DigitalCFO Newsroom | 6 January 2022
The 15th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), organized by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held entirely online.
The 15th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), organized by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held entirely online on the AFF virtual platform on the 10th and 11th of January as a showcase event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). This decision was made with public safety in mind, and in keeping with the government’s public health measures being tightened in reaction to the recent pandemic developments. Attendees from Hong Kong and beyond will benefit from the two-day forum, which will enable them to widen their business networks, share marketing information, and capture global possibilities.
More than 170 global business executives, legislators, financial specialists, entrepreneurs, investors, tech titans, and economists will talk at AFF 2022, which will be held under the theme “Navigating the Next Normal towards a Sustainable Future.” The presenters will discuss how sectors can achieve durable and equitable growth through effective venture capital and business tactics, in addition to discussing the important concerns redefining the financial climate amidst the incremental global economic recovery. AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Sessions and a fintech exhibition will also be held at the forum to assist attendees in identifying investment possibilities and exploring innovative solutions.
On both days, a superb lineup of heavyweight speakers will deliver keynote remarks. Mark Carney, the UN Special Envoy on Climate Change and Finance, Jean-Claude Trichet, the former President of the European Central Bank, and Brett King, the founder of Moven and bestselling book, are among them. They will share their viewpoints on a wide range of topics, including how the financial sector, regulatory bodies, and policymakers can work together to construct a sustainable financial system to reduce the dangers presented by climate change; as well as how the rise of innovative fintech businesses provides both opportunities and challenges to the banking and financial industries.
Mary Huen, Chairperson of the AFF 2022 Steering Committee and Executive Director and CEO, Hong Kong, and Cluster CEO of Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau at Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said at a press conference today: “We have entered the era of the new normal as a result of the pandemic. The global economy and business are beginning their operations under a new model. As we approach 2022, the global landscape continues to shift, as governments and businesses around the world use novel methods to foster long growth. This year, I’m hoping for solid global economic development.”
Patrick Lau, HKTDC’s Acting Executive Director, stated: “Even though the epidemic began two years ago, businesses continue to face a variety of problems, and different versions of the new normal emerge in different industries. To feel the pulse of the market and produce commercial prospects, we need to take a step forward. Sustainable development is the subject of AFF 2022, which is a goal shared by everyone affected by the pandemic. We must work to protect our natural resources and reduce the effects of climate change.”
Spotlighting Policy Responses To Climate Change And Economic Recovery
Many areas of the economic and corporate landscapes have shifted as a result of the global epidemic. Economies are taking steps to help the economy rebound while also reducing the chances of a global disaster caused by climate change. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR, will lead a plenary session on this topic on the first morning of AFF 2022.
Panellists will include Vincent Van Peteghem, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Thailand’s Minister of Finance; Sean Fleming, Ireland’s Minister of State at the Department of Finance; Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; Jin Liqun, President and Chairman, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Verena Ross, Chair, European Securities and Markets Authority; Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman, Islamic Development Bank; and Marcos Troyjo, President, New Development Bank.
A policy conversation in the afternoon will emphasize on methods to meet longer-term sustainability targets and mitigate climate-related financial risks. The session will be chaired by Eddie Yue, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Monetary Authority, who will be joined by Ashley Alder, Chairman of the Board, International Organization of Securities Commissions, and Chief Executive Officer, Securities and Futures Commission; Benjamin Estoista Diokno, Central Bank Governor, Philippines; Klaas Knot, Chair, Financial Stability Board and President, De Nederlandsche Bank; Teresa Ko, Trustee, International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation China Chairman, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; and Ma Jun, Chairman and President, Hong Kong Green Finance Association.
Four Thematic Panels Shed Light On ESG, Sustainability And More
A lineup of renowned global policymakers and corporate leaders will share their perspectives on a variety of topical issues pertaining to the event’s theme, such as the global economic outlook, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing, climate change, and sustainability. These topics will be talked about during the nearly 60 sessions scheduled for AFF 2022.
The global economy is beset with numerous uncertainty as we approach 2022, but digital change could provide new momentum for enterprises. At the panel discussion titled “Global Economic Outlook”, speakers including Paul M Achleitner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Deutsche Bank AG; Liu Jin, President, Bank of China Limited; Tian Guoli, Chairman and Executive Director, China Construction Bank; Shriti Vadera, Chair, Prudential Plc; and Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered PLC, will explore the global outlook and provide their ideas on how businesses and financial firms can contribute to designing a more diverse, durable, and sustainable future. The session will be chaired by Victor Chu, Chairman & CEO, First Eastern Investment Group.
With environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices becoming more popular, it is now mandatory for all organizations to use ESG criteria when making investment decisions and implementing business plans. At the first panel discussion on “ESG & Sustainability”, speakers including Andrew Erickson, Chief Productivity Officer, Head of International Business, State Street; Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, CEO, Sintesa Group; Amy Lo, Head and Chief Executive, UBS Hong Kong; and Saker Nusseibeh, CEO, International, Federated Hermes International, will join panel chair Stewart James, Chief of Staff, Sustainability Policy & At HSBC, they are looking into how companies can work together to expand the use of ESG in order to create a more sustainable future.
To keep up with global advancements, the insurance and wealth management businesses must continue to evolve. They must also respond to shifting investor needs, use market information to grasp post-pandemic investment possibilities, and play a proactive role in climate change mitigation. Hong Kong’s Insurance Authority will engage with experts from the insurance business at a panel discussion titled “Innovating Insurance to Combat Climate Change” to evaluate the use of alternative risk transfer options for minimizing catastrophic weather disasters. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and global banking and asset management professionals will explore advances in the green and sustainable investing arena during a panel discussion titled “Asset & Wealth Management Post-COP26.”
Deciphering Tech Trends And Exploring Cryptocurrencies And NFTs
AFF 2022 will feature talks hosted by pioneers in cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens, in response to the pandemic’s rapid development of technology (NFTs). Sam Bankman-Fried, the Founder and CEO of cryptocurrency exchange FTX.com and the richest person in crypto, will speak about his entrepreneurial career and the future for blockchain and cryptocurrencies. He is also a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. Sessions on the future of cutting-edge technologies like digital wealth management, cloud computing, and paytech will also be held. An diversity of industry experts and entrepreneurs will present the roadmap for innovation and future breakthroughs in a number of core industries, including fintech, banking, insurance, energy, food and agriculture-technology, property, and healthcare, during the “Dialogues for Tomorrow” session.
Growth In Global Wealth Accelerates Family Office And Philanthropy Development
The HKTDC and the Private Wealth Management Association will co-host a Family Office Symposium at AFF 2022 to provide light on this developing trend, which is fueled by the global wealth boom, particularly in Asia. Speakers including Ronnie Chan, Chair, Hang Lung Properties; Adrian Cheng, Chief Executive Officer, New World Development; and Seri Cheah Cheng Hye, Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Investment Officer, Value Partners Group, will look at wealth management tendencies in relation to family offices and how they’re evolving among Asian families.
In addition, Tony O Elumelu, Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, will discuss his initiatives to enhance people’s lives and reshape Africa by investing long-term in crucial sectors and developing young African entrepreneurs.
Other eminent speakers, including Douglas Flint, Chairman, abrdn plc, will discuss market trends in global impact investment. Miao Jianmin, Chairman, China Merchants Group, will share his views on Mainland China’s carbon neutrality goals and green finance development, while Ju Weimin, Vice Chairman, President & CIO, China Investment Corporation, a sovereign wealth fund, will analyse the current macro investment trends in Asia and China.
AFF Deal Flow Extended With Three Days Of Matchmaking Meetings
This year’s AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session, co-organized by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, will be extended by one day and held across three days from 10 to 12 January due to popular request. The purpose is to make it easier for project owners, possible business partners, and investors to collaborate. Deep tech, digital technology and media, healthtech, education, infrastructure, and real estate services will be among the investment projects addressed. In order for interested investors to learn more about this topic area, a feature for locating ESG-integrated projects will be introduced.
More Than 130 Exhibitors Showcase New Technologies And Investment Opportunities
In the Fintech Showcase, InnoVenture Salon, and FintechHK Startup Salon, more than 130 local and international financial institutions, technology businesses, start-ups, and investment agencies will display a wide range of modern technologies. PwC, Standard Chartered Bank, Bank of China, HSBC, China International Capital Corporation, and Cyberport will be among the exhibitors. Meanwhile, through the AFF’s virtual platform, the Global Investment Zone will present a multitude of outstanding investment opportunities from Australia, Canada, Italy, Israel, Japan, Luxembourg, Korea, Qatar, and the United Kingdom.
Start-ups can also use the InnoVenture Salon to engage with foreign incubators, investors, and possible commercial partners. With a purpose to promote entrepreneurship and innovation, the Salon has teamed up with Hong Kong’s regulators to assist start-ups with their problems.
For the first time, the HKTDC, Mizuho Bank, and Eureka Nova, New World Development’s start-up incubation and open innovation network, will collaborate for AFF Accelerate. On the platform, innovators will present their technology and innovation solutions, as well as showcase how innovative ideas may be commercialized for use in the corporate world.
AFF 2022 will assemble and galvanize the global sector to develop synergy for a sustainable future as the top financial and commercial conference of the new year.
Source: ACN Newswire
