CPT Explained
What is Continuing Professional Training (CPT)?
Continuous Professional Training (CPT) is the systematic maintenance, improvement and broadening of knowledge and skills that the SFC requires of individuals carrying on regulated activities. It ensures you remain "fit" — through up-to-date technical knowledge and professional expertise — and "proper" — through periodic refreshers on ethical standards and regulatory knowledge.
CPT cannot be achieved solely through work experience or on-the-job training. The SFC sets minimum annual hour requirements and expects every eligible individual to complete them each calendar year. In practice, CPT can mean attending a training course, completing an online learning program with assessments, conducting industry research, publishing papers, or delivering lectures and seminars.
Why CPT matters
The SFC introduced CPT to safeguard Hong Kong's reputation as a well-regulated financial market. By requiring licensed individuals to complete training each year, the SFC ensures that professionals stay current with evolving regulatory standards, market practices, and ethical expectations. CPT is not a one-time qualification — it is a recurring obligation that applies throughout your career as a licensed person.
Find CPT CoursesHow many CPT hours do you need?
The SFC requires every eligible individual to complete CPT hours each calendar year. The total depends on your role.
10 hrs
for Licensed Representatives
12 hrs
for Responsible & Executive Officers
5 hrs
directly relevant to your regulated activities
2 hrs
on ethics or compliance each year
How to earn CPT hours
The SFC recognises several categories of eligible activities. Choose the ones that best fit your role and learning style.
Formal training
Attending courses, workshops, lectures, seminars and conferences — whether face-to-face or virtual. This is the most common way to earn CPT hours and typically includes structured content delivered by a training provider.
Self-directed learning
Online learning courses and self-study programs. Under SFC guidelines, self-study and online courses must include an independent assessment (quiz or exam) and maintain a reliable audit trail to count toward CPT.
Professional contributions
Conducting industry research, publishing papers or articles, delivering lectures and seminars, and commenting on SFC consultation papers. These activities demonstrate active engagement with your profession's development.
What topics count toward CPT?
The SFC lists eligible topic areas. At least 5 of your CPT hours must be directly relevant to your regulated activities.
Compliance & Regulation
Compliance, legislative and regulatory standards, SFC regulatory updates, and developments in the regulatory framework governing licensed corporations and individuals.
Ethics & Business Conduct
Business conduct, professional ethics, and the standards of behaviour expected of licensed persons in their dealings with clients and the market.
Market Developments & Products
Developments in financial markets, new and existing financial products, and market structure changes relevant to your regulated activities.
Risk Management
Risk management practices, operational risk, credit risk, market risk, and the frameworks used to identify, assess and mitigate risks in financial services.
Fintech & Digital Assets
Technology developments in financial services, digital assets, cybersecurity, data privacy, and the regulatory framework for technology-driven financial products.
ESG & Sustainability
Environmental, social and governance topics, sustainable finance, green and responsible investing, and regulatory developments in ESG disclosure and reporting.
CPT for Individuals
CPT helps you maintain the professional competence the SFC requires of licensed persons. By completing your hours each year, you demonstrate ongoing commitment to your regulated activities and stay current with regulatory changes. CPT also supports career progression — the skills and knowledge you gain can open doors to new roles and responsibilities within the financial industry.
Browse CPT CoursesCPT for Firms
Licensed corporations must maintain a training program that enables their officers and employees to meet CPT requirements. A strong CPT culture helps identify skill gaps, ensures staff stay current with regulatory standards, and demonstrates to clients and regulators that professionalism is a priority at every level of the organisation.
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