CFA Institute Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate Secures Exemptions Under HKMA Enhanced Competency Framework

Hong Kong SAR, 10 December 2024 – The CFA Institute Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate has been officially recognized by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) under its Enhanced Competency Framework on Green and Sustainable Finance (ECF-GSF). The certification is the only qualification to secure exemptions for both Module 6: Green and Sustainable Finance Product and Module 7: Green and Sustainable Finance Investment at the Professional Level, highlighting its comprehensive alignment with the HKMA’s competency standards.

This recognition reaffirms the CFA Institute's commitment to encouraging sustainable investing practices and advancing professional standards in green finance. It also underscores the pivotal role of the Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate in equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the growing demands of sustainable finance in Hong Kong and across the Greater Bay Area.

Scott Lee, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships at CFA Institute, stated, “We are proud to have our Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate recognized by the HKMA’s Enhanced Competency Framework. This achievement reflects our dedication to promoting excellence in sustainable finance education and supporting the financial industry’s transition toward sustainability. The Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate delivers practical and actionable insights into climate risk principles, empowering professionals to make informed, impactful decisions that benefit society and the global financial ecosystem.”

Combining theory with real-world applications, ensuring professionals can effectively navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable investing, the CFA Institute Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate curriculum covers climate science, risks, and regulations; transition finance; the impact of climate risks on equity, debt, private markets, infrastructure, and real estate valuations; and portfolio management strategies incorporating climate factors. Participants learn to apply climate data, metrics, and tools such as stress testing and scenario analysis, and the program emphasizes stewardship and engagement to address climate-related challenges. 

Its recognition under the ECF-GSF will facilitate broader adoption by professionals in the banking and finance sectors, ensuring they meet the stringent requirements of climate and sustainable finance roles as outlined by the HKMA.

Hong Kong, as a global financial center, is committed to leading in sustainable finance and climate resilience. By aligning its educational initiatives with industry frameworks like the ECF-GSF, CFA Institute demonstrates its ongoing commitment to equipping investment professionals with the tools necessary to navigate and lead in this transformative era.

For professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in green and sustainable finance, the Climate Risk, Valuation, and Investing Certificate provides a gateway to achieving impactful, responsible investment practices while meeting Hong Kong's regulatory and professional standards.

Last year the foundation level CFA Institute ESG Certificate in Investing, which has more candidates from Hong Kong than any other country in the world, was granted an exemption by HKMA in Module 1 and 2.