The Securities and Futures Commission is as an independent statutory body vested with the powers of administering the laws governing the securities and futures industry.  Its key objectives are to maintain orderliness of the securities and futures markets, promote the public's understanding of investing in these markets, protect the public from undue investment risks, supervise related intermediaries, and minimise systematic risks innate to the industry.  In line with its regulatory role, the SFC sets standards and screens and monitors market participants to ensure that they and their products meet standards.  While operating outside the civil service, the SFC is accountable to the Government.

The Alternative Investment Management Association Limited (“AIMA”), is a not-for-profit educational and research body.  Its membership is corporate and comprises over 1,250 firms in 47 different countries.

Founded in 1990, AIMA is the only professional trade association representing the hedge fund industry with worldwide membership, representing all practitioners in the alternative investment management industry – whether hedge fund managers, managers of futures or currency funds or those providing other specific services such as prime brokerage, administration, legal or accounting, auditing and tax advisory services.

The three ‘pillars’ of AIMA are:

The Hong Kong Institute of CPAs is the only body authorized by law to register and grant practising certificates to certified public accountants in Hong Kong.  The Institute has more than 27,000 members and 12,000 registered students.  Members of the Institute are entitled to the description certified public accountant and to the designatory letters CPA.

The Hong Kong Institute of CPAs evolved from the Hong Kong Society of Accountants, which was established on 1 January 1973.

The Institute operates under the Professional Accountants Ordinance and works in the public interest.  The Institute has wide-ranging responsibilities, including assuring the quality of entry into the profession through its postgraduate CPA qualification programme and promulgating financial reporting, auditing and ethical standards in Hong Kong.  The Institute has responsibility for regulating and promoting efficient accounting practices in Hong Kong to safeguard its leadership as an international financial centre.

The Hong Kong Institute of CPAs is a member of The Global Accounting Alliance - an alliance of the world’s leading professional accountancy bodies, which was formed in 2005.  The GAA promotes quality services, collaborates on important international issues and works with national regulators, governments and stakeholders.

The Hong Kong Securities Institute was officially formed in December 1997 as a professional body to raise the standards of securities and finance practitioners in Hong Kong.  In setting standards for professional excellence in Hong Kong, the HKSI offers a platform where individuals can gain the skills, and achieve the necessary professionalism and personal competence as they proceed towards further career advancement.

The HKSI provides continuous professional development by offering comprehensive examinations and an extensive programme of training courses and events.  Finance professionals can also benefit from HKSI membership programme which provides invaluable support and professional recognition from industry peers as well as substantial discounts on a variety of HKSI programmes.