HKAB Hosted the Inaugural Hong Kong-ASEAN Banking Exchange Conference Forging New Pathways with 9 ASEAN Bank Associations
Deepen International Exchange and Cooperation to Seize Trade Corridor Opportunities
The Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) today announced the successful completion of the inaugural Hong Kong-ASEAN Banking Exchange Conference which welcomed nearly 100 local and regional senior banking executives. The Conference, hosted by HKAB with the support of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), was held during the two-day Inter-Regional Relations Study Tour 2025 to Hong Kong, organised by the ASEAN Bankers Association (ABA). Through thematic roundtable discussions on key global trends, the Conference sought to facilitate dialogue between Hong Kong and ASEAN countries, thereby promoting cross-border cooperation, driving innovation and growth.
ASEAN is currently the third-largest economy in Asia, and is Hong Kong’s second- largest trading partner, with total merchandise trade of HK$1.29 trillion in 2024. With growing trade and investment ties, this delegation and Conference aimed to deepen exchanges and collaboration between banks in Hong Kong and ASEAN, reflecting HKAB’s mission to shape and guide the banking industry’s development, strengthen regional financial ties, and facilitate robust financial and economic growth. Hong Kong was selected as the preferred destination by ABA’s ASEAN Inter-Regional Relations Committee for the study tour.
Aligning with the study tour’s theme, “Accelerating Financial Innovation and Inclusion through Digital Transformation and Strategic Transformation,” the Conference’s roundtable discussions examined the increasingly complex global landscape through focusing on the transformative themes of Fintech, Sustainability, and local currency settlement and RMB internationalisation.
Mary Huen, Chairperson of HKAB, said, “We’re thrilled to host the inaugural Hong Kong-ASEAN Banking Exchange Conference, with representatives from 9 ASEAN bank associations joining the event. Against the backdrop of today’s dynamic geopolitical environment and evolving supply chains, we are building knowledge and experience corridors that leverage cross-border trade and investment and foster mutual prosperity. Together with other initiatives in the region led by the Corridor Business Committee under HKAB, we are committed to expanding our circle of friends and further consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international financial centre.”
Arthur Yuen, Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, said, “We warmly welcome the ASEAN Bankers Association delegation to Hong Kong and to the Conference today. This visit offers a valuable opportunity for bankers and finance experts from Hong Kong and ASEAN to connect, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations in key areas such as fintech, sustainable finance, and promotion of local currency usage. As a leading international financial centre, Hong Kong is committed to serving as a super connector and a super value-adder, fostering regional financial integration and growth.”
During their two-day visit, ABA delegates toured the HKEX, Cyberport Hong Kong, digital banks and met with the Financial Services Development Council, experiencing Hong Kong’s cutting-edge financial ecosystem. These programmes showcased Hong Kong’s strengths in financial innovation and inclusion through digital and strategic transformation, aligning with the study tour’s theme and fostering mutual learning.
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Photo Captions
Photo 1:
The inaugural Hong Kong-ASEAN Banking Exchange Conference has successfully concluded today.
From left to right: Arthur Yuen, Deputy Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority; Paul Gwee, Secretary General of the ASEAN Bankers Association; Mary Huen, Chairperson of The Hong Kong Association of Banks
Photo 2:
With the participation of the ASEAN Bankers Association delegation, the Hong Kong- ASEAN Banking Exchange Conference welcomed nearly 100 local and regional senior banking executives.
Photo 3:
The ASEAN Bankers Association delegation visited numerous companies during the two-day visit, including the HKEX, to experience Hong Kong’s vibrant financial ecosystem.