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CFA Institute and ACCA Climate Finance course candidates eligible for subsidies under government pilot scheme for sustainable finance capacity building

15 June, 2023
Hong Kong SAR China

CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, and ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the global body for professional accountants, have taken a step forward in ongoing efforts to proactively support and contribute to ESG capacity building, with the eligibility of Climate Finance course candidates to benefit from training subsidies under the Hong Kong SAR government’s Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme.

CFA Institute and ACCA recently worked together on the Climate Finance course, which is designed by experts from both bodies. This course provides an introduction to climate change and its related economic and environmental impacts, as well as climate solutions. It covers climate change, carbon pricing, sustainable business models, and climate risk and opportunities in the context of business as well as portfolio construction and investment analysis. This course is unique in its holistic approach because it presents the topic from the perspectives of both issuers and investors, and hence is suitable for diverse audiences.

In light of efforts to promote and transition to a low-carbon and sustainable economy, the Hong Kong SAR government has earmarked HK$200 million to launch the three-year Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme (https://www.greentalent.org.hk/Programme) to provide subsidies for the training and acquisition of relevant professional qualifications in sustainable finance. The Climate Finance course has been included as one of the Eligible Programmes under the Pilot Scheme. Upon successful completion of the programme, eligible applicants may claim reimbursements for up to 80% of the exam registration fees, and full-time students are able to claim up to 100% reimbursement.

The CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing, which equips investment professionals with the technical knowledge and practical application needed to understand the fundamentals of climate change and the integration of ESG into the investment process, is also included as one of the Eligible Programmes under the Pilot Scheme.

Nick Pollard, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, CFA Institute, said, “ESG factors are increasingly recognised as integral components of investment analysis. Growing demand for products and skills to support sustainable investing, and concerns over greenwashing, have created a real and urgent need for finance professionals to develop a deeper understanding of how these factors are impacting the industry, clients, and the world at large. With Climate Finance course candidates able to benefit from subsidies under the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme, we take another step towards a more sustainable future.”

Christina So, Head of ACCA Hong Kong, and Greater Bay Area (GBA) Lead, said, “In a world where key stakeholders are demanding more from companies and their net zero objectives, green finance has become a ‘must-have’ skill for accounting and finance professionals to create long-term value, driving the migration to sustainable economies and businesses. With ACCA’s global agenda, Accounting for a better world, it’s our commitment to foster positive change through professional skills. Together with CFA Institute, we proudly co-launch this transformative Climate Finance course, now supported by the Hong Kong SAR government’s subsidies. With talent development at the core, we empower Hong Kong’s talent to upskill for a sustainable future and shape a better world.”

For more information about the Climate Finance course, please visit https://store.cfainstitute.org/climate-finance/ and www.accaglobal.com/climatefinance.

ACCA and CFA Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2018 and work together on areas of common interest, such as research, thought leadership and learning opportunities, particularly on issues such as ESG, sustainability and ethics.

About CFA Institute

CFA Institute is the global association of investment professionals that sets the standard for professional excellence and credentials. The organization is a champion of ethical behavior in investment markets and a respected source of knowledge in the global financial community. Our aim is to create an environment where investors’ interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. There are more than 190,000 CFA charterholders worldwide in more than 160 markets. CFA Institute has nine offices worldwide and 160 local societies. For more information, visit www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on Linkedin and Twitter at @CFAInstitute.

About ACCA

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global professional body for professional accountants.

We’re a thriving global community of 241,000 members and 542,000 future members based in 178 countries and regions, who work across a wide range of sectors and industries. We uphold the highest professional and ethical values.

ACCA now has 29,000 members and 169,000 future members in China, with 11 offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Shenyang, Qingdao, Wuhan, Changsha, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR.

We offer everyone everywhere the opportunity to experience a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. Our qualifications and learning opportunities develop strategic business leaders, forward-thinking professionals with the financial, business and digital expertise essential for the creation of sustainable organisations and flourishing societies.

Since 1904, being a force for public good has been embedded in our purpose.In December 2020, we made commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goalswhich we are measuring and will report on in our annual integrated report. We believe that accountancy is a cornerstone profession of society and is vital in helping economies, organisations and individuals to grow and prosper. It does this by creating robust trusted financial and business management, combating corruption, ensuring organisations are managed ethically, driving sustainability, and providing rewarding career opportunities.

And through our cutting-edge research, we lead the profession by answering today’s questions and preparing for the future. We’re a not-for-profit organisation. Find out more at accaglobal.com/hk and discover our full range of sustainability resources at our dedicated sustainability hub. Follow ACCA Hong Kong on social media: www.facebook.com/ACCA.HongKong | www.instagram.com/acca_hk | www.linkedin.com/showcase/acca-hong-kong | WeChat ID: ACCA_HK