HONG KONG SAR: The 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) concluded on January 14, drawing over 3,600 participants, including 130+ high-profile speakers, and facilitating 700+ AFF Deal-making meetings. The two-day event at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre highlighted Hong Kong’s pivotal role as an international financial hub.
Theme and Objectives
Under the theme Powering the Next Growth Engine, AFF 2025 aimed to enhance global cooperation and foster mutually beneficial outcomes. Co-organized by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the event provided a dynamic platform for dialogue on fintech, sustainability, and global financial collaboration.
Key Highlights
1. Strategic Collaboration with AIIB Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee engaged with Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), reaffirming Hong Kong’s commitment to leveraging its financial strengths and cultural connections to support AIIB’s long-term goals.
2. Focus on Sustainability Sue Lloyd, Vice Chair of the ISSB, led discussions on adopting financial disclosure standards to bolster confidence in Hong Kong’s capital markets, aligning with government sustainability initiatives.
3. Inaugural GCC Chapter The forum introduced its first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Chapter, connecting financial leaders from Hong Kong and GCC member states to foster stronger bilateral investment ties.
4. Expert Insights and Networking Opportunities Sessions such as CIO Insights and Global Spectrum explored critical issues like fintech innovations, female entrepreneurship, and the role of corporations in supporting startups. Notable speakers like Joe Tsai of Alibaba shared insights on driving economic growth through corporate investment.
Deal-Making Success
AFF 2025 brought together 270+ investors and over 560 projects, resulting in 700+ one-on-one meetings. Investment opportunities spanned diverse sectors, including fintech, healthtech, energy, and real estate.
Interactive Exhibition Zones
Exhibition areas like the Fintech Showcase and InnoVenture Salon hosted 140 exhibitors, including global financial institutions, startups, and tech companies, enhancing networking and collaboration.
Part of Financial Week 2025
As the cornerstone of 2025 International Financial Week (January 13–17), AFF was complemented by events like the Malaysia–Hong Kong Islamic Finance Roundtable and the Family Office Symposium, fostering industry-wide synergies.
The Asian Financial Forum 2025 reaffirmed Hong Kong’s status as a leading global financial center, uniting stakeholders to shape the future of global finance through collaboration and innovation.
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