WAIFC at the AFF 2025 in Hong Kong
The Asian Financial Forum (AFF) 2025 in Hong Kong has come to a close after two incredible days of intensive discussions, networking, and collaboration. At the invitation of our esteemed member, the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC), the World Alliance of International Financial Centers had the privilege of participating alongside delegations from the Istanbul Financial Center, TheCityUK, and Luxembourg for Finance.
The conference, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), offered a comprehensive program that addressed some of the most pressing issues in global finance. One of the standout moments was the breakfast panel on Accelerating Flows of Transition Finance, co-hosted by FSDC and Standard Chartered. The session, expertly moderated by King Au, delved into strategies to finance the global energy transition—a highly relevant and timely topic.
Engaging with Key Stakeholders
Our delegation engaged in high-level closed-door discussions with prominent stakeholders of the Hong Kong Financial Center to address critical challenges and opportunities for Hong Kong and international financial centers. Key participants included:
- Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)
- Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)
- Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) of the Hong Kong SAR Government
Special thanks to Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, for hosting us and dedicating time to these meaningful exchanges.
Topics Shaping the Future of Finance
The discussions covered a wide range of crucial topics, including:
- International collaboration and fostering global partnerships.
- The rise of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and Digital Assets.
- Innovations in Open Finance and Cross-Border Data Exchange.
- Expanding the use of carbon credits and green bonds for sustainable finance.
- Strengthening capital market infrastructure and financial education.
- Addressing key concerns like fraud prevention and cybersecurity.
These conversations provided actionable insights and reinforced the importance of collective efforts in tackling the challenges and opportunities in the global financial ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
The WAIFC team is already looking forward to returning for the 19th Asian Financial Forum in January 2026. With each year, the AFF continues to strengthen its role as a vital platform for fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration among the world’s financial leaders.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the FSDC, HKTDC, and all the participants who made this event a success.