As the first major milestone of the global financial calendar, the 19th Asian Financial Forum AFF returns to Hong Kong on 26 and 27 January 2026, bringing together policymakers, investors, and business leaders at a moment of global economic recalibration.

Co-organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this year’s forum boasts a fresh yet apt tagline: “Finance Empowering Business.”

The event is set to be a pragmatic response to a world in flux, centred on the theme “Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape.”

Across two days, the forum will host a broad programme of panel discussions, keynote addresses, thematic luncheons, and breakfast sessions.

Key agenda highlights include the Global Economic Outlook, CIO Insights, Asset and Wealth Management, Trade Finance and Supply Chain Management, and the Gold Exchange.

These sessions will examine major economic developments, forward-looking economic forecasts, and some of the most pressing issues influencing finance and the industry as a whole.

Global Business Summit Brings Finance and Industry Into Focus

The Global Business Summit will make its debut on the second day of the forum, and is co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the Hong Kong SAR Government, HKTDC, and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises.

Discussions will span some consequential themes faced by businesses today, including AI and technology adoption, shifting consumer behaviour, biomedicine and healthcare, as well as green energy. Speakers will provide grounded perspectives on how capital is being applied to real-world growth.

Featured speakers from the Middle East include Mohammed Mahfoodh Alardhi, Executive Chairman of Investcorp Holdings BSC (c); H.E. Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Commodities Authority; and H.E. Younis Al Khoori, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Finance of the United Arab Emirates.

The programme will also focus on cross-border expansion, exploring how mainland enterprises can scale internationally and how global companies can establish or deepen their presence in the Chinese Mainland.

Several senior corporate executives will assess how Hong Kong’s international connectivity, regulatory depth, and capital markets continue to support investment, collaboration, and innovation across borders.

For context, speakers from Hong Kong include Paul Chan, the Financial Secretary for the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Raymond Chan, the Executive Director (Enforcement and AML) of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.

A strong turnout of leading business figures and corporate representatives is expected in person.

AFF Deal-making Connects 8000 Companies In Partnerships

As Asia’s flagship annual financial and business event, the Asian Financial Forum has continuously refined its platform to support deeper connectivity and practical cooperation.

In response to growing demand for more outcome-oriented engagement, the forum introduced AFF Deal-making, a global investment matching initiative designed to enable efficient and meaningful partnerships.

The platform is co-organised with the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association and connects project owners, private equity firms, investors, high net worth individuals, intermediaries, and professional service providers.

Since its launch, AFF Deal-making has engaged 8,000 companies and facilitated over 10,000 business meetings.

In 2026, AFF Deal-making will adopt a hybrid format. In-person matching sessions will take place during the forum on 26 and 27 January 2026, followed by two additional days of online meetings until 29 January 2026.

This curated approach allows participants to extend discussions beyond the forum dates and advance partnerships across global markets.

Exploring New Frontiers in Green Finance and Development

This year’s forum will feature four dedicated exhibition zones: the FintechHK Startup Salon, the newly launched FutureGreen Showcase, the Global Investment Zone, and the InnoVenture Salon.

Together, these zones will host more than 140 exhibitors, including Bank of China (Hong Kong), China International Capital Corporation (CICC), Ernst & Young, HSBC, Huatai International, Standard Chartered Bank, and Knowledge Partner Ernst & Young.

Exhibitors will present advanced business models, green finance solutions, and technology applications, creating a platform for meaningful cross-sector exchange. The showcase aims to catalyse collaboration, accelerate innovation, and open new pathways for global business growth.

Secure your place among global financial leaders and decision makers by registering for the 19th Asian Financial Forum now.

 Featured image edited by Fintech News Middle East, based on image by lifeforstock on Freepik