Asian Financial Forum 2024 + 2025

The Asian Financial Forum (AFF) has long been recognized as one of the premier events in the global financial calendar, particularly from an Asian perspective. The 18th edition of this influential forum is scheduled to take place on January 13-14, 2025, in Hong Kong. As a pivotal event within the International Financial Week (IFW), the AFF continues to serve as a leading platform where prominent figures from the spheres of finance, business, and government come together to share insights and address some of the most pressing issues impacting the global economy today, with a specific focus on the Asian region.

For participants attending the AFF, a variety of compelling and insightful activities are planned. These include keynote speeches delivered by industry pioneers and policymakers who will share their perspectives on the most current and future economic trends. These sessions are expected to provide valuable insights into the evolving global financial landscape and the emerging opportunities within Asia. The forum will also feature engaging panel discussions that will delve into global economic trends, regional opportunities, and the strategic responses required to navigate the complexities of the modern financial world.

In addition to the formal presentations, the AFF offers ample networking opportunities, which are invaluable for senior executives, thought leaders, and emerging professionals alike. These connections foster collaboration and innovation across industries and geographies. The forum’s interactive workshops are designed to encourage deeper engagement, featuring fireside chats and project investment sessions where participants can exchange ideas and explore potential business ventures in a more intimate setting. Moreover, the event will showcase cutting-edge financial technologies, highlighting innovative solutions that are shaping the future of the industry. The forum’s One-to-One Deal-Making Meetings provide a unique opportunity for investors, project owners, and entrepreneurs to meet face-to-face, discuss their ideas, and potentially forge new partnerships.

The Asian Financial Forum has established itself as a cornerstone event, where seasoned financial experts and aspiring professionals alike can expand their market knowledge, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore new business opportunities. The anticipation for the upcoming 2025 event is palpable, as participants look forward to engaging with the forum’s comprehensive program and shaping the future of finance together.

Reflecting on the success of the previous year, the 17th Asian Financial Forum, held in January 2024, further solidified the forum’s reputation as the region’s leading platform for high-level discussions on global economic trends from an Asian viewpoint. This edition of the forum brought together over 140 elite speakers from around the world and attracted more than 3,600 visitors from over 50 countries and regions, including numerous delegations from overseas and Mainland China. These participants engaged in thought leadership discussions, witnessed the latest advancements in fintech, explored emerging business strategies, and expanded their professional networks, all within the vibrant setting of the forum.

One of the key components of the AFF is its Deal-Making initiative, which facilitates one-to-one meetings between sources of funds and sources of deals. This aspect of the forum enables participants to connect with potential business partners from around the globe, fostering collaboration and innovation across various sectors. At the 2024 forum, over 700 meetings were arranged, involving more than 480 project owners and 270 investors across sectors such as fintech, environment, energy and clean technology, food and agriculture, healthcare technology, deep technology, infrastructure, and real estate. This initiative not only facilitated business connections but also underscored the forum’s role in driving economic growth and innovation.

The AFF’s Fintech Showcase, InnoVenture Salon, FintechHK Startup Salon, and other themed zones served as hubs of innovation and collaboration. These zones brought together over 140 exhibitors, including international financial institutions, technology companies, startups, investment promotion agencies, and sponsors. They showcased a wide array of financial innovations, advanced solutions, and revolutionary business ideas aimed at promoting business collaboration and empowering entrepreneurs and startups. This aspect of the forum highlights its commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem where new ideas can flourish and where businesses can find the resources and connections they need to succeed.

The success of the 2024 Asian Financial Forum was, in large part, due to the guidance provided by the forum’s Honorary Advisors and the Steering Committee, whose wealth of expertise ensured that the event addressed the most pressing issues facing the global economy today. The forum’s ability to bring together such a diverse and influential group of leaders is a testament to its status as a leading platform for financial and business discussions in the region.

The 17th edition of the Asian Financial Forum, co-organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), marked a significant milestone in the region's financial calendar. Held on January 24 and 25, 2024, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the event focused on the theme of "Multilateral Cooperation for a Shared Tomorrow." This theme was particularly relevant as it emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the global challenges that face the financial sector.

The forum commenced with a keynote luncheon that featured a speech by Wu Bo, President, Chief Financial Officer, and Member of the Management Committee of China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC). Wu’s speech underscored the significance of sustainable development, particularly within the context of China’s role in the global economy. He highlighted China’s achievements in green-related industries and its commitment to leveraging its expertise to contribute to global sustainable development initiatives. Wu noted that CICC had closed green-related equity and debt financings totaling over RMB1.4 trillion, which accounted for approximately 10% of the market total. This achievement exemplifies CICC’s dedication to green finance and its role in driving sustainable development.

A central theme of the forum was multilateral cooperation, which was discussed extensively by various speakers throughout the event. The forum provided a platform for participants to explore ways to rekindle multilateral cooperation and guide the world towards a more sustainable future. One of the key speakers, Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, President of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, offered his insights on how responsible capitalism can shape a new blueprint for sustainable development. His presentation highlighted the need for a collaborative approach to addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, particularly in the context of economic and environmental sustainability. Another prominent speaker, Professor Douglas W. Diamond, a Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences, discussed the trends of geopolitical tensions and global economic fragmentation. His analysis provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing the global economy and the potential pathways to navigate these challenges.

The forum also featured a range of high-level discussions on international financial cooperation, economic resilience, and specific topics such as RMB internationalization and opportunities in Mainland China. These discussions addressed the global economic outlook, investment trends, and key topics like green and sustainable finance and fintech. The insights shared by the 140 distinguished speakers provided participants with a deep understanding of the current financial landscape and the emerging trends that are likely to shape the future of finance.

In addition to the discussions on global economic trends, the forum also emphasized the importance of supporting Hong Kong’s development as an international financial center. The Minister of the National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA), Mr. Li Yunze, delivered special remarks that highlighted the NFRA’s commitment to strengthening bilateral regulatory cooperation with Hong Kong. He emphasized the importance of promoting higher-level opening up to Hong Kong and Macao under the framework of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA). Li also reiterated the NFRA’s full support for Hong Kong in leveraging its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle to continuously reinforce and enhance its status as an international financial center. His remarks underscored the significance of Hong Kong’s role in the global financial system and the ongoing efforts to strengthen its position as a leading financial hub.

The successful conclusion of the 17th Asian Financial Forum in 2024 marked a significant milestone in the region's financial calendar. The event demonstrated Hong Kong’s unique advantage as a "super-connector" and a "super value-adder" in the global financial system. By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders from around the world, the forum reinforced Hong Kong’s position as a global financial hub. The focus on multilateral cooperation and sustainable development highlighted the importance of international collaboration in shaping the future of finance and business. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, events like the Asian Financial Forum will remain crucial in fostering dialogue and collaboration among global leaders and stakeholders.

Looking ahead, the Asian Financial Forum is expected to continue its role as a leading platform for thought leadership, innovation, and networking among global financial and business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs. As the financial sector continues to adapt to the changing global dynamics, the forum is likely to evolve, incorporating new topics and themes that address the pressing issues of the day. The forum’s commitment to fostering multilateral cooperation and sustainable development will remain a central focus, ensuring that it continues to provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders to engage, learn, and shape the future of finance and business in Asia.

In conclusion, the 17th Asian Financial Forum in 2024 was a testament to Hong Kong’s enduring role as a global financial hub. The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders from around the world, providing a platform for discussing the future of finance and business. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, the forum will remain a crucial event in shaping the future of finance and business in Asia, fostering dialogue and collaboration among global leaders and stakeholders. The anticipation for the 18th Asian Financial Forum in 2025 is already building, as participants look forward to continuing the important conversations and collaborations that will shape the future of the global financial system.