Asian Financial Forum (AFF), which held on 24 and 25 January 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Jointly organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the AFF kicks off the year as the first flagship finance event held in Asia.

Since its reception in 2007, the AFF has gone from strength to strength in serving as Asia’s premier platform for thought leadership and deal-making. The 2023 edition featured 160 internationally renowned speakers and attracted over 2,500 in-person and 4,500 virtual global leaders and elites in government, finance and business from 71 countries and regions to gather intelligence, establish connections, and explore investment opportunities in Hong Kong.

AFF 2024 was spotlight the global business community, policymakers and regulators joining hands in fostering multilateral cooperation for a shared future for mankind. The event again featured some of the world’s most influential leaders, including but not limited to:

 H.E. Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General, Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf
 H.E. Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, President, Islamic Development Bank
 Dr Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Société Générale
 Mr Fang Feng-lei, Founder and Chairman, Hopu Investment Management Co Ltd
 Ms Jenny Johnson, President and CEO, Franklin Templeton
 Prof. Jeffrey D. Sachs, President, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
 Mr Chartsiri Sophonpanich, President, Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited
 Mr Chairul Tanjung, Founder and Chairman, CT Corp
 Mr Anil Wadhwani, Chief Executive Officer, Prudential plc

A broad array of topical issues including the global economic outlook, asset management, insurance & risk management, green finance, impact investing, and family office ecosystem was addressed. The dedicated session on opportunities in China will return, while a brand new session CIO Insights will be introduced where chief investment officers from banks, asset management and investment firms will dive deep into issues that underpin investment decisions and drive sustainable outcomes.

Alongside the conference programme, AFF Deal-making was continued to facilitate project owners and investors around the world to explore investment opportunities via one-on-one meetings. The exhibition, consisting of the Global Investment Zone, Fintech Showcase and InnoVenture Salon, were gather prominent financial institutions, tech companies and start-ups from around the world to present technologies and innovative business ideas across various sectors, helping businesses explore new opportunities.