Five key growth areas seen by new financial council

Financial Services Development Council also discusses three-year work plan.

Established only recently, the FSDC will initially focus its resources on financial services development, opportunities on the Mainland, new businesses, market promotion, and human resources.

Chairman Laura Cha said the advisory council met with Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying. Leung urged them to help Hong Kong’s financial services industry and the city's development as a financial centre. Members were briefed on the council’s operation and future work plan.

Members of the FSDC are seconded from the Monetary Authority, the Futures & Securities Commission and the Trade Development Council plus the secretariat staff provided by the Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury. Ms. Cha said this arrangement will continue for three years.

“During the three years we will think about, and depending on our experience, need and workload, then we can decide what should be the model after three years.”

She said the council at this stage has no plans to accept donations or fund raising from private organisations.