More than 100 senior policy makers, business leaders, economists and investors from Asia, Europe and the US have been lined up as speakers at this month’s Asian Financial Forum (AFF) to assess the latest investment opportunities and developments in financial markets.
AFF 2025, which is themed Powering the Next Growth Engine, will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on January 13-14 against the backdrop of a shifting economic landscape.
The Forum is the region’s first major international financial and business event of the calendar year.
One area of discussion will be how Hong Kong can harness its advantages as an international finance centre to seek breakthroughs in a period of change.
Other key topics on the agenda will include the growth potential of emerging markets, such as Mainland China, ASEAN and the Middle East, as well as the role and impact of artificial intelligence, fintech, sustainability, philanthropy and family offices.
Influential speakers
This year’s Forum has lined up some heavyweight keynote speakers.
Prof Justin Lin Yifu, who was Chief Economist and Senior Vice President at the World Bank from 2008 to 2012, will analyse changing dynamics within the complex global economy. This will include strategies for stable growth and rapid economic development, amid risings risks of heightened fragmentation, protectionism and geopolitical tensions.
Prof Stuart Russell, a professor of computer science at the University of California, will deliver a keynote speech on AI’s potential to reshape businesses, financial markets and the economy.
Prof Russell, who also co-chairs the World Economic Forum’s Council on AI and the OECD’s Expert Group on AI Futures, will evaluate current safeguards to prevent the misuse of AI as well as AI’s potential to become a new engine for global growth.
Overall, the two-day Forum will include plenary sessions, policy dialogues, keynote luncheons, breakfast panels, fireside chats and more.
Thematic workshops will focus on development and innovation across different industries, while cornerstone sessions such as Global Economic Outlook, China Opportunities and CIO Insights are returning.
Innovation focus
AFF will also feature a variety of exhibition zones to help connect businesses, highlight innovation and promote collaboration. These include the Fintech Showcase, the InnoVenture Salon, the FintechHK Start-up Salon and the Global Investment Zone.
In addition to offering pitching and start-up advisory sessions, the InnoVenture Salon will help connect entrepreneurs with potential clients, users and investors to secure funding and expand their operations.
AFF Deal-making, a deal-sourcing and matching service, will connect funds and deals from around the word through one-on-one meetings based on shared areas of interest.
Over the years, AFF Deal-making has facilitated more than 9,000 meetings for 6,3000 companies, including private equity firms, investors, family offices, trusts and high-net-worth individuals.
This year’s AFF Deal-making will be extended online for two days after the Forum closes, providing further opportunities for investors and project owners.
AFF is co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.