More than 400 leading bankers and industry figures toast Norman Chan to his decade-long leadership and the start of another successful chapter in life


Hong Kong, 26 September 2019 - The Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) and The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) were honoured to have Mr Norman Chan, Chief Executive of The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as the keynote speaker at their joint Distinguished Speaker Luncheon held today at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. More than 400 senior executives from regulatory bodies and banks had joined the special occasion. 

In his keynote speech, Mr Chan said 'Hong Kong's monetary and financial system is probably as secure as it has ever been – even though the infrastructure and markets are far more complex than ever. The Hong Kong banking industry is world-class in terms of its skills and people, in its dedication to inclusion, its preparation for technological change, and its awareness of the need for integrity and values.' He added, 'Looking back, I am proud of what we have done collectively – but I know there will be much more to do in future. I would like to thank all of our friends in the Hong Kong Association of Banks and the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers. Your constructive feedback and positive attitude to our relationship has made our mutual success possible.' 

Ms Mary Huen, Chairperson of HKAB said, "Mr Chan's contribution to the banking sector was not only maintaining a stable and well-regulated market environment, but also bringing the industry to a new era in various aspects and reinforcing a long-term competitiveness of the Hong Kong banking industry, such as developing Hong Kong as a leading offshore renminbi hub in the world, the adoption of digital payment connectivity in both Hong Kong dollars and renminbi through one of the seven Smart Banking initiatives." She also praised Mr Chan for his care for the livelihood of the general public, particularly the promotion of financial inclusion for all and the talent development for the financial industry.

Mr Peter Wong, President of HKIB also thanked Mr Chan on behalf of the banking practitioners across Hong Kong for his leadership and dedication to the banking sector over the last decade.

"Mr Chan took over as Chief Executive of the HKMA just as the full weight of the Global Financial Crisis was making itself felt. We were in uncharted territory, but his steady hand and wise guidance made sure that we not only weathered the crisis, but emerged stronger than ever," said Mr Wong, who went on to praise Mr Chan's decade of support for both Hong Kong's financial markets and its people. "Under his leadership, the HKMA has enhanced the industry's soft infrastructure: his support has been fundamental to our success in talent development, promotion of professionalism, and shaping conduct and culture."


Photo caption:

Photo 1

Mr Norman Chan, Chief Executive of the HKMA, delivers a speech at the HKAB and HKIB Distinguished Speaker Luncheon.

Photo 2

Ms Mary Huen, Chairperson of HKAB (left) and Dr Patrick Fung, Chairman of HKIB (right) present a golf-themed cake to Mr Norman Chan, Chief Executive of the HKMA (middle) at the HKAB and HKIB Distinguished Speaker Luncheon.

Photo 3

[left to right] Dr David Wong, Chairman of the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA), Mr Tim Lui, Chairman of the Securities of Futures Commission (SFC), Ms Mary Huen, Chairperson of HKAB, Mr Norman Chan, Chief Executive of the HKMA, Dr Patrick Fung, Chairman of HKIB and Dr Moses Cheng, Chairman of the Insurance Authority (IA) host the champagne toasting ceremony at the HKAB and HKIB Distinguished Speaker Luncheon.

Photo 4

Mr Norman Chan, Chief Executive of the HKMA, Ms Mary Huen, Chairperson of HKAB, Dr Patrick Fung, Chairman of HKIB, representatives of SFC, IA and MPFA and representatives of Hong Kong banking industry at the HKAB and HKIB Distinguished Speaker Luncheon.

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About The Hong Kong Association of Banks
The Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) is an association created by The Hong Kong Association of Banks Ordinance, Cap.364 ("Ordinance") in 1981. The Ordinance provides a framework for the Hong Kong Government to exchange views with the banking sector for the further development of the industry. All licensed banks operate in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are members of HKAB and is thus subject to HKAB's rules.

About The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers
Established in 1963, The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) is the first non-profit institution that provides training and certification services to the banking community in Hong Kong. Over the years, HKIB has helped practitioners and young graduates to equip themselves with essential banking skills and knowledge through a complete development pathway – from recognised professional qualifications to continuing development programmes. It also endeavours to develop a strong community of banking professionals across different territories and helps to set professional standards for the banking industry across the region.

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