Press Release

(7th March 2024)  Ahead of International Women’s Day, the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) held a Women Leadership Forum today, featuring a panel of four female CEOs in Hong Kong. The event attracted 200 young bankers and university students to attend and presented a compelling picture that the business case for diversity and inclusion (D&I) is stronger than ever.

The panel, comprising prominent figures from the financial and business sectors, was moderated by Mr Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Speakers included Ms Bonnie Y Chan, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), Ms Julia Leung, Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Luanne Lim, Chairman of the HKAB and Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, HSBC, and Mrs Betty Yuen, Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd.

Ms Luanne Lim said, “In an evolving financial landscape, embracing diversity is paramount as it brings a multitude of perspectives and cultivates innovative thinking. Today’s event provided a platform for exchanging insights on this important topic, supporting the growth of our young talents regardless of gender. HKAB is honoured to host this dialogue that advocates forward-thinking changes, not just within the banking sector, but also across the wider community.”

The speakers discussed the strategies and challenges in fostering a more inclusive culture within their organisations and for Hong Kong as a whole. They delved into the positive influence of D&I on talents recruitment and retention, as well as their personal journey to becoming influential leaders.

Mr Eddie Yue, said, “People are the most valuable asset of every organisation. Promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace is a key success factor in attracting and retaining talents. It requires strong commitment from the top management, supported by effective strategies and concrete actions to cascade the desired and shared values down to all levels of employees. All of us should work together to build an environment where diversity and inclusion are not just ideals but lived experiences for all.”

Ms Bonnie Y Chan said, “As a leading global exchange, HKEX promotes gender diversity through regulation, education and leading by example. We believe that real progress happens when our issuers and market participants actively pursue their own diversity initiatives, driving positive changes in boardrooms, workplaces and their overall culture. Ultimately, everyone has a role to play in promoting gender diversity, and we look forward to bringing all of our stakeholders together on this journey for the prosperity of all.”

Ms Julia Leung said, “Fostering inclusion is not just a corporate priority which makes good governance, values and equal opportunities, but also an imperative to bring about better decision making, greater agility leading to better business outcomes in an increasingly complex and unpredictable business landscape. The financial industry, together with its regulators, can lead by example and be the agent of change to embrace diversity and inclusion in all levels of management.”

Mrs Betty Yuen said, “Throughout my career, I was never conscious of my gender and felt totally at ease in a male-dominated industry. My passion to learn and grow excites me and gives me the energy to charge ahead through thick and thin. There is no limit to what women can accomplish today – it is up to you to choose the path that you want to pursue in life.”

The Women Leadership Forum is one of the HKAB’s initiatives to nurture talents for the banking industry. In addition, the Association will collaborate with industry stakeholders to provide reskilling and upskilling opportunities on trending topics such as ESG, fintech and new economy.

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Photo caption
	The Hong Kong Association of Banks’ Women Leadership Forum features a panel of four female CEOs in Hong Kong. Moderated by Mr Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (first from left), the panel gathers Ms Bonnie Y Chan, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (second from right), Ms Julia Leung, Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission (second from left), Ms Luanne Lim,  Chairman of the HKAB and Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, HSBC (centre), and Mrs Betty Yuen, Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd (first from right).
	(From left to right) Ms Bonnie Y Chan, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; Ms Luanne Lim, Chairman of the HKAB and Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, HSBC; Ms Julia Leung, Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Futures Commission; Mrs Betty Yuen, Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd; and Mr Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority
	The Women Leadership Forum organised by the Hong Kong Association of Banks attracts 200 young bankers and university students to attend.

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