Asian Financial Forum 2026 Highlights Hong Kong’s Role as a Global Financial Super-Connector
The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) concluded on 27 January 2026, underscoring Hong Kong’s position as a key hub for global finance, cross-border collaboration and industry innovation. Jointly organised by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the two-day event brought together more than 4,000 leaders from over 60 countries and regions under the theme “Co-Creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape.”
The forum featured more than 150 speakers from financial institutions, multinational companies and international organisations. A major focus this year was Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” for investment, trade and innovation across Asia and beyond.
Finance, policy and regional cooperation in focus
Among the keynote speakers, Dr José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission and former Prime Minister of Portugal, spoke about Hong Kong’s role in strengthening regional cooperation and noted the impact of geopolitical and technological uncertainty on global business strategy. At another session, Dr Zhu Min, Member of the Senior Expert Advisory Committee of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, discussed the opportunities that renminbi internationalisation could create for Hong Kong, highlighting the city’s liquidity and bond market strengths.
During the forum, Hong Kong’s Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau also signed a cooperation agreement with the Shanghai Gold Exchange. The agreement aims to deepen collaboration between the Hong Kong and Shanghai gold markets, establish a high-level governance framework for Hong Kong’s central gold clearing system and support broader market connectivity.
Global Business Summit debuts at AFF 2026
The forum also introduced the inaugural Global Business Summit, jointly organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, HKTDC and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES). The summit opened with remarks from Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, and Professor Frederick Ma, Chairman of HKTDC.
Professor Ma said the event reflected a stronger emphasis on co-creation at this year’s AFF, adding that Hong Kong’s position under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework makes it well suited to serve as a super-connector, super-collaborator and super-value-adder. He added that the city continues to act as a two-way gateway between the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.
A pledging ceremony involving the HKSAR Government, HKTDC and AFF partners reinforced commitments to support Mainland enterprises expanding globally via Hong Kong. AFF partners included EY, HSBC, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Standard Chartered, UBS, CICC, Huatai Securities, Bank of Communication and China CITIC Bank International.
High-growth sectors and deal-making opportunities
The forum also examined opportunities in biomedicine, healthcare, green energy, artificial intelligence and robotics. In the session “Biomedicine 2026: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities,” speakers from Amgen and Merck discussed the high cost and long development cycles in pharmaceutical research and development, stressing the need for diversified and international financing channels.
Other sessions addressed AI infrastructure, intelligent supply chains and AI-driven robotics. Speakers from companies including DexForce Technology, JD.com, Pictet Group, AI² Robotics, Galbot and Tencent explored how emerging technologies could support real-economy transformation across sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing and services.
AFF also recorded strong participation in its deal-making programme. More than 280 investors and 600 investment projects took part, generating over 800 one-on-one meetings. The matching platform was extended online after the event to maintain networking momentum.
In addition, the forum featured thematic zones such as the FutureGreen Showcase, FintechHK Start-up Salon, InnoVenture Salon and Global Investment Zone, hosting about 150 exhibitors. A number of projects tied to Hong Kong’s long-term development plans were also presented, including the Northern Metropolis, SKYTOPIA and the Hong Kong–Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park.
Industry Analysis
The 2026 AFF highlighted how major financial forums are increasingly serving as platforms for capital allocation, policy coordination and technology partnerships. For Hong Kong, the event reinforced its value as a bridge between Mainland China and global markets at a time when companies are reassessing supply chains, financing routes and expansion strategies. The strong emphasis on AI, green finance and cross-border investment suggests that future growth will likely depend on ecosystems that connect finance with innovation and real-economy development.
