The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers and The Chartered Banker Institute Renew Long-standing Partnership to Support Future-ready Banking Talent
Renewed MoU explores closer collaboration in professional qualifications, learning and knowledge exchange to strengthen internationally recognised banking capabilities
11 September 2026, Hong Kong / London – The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) and the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their close partnership of nearly two decades and their shared commitment to advancing recognised professional standards, talent development and banking excellence.
The MoU was signed by Carrie LEUNG, Chief Executive Officer of HKIB, and Tanya RETTER, Chief Executive Officer of CBI, during the Asia-Pacific Association of Banking Institutes (APABI) Biennial Program 2026 in Cambodia.
Under the renewed framework, the two institutions will explore closer collaboration across professional and educational pathways, recognition of relevant professional qualifications, research, thought leadership initiatives, industry events and knowledge exchange. By bringing together their respective expertise and networks, HKIB and CBI aim to broaden banking practitioners’ access to internationally relevant development opportunities and respond to the evolving priorities in the banking industry.
A major achievement of the partnership to date is the Mutual Recognition Programme launched in 2017, which provides reciprocal pathways between HKIB’s flagship “Certified Banker” qualification and CBI’s “Chartered Banker” qualification. Under the programme, eligible holders of HKIB’s Certified Banker designation may attain Chartered Banker status by completing the relevant CBI module. This enables banking practitioners to broaden their professional credentials and demonstrate capabilities recognised across markets.
Carrie LEUNG, Chief Executive Officer of HKIB, said, “The renewal of our MoU with the Chartered Banker Institute reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership and our shared commitment to advancing professionalism in banking. Together, we are creating opportunities to enhance professional development, facilitate knowledge exchange and support banking practitioners in building the skills and capabilities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry. We look forward to deepening our collaboration for the benefit of our members and the wider banking community.”
Tanya RETTER, Chief Executive Officer of CBI, said, “At a time when banking is being reshaped by technology and changing customer expectations, we are delighted to strengthen our relationship with the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers. Our organisations share a commitment to promoting professionalism, ethical practice and lifelong learning within banking. This agreement creates new opportunities for us to work together, share expertise and support the development of banking professionals both in Hong Kong and internationally.”
Through the renewed partnership, HKIB and CBI will continue to promote professionalism, strengthen talent development and facilitate the exchange of international expertise. The collaboration supports banking professionals in Hong Kong, the UK and beyond in developing capabilities required for a rapidly evolving global financial environment.
Carrie LEUNG, Chief Executive Officer of HKIB (left), and Tanya RETTER, Chief Executive Officer of CBI (right), signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutes at the Asia-Pacific Association of Banking Institutes (APABI) Biennial Program 2026 on 18 August.
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About The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers
Established in 1963, The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB) is the first not-for-profit organisation in Hong Kong dedicated to advancing banking excellence in the region. As a trusted learning and certification hub, HKIB is the only professional body in the city to offer banking professional qualifications comparable to a Master’s degree. HKIB serves as an advocate for capacity building and is committed to cultivating a competent, ethical, and future-ready workforce to strengthen Hong Kong’s advantages as an international financial centre. Through creating a common qualification benchmark, fostering knowledge exchange, promoting professional networking and enhancing talent development, HKIB supports local talent and the next generation of professionals, contributing to the long-term stability and effectiveness of the banking industry.
Official website: https://www.hkib.org/
LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/company/the-hong-kong-institute-of-bankers
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thehkib
Instagram: http://www.instragram.com/thehkib
About the Chartered Banker Institute
Founded in 1875, the Chartered Banker Institute is the UK’s leading professional body for banking professionals. Established by Royal Charter, and with more than 25,000 members in over 100 countries across six continents, the Institute works to strengthen professionalism, ethics and trust in banking and financial services through education, professional standards, thought leadership and lifelong professional development, supporting individuals and organisations to build a more professional and trusted banking profession.
Official website: https://www.charteredbanker.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/charteredbanker
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charteredbankerinstitute
Shona is currently in the role of External Affairs and Strategic Communication Lead. Previously, she was responsible for monitoring relevant regulatory and policy developments affecting the retail banking sector as the Regulation & Policy Lead. This is a key role in strengthening the Institute’s reputation and profile within the relevant regulatory communities, as well as in supporting colleagues and members to remain informed of current and future developments. Shona is also part of the Institute’s Thought Leadership team, with a strong interest in deriving content that promotes our key strategic theme of sustainable, responsible banking.
With over 25 years' experience in the financial services sector, Shona has held a number of strategic positions within the Institute since joining in 2015. Committed to ensuring professional standards are practical, Shona has participated in many regulatory consultations, and has led development not only of the Institute’s own responses but also those of key Institute partnerships, such as the Chartered Body Alliance and the Sustainable Finance Education Charter.
Shona was Secretary for the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Skills from 2008 until 2014 and continues to attend these meetings on behalf of the Institute.
Shona is a qualified Behavioural Scientist, holding an MSc in the discipline from the University of Stirling. Her master’s thesis investigates potential opportunities for mortgage lenders to engage and support borrowers to make home energy efficiencies.
View Shona’s LinkedIn profile