Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui today expressed support for the COVID-19 jab appeal made by financial authorities and regulators to the institutions, intermediaries and trustees under their purview.

The financial regulators and the Monetary Authority issued circulars to such parties requesting the relevant sectors to adopt the vaccination in lieu of a regular testing arrangement.

They also strongly encouraged all relevant employees to receive COVID-19 vaccination as early as possible.

Hailing the move, Mr Hui said the employees often have face-to-face contact with clients or perform critical support functions when they provide financial services.

He stressed that due to the threat posed by mutant strains, vaccination is the best way for self-protection as well as to protect their colleagues and clients.

It can also help ensure the normal operation of Hong Kong’s financial system and society, he added.

The circulars noted that staff who have yet to receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by November 30 or are unfit to receive vaccination due to medical conditions, may opt to undergo effective virus testing every two weeks.

The appeal was made by the Monetary Authority, the Securities & Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority, the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority and the Financial Reporting Council.

Mr Hui called on all those working in the financial industry to continue to work together and get vaccinated as soon as possible to provide a more stable foundation for a full economic recovery.