The Asian Financial Forum (AFF) brings together some of the most influential leaders of the global financial and business community to discuss developments and trends in the dynamic markets of Asia. In 2019, over 130 internationally respected speakers in government, financial and business sectors gathered for groundbreaking discussions about opportunities and challenges facing Asia.

The twelfth AFF attracted more than 3,300 participants from 45 countries and regions, about 80% of them were CEOs and senior decision makers. More than 400 journalists and media representatives attended the forum.

Business leaders from around the world will gather in Hong Kong to share insights at the 13th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), which takes place on 13 and 14 January 2020 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).

Under the theme “Redefining Growth: Innovation ∙ Breakthrough ∙ Inclusiveness”, global financial experts, policymakers, business leaders and economists will examine topical issues in the global economy and explore new opportunities.

This year’s AFF will feature discussions on a wide range of issues such as the new global economy, fintech, sustainable and inclusive development and green financing, offering participants a head start in identifying new economic challenges and opportunities.

Programme

Heavyweight speakers to address topical issues:
This year, four Panel Discussion sessions will be held in the afternoon of the first day, at which influential policymakers and business leaders will examine a range of different topics, ranging from supply chain finance solutions and the unprecedented growth of asset and wealth management in Asia, to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and insurance.

Heavyweight speakers at the sessions include Howard Lee, Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority; Julia Leung, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Intermediaries at the Securities and Futures Commission; Winnie Wong, Board Member of the Financial Services Development Council; Suyi Kim, Senior Managing Director and Head of Asia Pacific of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board; Amy Lo, Co-head, UBS Wealth Management Asia Pacific; Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered PLC; Mike Wells, Group Chief Executive of Prudential plc; Ronnie Chan, Chairman of Hang Lung Properties Limited; Gerald Buckingham, Head of Asia Pacific of BlackRock; and Andrew Yan, Managing Partner of SAIF Partners. Sponsored by the Financial Services Development Council, Hong Kong, the Breakfast Panel will discuss on “Hong Kong’s Changing Role as an Investment Gateway: New Trend, New Generation and New Strategy”. The panelists include Andrew Weir, Regional Senior Partner, KPMG Hong Kong, and Jim Lai, Vice President, Tencent Holdings Limited and Chairman, Fusion Bank Limited. Together they will explore the opportunities and risks Hong Kong faces against the backdrop of recent economic and geopolitical developments, looking at what the city should do to safeguard its position as a leading international  financial centre.

FinTech Showcase presents innovative applications and solutions:
Innovation and technology have had a profound impact on the development of the financial industry. The FinTech Showcase, launched last year, returns to feature nearly 60 local and overseas international financial institutions and technological enterprises, including Assured Asset Management, Nippon Electric Company (NEC), Ping An OneConnect and Standard Chartered, presenting a wide range of fintech innovations and cutting-edge solutions. Moreover, the new FinTechHK Start-Up Salon will showcase a plethora of next-generation business ideas from fintech startups from Hong Kong and beyond.

Also returning is the InnoTalks series which will explore a series of technological issues relevant to the financial sector, including developments in the Guangdong-Hong KongMacao Greater Bay Area, financial innovation, investment technology and Internet security.

The series will give industry players comprehensive insights into innovative fintech developments that can help to boost competitiveness.

AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking facilitates collaboration
Another key feature at this year’s forum is the well-received AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session, which is co-organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.

It is expected that 200 investors and 500 investment projects will join one-on-one meetings, covering industries including manufacturing and green technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), fintech, digital technology, healthtech, infrastructure
and real estate services, environmental protection and energy, education, food and agriculture.

The InnoVenture Salon is back for the third time on an expanded scale and with enriched content, making it the ideal platform to connect start-ups with potential investors and partners. Start-ups will showcase their products and ideas at exhibition booths and present their business plans at pitching sessions.

The Global Investment Zone is another highlight not to be missed, gathering investment agencies from Canada, Germany, Ireland, Spain, the United States and more to present investment opportunities in different sectors.