The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) opened today in Hong Kong, co-organized by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Under the theme "Co-creating New Horizons amid an Evolving Landscape" and a new tagline "Finance Empowering Business," the forum has gathered more than 150 speakers, including government officials, business leaders, and financial executives from over 60 countries and regions. This strong global participation, expected to attract over 3,600 attendees, reinforces Hong Kong's position as an international financial center and its role in connecting the Chinese Mainland with international markets.
The forum's importance lies in its timing and scope, addressing critical global economic uncertainties. The two-day event features over 40 sessions, including plenary discussions on fostering international cooperation and charting the future of finance. Key sessions such as Global Economic Outlook, CIO Insights, and Asset and Wealth Management provide platforms for analyzing 2026 economic forecasts, interest rate movements, and investment strategies. A new session, Global Spectrum - Gold Exchange, was introduced to promote Hong Kong's development into an international gold exchange, aiming to build a gold market ecosystem with the Chinese Mainland and add value to the global precious metals market. This initiative aligns with Hong Kong's 2025 Policy Address to energize its financial ecosystem.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan and HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma emphasized the forum's role in advancing Hong Kong as a superconnector and growth orchestrator. In opening remarks, Prof Ma highlighted the introduction of the Global Business Summit, scheduled for tomorrow, which will evaluate high-growth industries like AI, robotics, biopharma, and new energy. This summit, detailed on the forum programme page, aims to strengthen ties between finance and the real economy to support innovation and long-term growth. The implications for industries worldwide include enhanced cross-border regulatory cooperation and strategies to tackle global economic challenges, as discussed in sessions with leaders from institutions like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
A key focus this year is on sustainable finance and green initiatives. The forum debuted a FutureGreen Showcase, highlighting opportunities in green finance and technology to promote low-carbon projects and ESG innovation. This supports Hong Kong's ambition to be an international green finance center, injecting momentum into the global green transition. Additionally, a survey conducted by HKTDC and EY, released today, examines how corporates are responding to disruptive challenges. EY China Chairman Jack Chan noted that Hong Kong is evolving from a super-connector to a proactive growth orchestrator, where capital and compliance converge to help businesses build resilience and capture overseas opportunities.
The forum also facilitates practical cooperation through AFF Deal-making, an efficient matching platform for over 280 investors and 560 projects across sectors like Environment, Energy and Clean Technology, Healthcare Technology, and Financial Technology. Exhibition zones, including the InnoVenture Salon and a new FutureGreen Showcase, feature about 150 exhibitors, with global firms like Ardian and Federated Hermes participating for the first time. This provides participants with diversified investment perspectives and opportunities for cross-industry collaboration. The event is part of the International Financial Week 2026, Hong Kong's first major financial event of the year, aimed at helping industry professionals seize market potential. For more details on speakers and sessions, visit the official speaker list.
In summary, the 19th AFF matters as it addresses pressing global economic issues, promotes Hong Kong's financial leadership, and fosters international collaboration. Its impact extends to investors, businesses, and policymakers by offering insights into asset management, pension strategies, and green finance, ultimately supporting sustained economic growth and innovation in a volatile global landscape.
