Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have become central to global economic discussions and remained a key focus at the recently concluded 18th Asian Financial Forum 2025 (AFF) on January 13-14, 2025, in Hong Kong.

Under the theme “Powering the Next Growth Engine,” the Asian Financial Forum 2025 saw participation from prominent policymakers, scholars, financial officials, and business leaders from regions, including Mainland China, ASEAN, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Discussions delved into topics such as sustainability and green, reflecting the increasing importance of these areas in the global financial landscape.

In addition to keynote speeches and panel discussions, the forum also addressed sustainable development.

During various sessions of the Asian Financial Forum 2025, Sue Lloyd, Vice Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), Martin Neubert, Partner and Group Chief Investment Officer at Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and Jiadi Yu, Chief Investment Officer at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), discussed how adopting the ISSB standards can enhance market confidence in Hong Kong’s capital markets, post-COP29 implementation and strategies for sustainable investing.

By 2025, Hong Kong will fully adopt the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) sustainability disclosure framework, aligning its regulatory standards with global best practices.

These were some of the exhibitors of AFF 2025.

Qantev

Qantev is a cutting-edge AI-powered claims platform designed to transform health and life insurance operations. By automating claims processes, it minimises leakage, optimises loss ratios, improves data accuracy, and enhances the overall customer experience.

Olea Global (Hong Kong) Limited

Olea is a digital infrastructure platform designed to channel global liquidity and support trade and supply chain finance. Incubated by SC Ventures, Olea combines advanced technology with robust risk management and governance aligned with international financial standards. By reimagining trade finance as an asset class, Olea provides access to diverse and alternative liquidity pools while eliminating friction in trade finance processes.

With a vision to empower sustainable trade, Olea supports suppliers and buyers across 35 countries, fostering global connections and economic growth. Olea Global (Hong Kong) Limited focuses on driving sales activities within the Greater China market, ensuring localised expertise and tailored solutions.

Hong Kong Virtual Asset Exchange Limited

Hong Kong Virtual Asset Exchange (HKVAX) is a licensed virtual asset trading platform regulated by Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission under Type 1 (Dealing in Securities) and Type 7 (Providing Automated Trading Services) licenses. It also holds an Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO) license. Headquartered in Hong Kong, HKVAX is aiming to become a leading global player in virtual finance.

HKVAX offers a suite of services, including OTC trading, exchange, and custody solutions, with a strong focus on Security Token Offerings (STO) and Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization. HKVAX caters specifically to institutional and professional investors by combining traditional finance with blockchain technology.

Xeptagon HK Limited

Xeptagon, proudly incubated at Cyberport, is a team of skilled professionals specialising in climate finance, carbon trading, and fintech software development. Xeptagon tackles complex challenges within the climate technology space, delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive meaningful impact.

Its innovative climate finance software is trusted by leading organisations, including Fortune 500 companies, intergovernmental organisations, governments, and renowned universities worldwide. These institutions rely on Xeptagon’s advanced climate finance and carbon technology to gain a competitive edge and excel in their respective industries.

Propcap Technologies Limited

PropCap Technologies Limited, founded in 2020, is proud to be part of the Cyberport Incubation Programme supported by InvestHK. Known as Asia’s pioneering “Green Mortgage Financing Match-Lending Platform,” PropCap is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion and sustainable finance by offering innovative mortgage solutions tailored for overseas property buyers.

Its platform redefines traditional mortgage practices by incorporating energy efficiency assessments of properties as a key consideration alongside borrower evaluations. This approach not only simplifies the mortgage application process but also accelerates approval times and improves funding accessibility for overseas property mortgages.

For professional investors worldwide, PropCap provides unique access to transparent, low-risk, and steady returns through fixed-income sustainable investment opportunities. By seamlessly connecting investors and borrowers, its platform empowers property buyers to achieve their dream of homeownership abroad while fostering sustainability and creating financial growth.

Biptap

Biptap is a leading innovator in banking infrastructure, empowering businesses to transform financial services through offshore banking and scalable, cutting-edge solutions. Specialising in Banking as a Service (BaaS) and Card as a Service (CaaS), it provides seamless virtual and physical card solutions designed to meet a business’s unique needs.

Biptap’s advanced platform bridges the gap between traditional banking and blockchain technology, delivering secure payment processing, online banking capabilities, and global accessibility. With a strong focus on white-label solutions, it enables businesses to customise financial tools and deliver enhanced services under their own brand.

By combining the benefits of offshore banking with modern fintech innovations, Biptap ensures privacy, reliability, and flexibility for managing cross-border transactions. Regardless of whether working with a fintech startup or an established enterprise, Biptap aims to be its trusted partner in building scalable, global financial ecosystems.

The Asian Financial Forum (AFF) concluded on 15th January 2025, however, interested participants may still watch their videos on-demand until 17 February 2025. Get your passes here.