Mission The FSDC was established in 2013 by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government as a high-level, cross-sectoral advisory body to engage the industry in formulating proposals to promote the further development of the financial services industry of Hong Kong and to map out the strategic direction for the development. The FSDC has been incorporated as a company limited by guarantee with effect from September 2018 to allow it to better discharge its functions through research, market promotion and human capital development with more flexibility. Objectives The FSDC aims to: - advise the Government on strategies and measures to expand the scope of the financial markets of Hong Kong and enhance the competitiveness of Hong Kong as an international financial centre; - support the financial services industry of Hong Kong in developing the core competence and knowledge of its practitioners; and - promote the financial services industry of Hong Kong and Hong Kong as an international financial centre in the Mainland and overseas. Terms of Reference The terms of reference of the FSDC are to: - conduct policy research and industry surveys for the formulation of proposals to the Government and regulators; - work with regulatory and trade bodies to identify new opportunities for, and any constraints on, the sustainable growth and diversity of the financial services industry; - maintain a dialogue with the relevant bodies in the Mainland and overseas to support the financial services industry of Hong Kong in accessing new markets and growth areas; - facilitate the upgrading of skills and expertise through collaboration with education and training institutions, trade bodies and practitioners; and - promote, in the Mainland and overseas, the financial services industry of Hong Kong and Hong Kong as an international financial centre through seminars, road shows, publications, and through active participation in international events.