Running on the theme “Reshaping the World Economic Landscape”, the 14th Asian Financial Forum attracted more than 63,000 viewers from more than 70 nations and regions. The two day virtual event fathered participants’ views on the global economy and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on various sectors. To help facilitate more concrete collaboration between global investors, project owners and start-ups, the online forum included the AFF Deal Flow Matchmaking Session, with more than 700 one-on-one matchmaking meetings arranged.

''The changes brought about by the epidemic are profound and unprecedented. Businesses need to expect that it’s not going to be normal for any foreseeable future...'' said Victor Chu, Chairman & CEO of First Eastern Investment Group. Even before the coronavirus crisis, the global banking industry had to contend with a number of problems, including low interest rates, increased compliance requirements and digital disruption. The advent of the pandemic, of course, created a whole raft of new challenges. Chu along with financial and business leaders shared their thoughts on the outlook for the global banking industry at the 2021 Asian Financial Forum.

The pandemic has acted to highlight the importance of incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into investment decisions, as companies with a sustainable focus have proven to be more resilient throughout the course of the crisis. ''No doubt, ESG is the real game changer in the financial industry'', said UBS' Amy Lo. Lo touches on the growing appetite for sustainable investment, and repositioning family businesses around sustainability and innovation at the 2021 Asian Financial Forum.

Nobel Laureate Professor Paul Romer expects fiscal measures to replace monetary policies and domestic activity to displace global trade goals as the world recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. He also warns of the downsides of new technologies while Asia leads the world in urbanisation. Speaking after AFF 2021, Professor Romer says China’s Greater Bay Area could see advanced connectivity and the AFF is a great venue to discuss global issues.

Virtually attending the 2021 Asian Financial Forum, Calvert Impact Capital's Jennifer Pryce foresees an exciting and challenging future for impact investing. ''The exciting opportunity is the increased interest we see in impact investing, while the challenges are having enough intermediaries to carry that money from investors into investment responsibly and to meet the goals of impact investing, providing financial but also environmental and social return'', says Pryce. Regarding Asia's upcoming in the global economic landscape, Pryce describes its market as ''nascent'' with great opportunity in the future to build impact funds and impact intermediaries.

''Technology transformation becomes extremely important to enable this work from home phenomenon which is likely to last and become the new normal'', says OneDegree’s Alvin Kwock. Speaking at the 2021 Asian Financial Forum, Kwock and other experts discussed what lies on the horizon in 2021 for Asia's InsurTech market; one that has seen a vigorous growth trajectory within FinTech since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attending the 2021 Asian Finance Forum, Elton Yeung, Vice Chairman of PwC China, shares the company’s recent survey providing comprehensive business interpretation and insight analysis on the future development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. In his sharing Yeung emphasizes Hong Kong’s unique position as an international financial centre to promote financial market integration in the GBA, including its potential to enhance cross-border financial products and services, as well as facilitating the development of fintech and green finance.

''No matter you are an institution, or an individual, you need to think about the future - an automatic, technological and scientific way to invest'', says Kelvin Lei, CEO & Co-founder of AQUMON. Attending the 2021 Asian Financial Forum, Kelvin explores the future of navigating wealth in a tech-driven world, as well as getting prepared for the historic opportunity and challenges arising from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area wealth management connect.

''To be a great venture investor now, going forward is going to need a certain amount of geographic agnosticism'' says Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit & Seven Seven Six. Attending virtually at the 2021 Asian Financial Forum , Ohanian provided an overview of the mid-pandemic investment landscape, while sharing his experience of venture investment and discussing the shifts in investment priorities and the challenges emerging in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Luc Julia, co-creator of the Apple Voice Assistant, SIRI regarded the notion of AI promoted by mass media as highly misleading, seeing actual AI more in terms of “augmented intelligence”. Virtually attending the 2021 Asian Financial Forum, Julia discussed the different perspectives on the nature and application of AI while exploring its future potential.

Gathering over 160 thought leaders and 63,000 viewers from around the world, the 14th Asian Financial Forum has concluded successfully after the 18th and 19th of January 2021.Watch this video to revisit some of your favourite moments at AFF 2021 Online.

During the 14th Asian Financial Forum held on the 18th and 19th of January 2021, over 160 global thought leaders, including Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Amy Lo, Chairman and Executive Committee of the Private Wealth Management Association;
Head and Chief Executive of UBS Hong Kong Branch and Philippe Brassac, Chief Executive Officer of Crédit Agricole S.A, shared their insights about tapping vast opportunities in the ever-changing business world.

During the 14th Asian Financial Forum held on the 18th and 19th of January 2021, over 160 global thought leaders, including Nobel Laureate Paul Romer and Hillhouse Capital Management’s Lei Zhang, shared their insights about tapping vast opportunities in the ever-changing business world.

Join the Asian Financial Forum online on the 18th and 19th of January 2021 to keep abreast of the latest trends and stay connected with bright minds from around the world.

Join the Asian Financial Forum online on the 18th and 19th of January 2021 to keep abreast of the latest trends and stay connected with bright minds from around the world.

Speaker:
Laurence Li, Chairman, Financial Services Development Council

Join the Asian Financial Forum online on the 18th and 19th of January 2021 to keep abreast of the latest trends and stay connected with bright minds from around the world.

Speaker:
Mary Huen, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Standard Chartered

What do the global thought leaders expect for 2021? Join the Asian Financial Forum online on 18 and 19 Jan 2021 to keep abreast of the latest trends and stay connected with bright minds from around the world.

The 14th Asian Financial Forum will be held virtually on 18-19 January 2021. All sessions and elements, including Fintech Showcase, FintechHK Startup Salon, Deal Flow Matchmaking Session, InnoVenture Salon and Global Investment Zone, will be transplanted onto a virtual platform and continue to provide participants with comprehensive AFF experience.

The 14th Asian Financial Forum will be held virtually on 18-19 January 2021. All sessions and elements, including Fintech Showcase, FintechHK Startup Salon, Deal Flow Matchmaking Session, InnoVenture Salon and Global Investment Zone, will be transplanted onto a virtual platform and continue to provide participants with comprehensive AFF experience.

Looking for a breakthrough in the coming year? Join our #AFF family to connect with global thought leaders and experts at #AsianFinancialForum on 18-19 Jan 2021.

Grab your tickets now: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/aff/en/s/Tickets