable development of Macao’s financial industry.