The 19th Asian Financial Forum commenced in Hong Kong, co-organized by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. With the theme "Co-creating New Horizons amid an Evolving Landscape" and the tagline "Finance Empowering Business," the forum features more than 150 speakers and is expected to attract over 3,600 participants from over 60 countries and regions. This strong global participation underscores Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre and its role in connecting the Chinese Mainland with international markets.
The forum's agenda includes over 40 sessions across two days, ranging from plenary discussions to thematic panels. Key topics include the global economic outlook, asset and wealth management, and supply chain financing. A new session dedicated to gold trading aims to promote Hong Kong's development into an international gold exchange, seeking to build a gold market ecosystem with the Chinese Mainland. Detailed information on the forum's sessions is available on the official programme page.
During the opening session, HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma emphasized the forum's role as a platform demonstrating Hong Kong's capabilities as a superconnector, super value-adder, and supercollaborator. He noted the introduction of a new Global Business Summit, scheduled for the second day, which will evaluate the impact of high-growth industries like AI, robotics, biopharma, and new energy. This reflects an increased focus on strengthening ties between finance and the real economy to support sustained innovation and long-term growth.
Plenary sessions brought together global leaders to discuss pressing financial issues. Plenary Session I, "Fostering Cooperation for Shared Success," hosted by Hong Kong's Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui, addressed the global economic outlook, financial stability, and sustainable development. Plenary Session II, "Charting the Future of Finance in Times of Uncertainty," moderated by Securities and Futures Commission CEO Julia Leung, focused on risks and opportunities for central banks and regulatory bodies, including strategies to enhance market resilience and promote cross-border regulatory cooperation.
A keynote luncheon on the first day featured an analysis of current macroeconomic risks by Dr Jose Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission. The afternoon session on the global economic outlook included forecasts for 2026 and strategies for businesses navigating uncertainty. In alignment with Hong Kong's policy to build an international gold trading market, the forum introduced a new "Global Spectrum - Gold Exchange" session, analyzing Hong Kong's potential role in gold pricing and trading in Asia.
The forum also addressed evolving trends in asset management. A panel discussion explored how artificial intelligence can enhance decision-making, methods for diversifying risks through alternative investments, and integrating ESG factors into investment strategies. The "CIO Insights" session provided analysis on asset allocation trends, while the "Global Spectrum - Pension and Endowment" discussion examined strategies for retirement and philanthropic funds in a volatile economic environment.
Findings from a survey conducted by HKTDC and knowledge partner EY were released, examining how corporates and financial leaders are responding to disruptive challenges. EY China Chairman Jack Chan noted that while prolonged uncertainty has become a baseline, global expansion remains a strategic imperative. The survey highlights Hong Kong's evolution into a proactive growth orchestrator where capital, compliance, and competitive strengths converge.
The AFF Deal-making platform continues as a highlight, offering one-on-one matching for over 280 investors and 560 projects across sectors like environment, energy, healthcare technology, and financial technology. The forum features four exhibition zones, including a new FutureGreen Showcase focusing on green finance and technology. This showcase aims to promote capital matching with low-carbon projects and ESG innovation, strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international green finance centre. Exhibitor details and speaker information can be found on the forum's speaker list page.
The inaugural Global Business Summit will take place on the second day, co-organized by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, HKTDC, and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises. It will explore how financial services can drive innovation in high-growth sectors like AI, robotics, biomedicine, and green energy. The summit will feature discussions on Chinese Mainland enterprises going global and strategic collaboration for shared growth, with support from international companies including Amgen, Hermès, and Tencent.
International attendees have the opportunity to experience Hong Kong through guided tours to financial and innovation landmarks like Cyberport and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The forum, in partnership with organizations like the Hong Kong Tourism Board, offers exclusive travel and cultural promotions. The AFF marks the start of International Financial Week 2026, Hong Kong's first major financial event of the year, aimed at helping industry professionals seize opportunities and unlock market potential.
