The Asian Bankers Association is pleased to inform its members and friends that this year’s 40th ABA General Meeting and Conference is scheduled to take place on November 18-19, 2024 in Taipei, Taiwan, with the CTBC Bank Co. Ltd. as co-organizer.

As in previous years, the two-day event is designed to once again provide another valuable platform for ABA members to meet and network with each other, as well as to exchange views with invited experts on:

 

(a) Current trends and developments in the regional and global markets that are expected to have a significant impact on the banking and financial sector of the region, and
(b) How industry players can address the challenges – and take full advantage of the opportunities – presented by these developments.

 

We present below the Tentative Program and we are currently in the process contacting speakers and moderators of each session. Thus, we cordially invite members and not members interested in playing a role during the conference to contact us. Furthermore, we encourage members to propose improvements and ideas that will enhance our conference.

 

40th ABA General Meeting and Conference

 November 18-19, 2024
Grand Hyatt Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan

 

TENTATIVE PROGRAM
(As of May 9, 2024)

 

“ASIAN BANKS:  TRANSITIONING TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE”

 

Sunday, November 17

Arrival of Delegates/ Registration

 

Monday, November 18

08:00 Registration

09:00-10:00 (1) Opening Ceremony, (2) Welcome Remarks by ABA Chairman, (3) Address by Special Guest of Honor, & (4) Keynote Speech by Special Guest

10:00-10:15 Coffee Break

10:15-10:45 Press Conference

10:15-11:45 Plenary Session One: Technology-Driven Transformation in Banking

The banking industry is being reshaped by the digital transformation. It is undergoing a shift from traditional to customer-centric, digitally driven operations, pushed by factors such as customer demands, operating models, modernized infrastructure, data analytics, a digitally driven market, and the adoption of digital technologies. The complexity of the technology landscape, the need to balance cost and effectiveness, integration hurdles, and the paramount importance of security and regulatory compliance present formidable obstacles.

This session will explore the latest banking technologies, identify the challenges faced by the industry, and highlight how emerging technologies can help mitigate these challenges. It aims to provide valuable insights and perspectives to help IT leaders in the banking industry make informed decisions and navigate the complex landscape of banking technologies, and help them stay ahead of the curve.

12:00 – 13:30 Lunch

 

13:30-15:00 Plenary Session Two: Partnering in Achieving Sustainability Goals

Achieving sustainability goals calls for action by all stakeholders to ensure no one is left behind in our journey to development. It requires partnerships between governments, civil society, and the private sector, including banks and financial institutions. There is a need to mobilize both existing and additional resources – technology development, financial resources, and capacity building. It is important for all stakeholders to accelerate change by committing themselves to achieving net-zero emissions and transforming their financing priorities, processes, and programs to meet the growing need of the region for sustainable finance.

This session will address how multistakeholder partnerships – including among banks and financial institutions – will be crucial to leverage the inter-linkages between the Sustainable Development Goals to enhance their effectiveness and impact and accelerate the progress in achieving the Goals. Invited speakers will share experiences and perspectives on how to tackle common issues taking stock of progress at various levels, identifying gaps and emerging issues, and recommending corrective action.

15:00-15:15 Coffee Break

 

15:15-16:45 Plenary Session Three: Refocusing on Customers and Society

The pandemic has compelled banks and financial institutions to embrace newer business models and undergo digital transformation. However, experts point out that the need to ensure a seamless banking experience should not be compromised. They say that beyond the convenience of the platforms being used, banks should not forget who these services are for. A survey done earlier by Ernest & Young showed that customers’ changing needs and expectations are the most powerful force in the market that is developing. They expect to work with multiple banks and will gravitate to those that provide the most integrated and intuitive experiences.

This session will discuss the need for digital transformation initiatives that are aimed at fulfilling what customers want and to design customer-centric services that are accessible and efficient to use. Speakers will share their insights on the importance for banks and other financial institutions to take a more discerning look at their current products and services to determine whether there is room for a greater degree of customer-centricity and personalization to enhance the financial services customer experience.

16:45-17:30 40th ABA General Meeting Proper

17:30-18:45 B2B/Networking Session on Sharing of Global Banking Strategies

19:00-21:30 Welcome Cocktails/Dinner

 

Tuesday, November 19 

08:30 Registration

09:00-10:30 Host Bank Session

10:30-10:45 Coffee Break

10:45-12:15 Plenary Session Four: CEO Forum: Great Banking Transition

In its “Asia-Pacific Strategic Transformation Report 2023”, Ernest & Young observed that “today’s challenging macroeconomic environment and multitude of change drivers are fueling the need for a strategic reset. This calls for financial institutions in Asia-Pacific to get better at being more agile, responsive, and resilient to compete in an ever-challenging ecosystem.’ Meanwhile, McKinsey & Company in its report entitled “The Great Banking Transition,” noted that “Banking has had to chart a challenging course over the past few years, in the face of increased oversight, digital innovation, and new competitions…But below the surface, too, much has changed: balance sheets and transactions have increasingly moved out of traditional banks to nontraditional institutions, and to parts of the market that are capital-light and often differently regulated…”

This session will feature CEOs who will share their thoughts on the need tor all financial institutions to adjust and adapt to the changing environment of the Great Banking Transition, especially the trend of technology, regulation, risk and scale. The panelists will identify their priorities that financial institutions need to consider in re-examining their businesses while ensuring that they are positioned to generate adequate returns.

12:30-14:00 Lunch

14:00-15:30 ABA Policy Advocacy Session

14:15-15:15 Advisory Council Meeting (Members of the Advisory Council)

15:30-17:00 B2B/Networking Session on Sharing of Global Banking Strategies

17:00-18:00 63rd ABA Board of Directors’ Meeting (Members of the ABA Board of Directors)

19:00 Farewell Cocktails/Dinner

 

Wednesday, November 20

Optional Tours

Departure of Delegates