The Asian Financial Forum (AFF) 2026 one of the year’s most anticipated events in finance — is set to open next week in Hong Kong, reinforcing the city’s role as a global financial hub and fostering innovation across sectors including fintech, investment, green finance, and digital transformation.
A Premier Global Financial Gathering
Scheduled for January 26–27, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the 19th Asian Financial Forum is co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). It brings together influential leaders from government, finance, business, and technology to share insights, explore emerging trends, and collaborate on strategies for a changing global economy.
This year’s AFF carries the theme “Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape” with a new tagline “Finance Empowering Business” highlighting the growing role of finance in driving economic growth, innovation and cross-sector collaboration.
What to Expect at AFF 2026
The forum’s agenda is packed with high-level discussions, keynote speeches, industry workshops and networking opportunities designed to tackle some of the most pressing issues in global finance:
- ✔ Global economic outlook and policy dialogues featuring international leaders and top financial policymakers.
- ✔ Specialized thematic sessions on asset management, trade finance, family office ecosystems, digital assets, pension funds and more.
- ✔ Inaugural Global Business Summit, a new initiative focused on bridging traditional finance with the real economy and unlocking innovation in high-value industries.
The forum is expected to attract over 3,600 participants from more than 60 countries and regions, with representation from major financial institutions, global investors, regulators and fintech innovators.
Fintech, Innovation and Startup Showcases
An important highlight for the fintech community is the FintechHK Start-up Salon, part of several exhibition zones that also include the FutureGreen Showcase, Global Investment Zone, and InnoVenture Salon. These spaces will provide a platform for startups, technology pioneers and financial innovators to showcase cutting-edge solutions, meet potential partners and engage with investors.
Fintech encompassing digital banking, payments, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and more continues to be a strategic focus area for AFF, reflecting Hong Kong’s broader commitment to digital finance. Past editions of the forum have highlighted fintech’s role in financial inclusion and regional growth, further underscoring its importance in Asia’s economic landscape.
Hong Kong’s Strategic Role in Fintech and Finance
Over the years, Hong Kong has strengthened its position as a global financial centre — not only through traditional banking and investment services but also by becoming a key hub for fintech innovation in Asia Pacific. The city regularly hosts major industry gatherings like Hong Kong FinTech Week and now welcomes the AFF as one of the first flagship finance events of the year.
Through platforms like AFF, Hong Kong continues to foster an environment where finance, technology and business converge — offering opportunities for startups, investors, corporations and governments to collaborate on shaping the future of finance.
