The 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) will take place on 13-14 January 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The forum, themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine,” is expected to attract over 3,600 finance and business leaders.
Organised by the Hong Kong government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the AFF will feature over 100 speakers, including prominent figures like former World Bank Chief Economist Justin Lin Yifu, AI expert and Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Council on AI Stuart Russell, Sinovation Ventures Chairman and leading AI authority Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, and Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai.
Discussions will center on global economic trends, emerging opportunities in Asia, and the role of technology and sustainability in driving future growth.
Special sessions will include plenary sessions focusing on multilateral cooperation, regional economic development, and post-COP29 implementation.
The forum will also highlight Hong Kong’s strengths as an international financial hub and its commitment to attracting investment and fostering innovation.
This year introduces the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Chapter, focusing on financial collaboration and investment opportunities between GCC member states and Hong Kong.
Additionally, Hong Kong’s alignment with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) framework will be explored, alongside the unveiling of an HKTDC-EY survey on sustainable development trends in Asia.
In addition to panel discussions and keynote speeches, the AFF will offer networking opportunities, one-on-one deal-making sessions featuring over 270 investors and 560 projects, and an exhibition showcasing fintech and innovation.
Highlights include the Fintech Showcase, FintechHK Startup Salon, and Global Investment Zone, featuring cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions across industries.
The forum is part of International Financial Week 2025, which includes 20+ partner events covering diverse topics such as private equity, net-zero investing, and generative AI.
Deal-making opportunities will span sectors such as clean tech, healthcare tech, and deep tech, connecting project owners with investors looking to explore innovative and impactful solutions.
Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, said,
“The upcoming Asian Financial Forum will gather the top-tier of the financial and various sectors from all around the world, the Mainland and in Hong Kong and hence is the perfect occasion for us to showcase to the world the new momentum and latest advantages of Hong Kong in the financial realm.
Participants will also have a chance to learn more about how Hong Kong can partner with them to explore new collaborations and development areas while expanding their network here.”
Luanne Lim, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, of HSBC, said,
“The global economy faces greater uncertainties in 2025 compared to 2024.
However, robust growth in India and ASEAN nations, combined with increased policy support from Mainland China, is expected to keep Asia’s (ex-Japan) GDP growth at a strong 4.4%, well above the global average of 2.7%.”
