The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced that the Banking Talent Programme that it has jointly organised with the banking industry will be further extended for 6 months until the end of August this year.

Since the introduction of the programme in 2020, a total of more than 600 fresh graduates have been provided with job opportunities and professional training.

The employment period of graduates recruited in 2021 under the programme will expire at the end of February this year.

After balancing different considerations and taking into account the feedback from the banking sector, the HKMA said that it has decided to further extend the programme by 6 months.

Participating institutions may extend the employment period of graduates recruited in 2021 under the programme for a period of up to 6 months till 31 August 2022 having regard to their operational needs.

HKMA added that it will continue to reimburse up to 50% of the monthly salary of the programme’s participants during the extended period.

The regulator will also be collaborating with the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) to launch several new initiatives including the Future Banking Bridging Programme and a series of career talks for university students interested in a banking career.

Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the HKMA said,

“The HKMA attaches great importance to nurturing young talent to build a sustainable talent pipeline and support the future development of the banking sector. The extension of the Banking Talent Programme enables the young talent to accumulate more valuable work experience.

 

We are also actively exploring new initiatives together with the industry with a view to grooming young talent for the banking sector in a more systematic and targeted manner after the Programme ends in August this year. The details will be announced as soon as they are finalised.”