A talent report released on Wednesday found that finance professionals in Hong Kong are more proactive than their global peers in upgrading their skills to stay relevant in the evolving industry.

The Hong Kong Institute for Monetary and Financial Research, in collaboration with the CFA Institute, interviewed about 1,200 professionals across major international financial centres, including New York, Singapore and Hong Kong.

It also partnered with researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to analyse 1.6 million LinkedIn online profiles.

The report found that firms around the world are now seeking financial professionals who are equipped with more skills, adding that those in the SAR tend to adopt a more proactive approach when it comes to upskilling.

It pointed out that more finance staffers in Hong Kong are multi-skilled and can handle duties like customer service, engineering, machine learning and programming.

The head of the Hong Kong Institute for Monetary and Financial Research, Giorgio Valente, also noted that many HR leaders find Hong Kong an attractive place for outside talent.

“Despite the existing challenges related to, for example, cost of living or schooling, Hong Kong exhibits clear advantages related to legal and regulatory environment, social infrastructure, global location, and connectivity,” he said.

“These elements in the eyes of HR leaders make Hong Kong still a very attractive destination for international talent. And also as a consequence to sustain Hong Kong’s standing as a premier international financial centre.”

The report said Hong Kong should continue to push ahead with efforts to upskill and reskill the local workforce and do more to bring in talent.