HKIB Grants Modular Exemptions for MA(PFE) Graduates in Key Banking Qualifications

The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) has confirmed that graduates of the Master of Arts in Personal Finance Education Programme (MA(PFE)) will receive modular exemptions in several important professional banking qualifications. These include the Certified Banker (CB) Stages I and II, and the Enhanced Competency Framework on Retail Wealth Management (ECF-RWM). The exemptions are effective from 1 August 2025.

Under this new arrangement, MA(PFE) graduates can skip specific modules when taking these qualifications. Specifically, they are exempt from the Risk Management Module of CB Stage I, the Corporate Finance Services Module of CB Stage II, and Module 2 Investment Planning of ECF-RWM.

The Certified Banker and Enhanced Competency Framework qualifications are widely recognised by Hong Kong’s financial regulators and banking industry. The exemptions granted to MA(PFE) graduates show that the programme closely matches industry standards and meets the expectations for talent in Hong Kong’s banking and financial sectors.

As Hong Kong aims to strengthen its position as an international centre for asset and wealth management and expand its cross-border wealth management business with mainland China, the demand for skilled professionals in wealth management is growing. The industry especially values experts with comprehensive investment planning skills.

Previously, MA(PFE) has also earned other professional recognitions in finance, such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified Financial Technologist (CFT), and ECF-Fintech. These recognitions help graduates explore diverse career paths in wealth management, investment planning, fintech, and more.

This update is good news for MA(PFE) students and graduates, as it supports their professional growth and helps them meet the needs of Hong Kong’s evolving financial industry.

Details of modular exemptions for CB I, CB II and ECF-RWM:

*Effective from 1 August, 2025