The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), commenced with the theme 'Co-creating New Horizons amid an Evolving Landscape' and a new tagline 'Finance Empowering Business'. The forum features over 150 speakers from government, finance, and business, with attendance expected to exceed 3,600 participants from more than 60 countries. This gathering reinforces Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre and its role in connecting the Chinese Mainland with global markets.
A key development is the introduction of the inaugural Global Business Summit, scheduled for the forum's second day. This summit will evaluate the impact of high-growth industries including artificial intelligence and technology, robotics, biopharma and healthcare, and new energy. HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma stated this reflects an increased focus on strengthening ties between finance and the real economy to support sustained innovation and long-term growth. The full programme details are available at https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/programme.
The two-day forum presents over 40 sessions. Plenary sessions addressed fostering international cooperation and charting the future of finance amid uncertainty, featuring officials from multilateral organisations and central banks. A special discussion session on gold trading, titled Global Spectrum - Gold Exchange, was introduced to promote Hong Kong's development into an international gold exchange and build a gold market ecosystem with the Chinese Mainland. This aligns with the 2025 Policy Address to expedite building an international gold trading market.
Panel discussions provided insights into critical areas of finance. The Asset and Wealth Management panel, moderated by Amy Lo of UBS, explored how artificial intelligence can enhance decision-making efficiency and how to integrate ESG factors into investment strategies. The CIO Insights session featured chief investment officers analysing asset allocation trends and interest rate movements. Another session, Global Spectrum - Pension and Endowment, discussed transforming retirement and philanthropic funds in a changing global economy.
A survey conducted by HKTDC and knowledge partner EY, released at the forum, examines how corporates and financial leaders are responding to disruptive challenges. EY China Chairman Jack Chan noted that while prolonged uncertainty is the new baseline, global expansion remains a strategic imperative. The survey highlights Hong Kong's evolution from a super-connector to a proactive growth orchestrator where capital, compliance, and competitive strengths converge.
The forum's AFF Deal-making platform offers one-on-one matching for over 280 investors and 560 projects, focusing on sectors like Environment, Energy and Clean Technology, Healthcare Technology, and Financial Technology. Four exhibition zones include the InnoVenture Salon, FintechHK Start-up Salon, Global Investment Zone, and a new FutureGreen Showcase. The FutureGreen Showcase debuts to promote opportunities in green finance and technology, aiming to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international green finance centre.
The Global Business Summit will feature leaders from high-growth sectors and Chinese mainland officials discussing opportunities. It has received support from international companies including Amgen, Hermès, Jardine Matheson, JD Group, Merck Group, Tencent, and XPENG. Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, and Prof Frederick Ma will deliver opening remarks. The summit aims to create a multiplier effect by transforming capital into economic growth and facilitating industrial advancements. Further information on the forum and speakers can be found at https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en and https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speakers.
The forum also provides international attendees with experiences to explore Hong Kong's financial and innovation landscape through tours to sites like Cyberport and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. It partners with organisations like the Hong Kong Tourism Board to offer cultural and culinary promotions. The event kicks off the International Financial Week 2026, marking Hong Kong's first major financial event of the year aimed at helping industry professionals seize opportunities and unlock market potential.
