The Hong Kong Association of Banks (“HKAB”) was established in 1981 under the Hong Kong Association of Banks Ordinance to replace the Exchange Banks’ Association. The Ordinance provides a framework for the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China (“HKSAR”) to exchange views with the banking sector for the further development of the industry.

      All fully licensed banks approved by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to operate in Hong Kong are required to be a member of HKAB. The members of HKAB are the banks, not their employees. As of end December 2017, HKAB had 155 member banks.

      The Chairmanship of HKAB is on a rotational basis and alternates every year among three note-issuing banks in Hong Kong (“Continuing Members”), namely Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited.

Roles of HKAB:

·         Promote the interests of member banks and create an environment to support further development of the banking sector.

·         Act as a focal point for consultation and liaison among member banks, the HKSAR government, regulators and other stakeholder groups.

·         Offer a channel of communication among its members and with third parties.

·         Promote the continual competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international financial centre.

Governance and Organisation of HKAB:

·         Main Committee – the highest executive body of HKAB which directs and decides the policies and business of HKAB, having regard to recommendations from relevant Working Groups (if any).

·         Consultative Council – advises the Main Committee on matters relating to banking business.

·         Disciplinary Committee – recommends the Main Committee on penalties that may be imposed on members that have breached HKAB’s rules (if any).

·         Other committees and working groups – conduct studies of and make recommendations on more complex, technical or specific topics for the Main Committee.

      Contact Information of HKAB:

      Address: Room 525, Prince’s Building, Central, Hong Kong

      Telephone: (852) 2521 1169 / 2521 1160

      Fax: (852) 2868 5035

      Website: www.hkab.org.hk