The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong has handed over responsibility for the Securities Industry Examinations to the Hong Kong Securities Institute.

The Securities Industry Examinations comprise:

• Broker's Representatives Examination (BRE)
• Securities Brokers Examination (SBE)
• Options Officer and Representative Examination (OORE)
• Options Clearing Officer Examination (OCOE)

The examinations are recognised by the Exchange as a requirement for registration with the Exchange. The SBE is recognised by the Securities and Futures Commission as a professional examination under the Fit and Proper Criteria for registration as dealers.

Mr. Alec Tsui, Chief Executive of the Exchange, said it was pleased to hand over responsibility for the Securities Industry Examinations to the Hong Kong Securities Institute. "We believe that this change will better serve the educational and training needs of market practitioners. The Exchange will concentrate its resources more on meeting business and market challenges so as to increase Hong Kong's competitiveness in the global securities market," Mr. Tsui said.

Dr Bill Kwok, Chairman of the Institute, said the Securities Industry Examinations would continue to be held until their incorporation into the Institute's existing examinations by the end of this year. "There will be two examinations for each of the SBE and BRE this year. Both examinations will be held on August 6 and again on November 12. The OORE and OCOE are scheduled to be held on July 22 and again on November 25. The format, syllabus, assessment and arrangement of these examinations will remain unchanged." Dr. Kwok said.

Preparatory courses will continue to be offered by selected tertiary institutions. Preparatory manuals and past examination papers are available for sale at both the Institute and the Stock Exchange.

Enrolment started on May 15 and the deadline for registering for the examinations on July 22 and August 6 will be June 12. Course details and enrolment forms are available at the Institute office. Information can also be obtained from the Institute website: http://www.hksi.org. For public enquiries, please contact the Institute at the following:

Hong Kong Securities Institute

2/F, Hing Yip Commercial Centre

272-284 Des Voeux Road Central

Hong Kong

Tel : 2541 1081 (Examination Hotline)

         2899 2603 (General Enquiries)

Fax : 2899 2611

Email : admin3@hksiltd.com.hk

Website : http://www.hksi.org