The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong SAR government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will take place on January 26-27, 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme "Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape" and a new tagline "Finance Empowering Business," the forum will convene over 100 global leaders to discuss geopolitical shifts, macroeconomic trends, and investment opportunities.
For the first time, AFF will host the Global Business Summit, focusing on the deep integration of finance and the real economy. This expansion reflects the forum's growth from a one-day event to a two-day platform that now addresses high-value industries such as artificial intelligence, biomedicine, green energy, and new consumer trends. HKTDC Chairman Prof Frederick Ma emphasized that the summit aims to unlock potential in these sectors, driving innovation and economic growth. The forum also continues its AFF Deal-making platform, which has facilitated over 10,000 meetings among 8,000 companies, fostering cross-border collaboration.
Key sessions will cover global economic outlook, CIO insights, asset management, trade finance, and supply chain resilience. Distinguished speakers include financial and business leaders from major institutions. The event expects over 3,600 participants from 60 countries, underscoring Hong Kong's status as an international financial hub. New exhibition zones, such as the FutureGreenShowcase, will highlight green finance and technology solutions, while the FintechHK Start-up Salon and Global Investment Zone promote innovation and investment.
Maggie Ng, Chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee and HSBC Hong Kong CEO, noted that the forum strengthens Hong Kong's superconnector role by connecting delegates with industry leaders in technology, healthcare, and finance. The AFF Deal-making will adopt a hybrid model, extending online networking through January 29 to ensure continued global engagement.
This year's forum underscores Hong Kong's strategic importance as a gateway for mainland enterprises going global and international firms entering the Chinese market. The Global Business Summit, co-organised with the Financial Services and Treasury Bureau and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, will explore opportunities for cross-border expansion and investment, leveraging Hong Kong's unique advantages.
For more details, visit the Asian Financial Forum page and the meeting agenda. The speaker list is also available online.
