BUS News

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) and CFA Institute have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly promote the development of sustainable finance education in higher learning in Hong Kong. Starting January 2026, the School of Business at HKBU will integrate the curriculum of the Sustainable Investing Certificate offered by CFA Institute directly into its taught postgraduate studies. This first-of-its-kind global academic-industry collaboration initiative aims to equip financial professionals with expertise in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing.

The MoU was signed by Professor Zhang Han, Dean of the School of Business at HKBU, and Ms Brenda Hou, CFA, Senior Head of Asia-Pacific Global Partnerships and Client Solutions at CFA Institute.

Professor Zhang Han stated: “Through this meaningful academic-industry collaboration on career-focused professional development, we are advancing HKBU business education and cultivating impactful and transferable skills for future-ready leaders of the business world. This partnership creates an unprecedented opportunity for our taught postgraduate students to become sustainable finance professionals in Asia for the world.”

Ms Brenda Hou indicated: “This partnership marks a significant milestone for CFA Institute — it is our first collaboration of its kind globally where our Sustainable Investing Certificate is embedded directly into HKBU’s accredited academic curriculum. By working with HKBU, we are equipping the next generation of finance professionals with a globally recognised certificate in sustainability. This is a powerful step forward in building capacity and raising standards in the investment profession.”

In this unparalleled collaboration, HKBU and CFA Institute endeavour to drive breakthroughs, aiming to expand the talent pipeline of sustainability-focused finance professionals in the region and beyond. This partnership seeks to effectively equip the future-ready business professionals with in-demand skill sets throughout the markets.

CFA Institute Sustainable Investing Certificate is designed to equip finance professionals, analysts, and students with expertise in ESG investing. The Certificate curriculum will be integrated into HKBU’s taught postgraduate studies as an elective module in sustainable finance. Students who completed the module will earn academic credits from HKBU. Those who pass the public examination for the Sustainable Investing Certificate will receive an additional certificate from CFA Institute. The Certificate is funded by the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme launched by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Full-time students can apply for reimbursement with their certificates.