Your quarterly news for CFOs and members working in business (19 January 2022)

Best Corporate Governance & ESG Awards 2021

This year, the Institute has renamed and refocused the Best Corporate Governance Awards, which was launched in 2000, as the Best Corporate Governance and ESG Awards in order to reflect the increasing importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting and practices for listed companies and public sector/ not-for-profit organizations, and their investors and stakeholders.

The presentation luncheon for the awards was held on 6 December 2021, with Dr. Kelvin Wong, Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council, as the guest of honour and over 190 participants from some of Hong Kong leading listed companies and public sector organizations. The Institute heartily congratulates all the award winners, particularly the 10 awardees of the inaugural Most Sustainable Companies/ Organizations Awards.

Please see the press release, the dedicated webpage with the full list of winners and videos and articles on what the awards mean to winners, and the Judges’ Report for more details.

News and updates

HKEX publishes Corporate Governance and ESG (Climate Disclosures) Guidance

On 5 November 2021, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), published guidance to listed issuers on climate disclosures, as well as an analysis of IPO applicants’ corporate governance and environmental, social and governance practice disclosure in 2020/2021.

The Guidance on Climate Disclosures, which provides practical tips and step-by-step guidance to assist issuers in preparing Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures-aligned climate change reporting, will help companies assess their response to risks arising from climate change.

HKEX also evaluated the prospectuses of new applicants seeking a primary listing in Hong Kong. Findings and recommendations are in the report Analysis of IPO Applicants’ Corporate Governance and ESG Practice Disclosure in 2020/2021.

Climate action and the accountancy profession: building a sustainable future

ACCA has published a report that explores how accountancy and finance professionals can provide leadership and expertise in the drive to decarbonize organizations.

The report suggests that while the climate agenda will redefine the world of business over the coming decades and meeting this challenge is a long-term process, there are certain steps that need to be taken right now to accelerate the transition.

Upcoming events and activities

FSIG webinar: SFC/Stock Exchange Investigations and Proceedings against Listed Companies and Directors

At the upcoming Financial Services Interest Group (FSIG) webinar on 27 January, the speaker will give an overview and practical guidance of the investigatory and enforcement powers of the Securities and Futures Commission and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange against listed companies and their directors.

If you have suggestions on specific topics or speakers for future PAIB events, please let us know at paib@hkicpa.org.hk.

Features and articles

The following articles and publications may be of your interest:

Business articles

Essential soft skills advice for finance professionals in 2022 from Financial Management
Six ways to embed climate change risk management by ICAEW
ESG: the financial reporting implications from CFO.com
Managing noise, change, and emerging risks from Journal of Accountancy
Digital transformation changes how companies create value from Harvard Business Review

Tax articles

If you require any technical assistance on this transmission, please contact the IT support team at 2287-7800 or itsupport@hkicpa.org.hk.

Install the HKICPA Events app

Disclaimer: Some sections contain information from outside sources. We endeavour to link to reputable sources but the Institute is not responsible for the accuracy of the content and the content does not necessarily represent the views of the Institute.

This email together with the file(s) transmitted is intended solely for addressee(s) only and may contain confidential or privileged information. If you received this email in error, please contact the sender and delete it together with its attachment(s) from your computer(s). You should note that the views expressed in this email are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Institute. The recipient should check this email and all attachments for the presence of virus. The Institute will not accept liability for any damage caused by any viruses transmitted with this email.

Manage communication preferences | Privacy policy | Personal information | Contact us