In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, achieving financial health, sustainable finance, and advancing digital financial services to foster an inclusive, resilient, and stable financial system have become critical priorities for the Asia-Pacific region. Financial health is foundational to building an inclusive economy. At the same time, sustainable financial systems are increasingly recognized as critical drivers for achieving long-term economic growth that aligns with global climate goals and the urgent need to mobilize sustainable finance, especially from the private sector. As new financial technologies (fintech), digital currencies, and decentralized financial systems emerge, there is an urgent need to ensure that these innovations drive market competition and efficiencies and promote trust and financial stability.

In view of this, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), together with the Ministry of Finance of Luxembourg, with support from the Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CFTE), will be holding the 5th Asia Finance Forum (AFF) with the overall theme “Positioning for the Future” on 23–25 September 2025 at the ADB Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. This conference will explore how financial systems across the region can be designed to harness the benefits of innovation and competition while enhancing financial health, promoting sustainable financial systems, catalyzing sustainable finance, fostering trust, protecting consumers, promoting the use of digital technology, and safeguarding financial stability and resilience.

Objectives

This conference aims to engage a broad range of stakeholders, including policymakers, private sector, academe, and nongovernment organizations, across ADB's developing member countries in Asia and the Pacific to explore, learn, and collaborate on shaping the future of financial systems. The event will serve as a platform to:

1. Explore New Developments: Delve into emerging trends and challenges in financial technology, sustainable finance, and innovative regulatory frameworks that can support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient financial systems.
2. Foster Knowledge Sharing: Learn through the exchange of insights by showcasing real-world use cases and experiences, allowing participants to learn from each other's strategic approach to managing finance sector challenges and opportunities, focusing on integrating technology and sustainability.
3. Build a Future-Ready Financial System: Collaborate on solutions that address the pressing need for robust regulation, trust-building measures, and technology-driven innovation in the financial sector. Sustainable finance, responsible innovation, and technological integration will be critical cross-cutting themes throughout the conference.
4. Strengthen Cross-Border Collaboration: Encourage regional cooperation to develop harmonized regulatory frameworks and financial policies that accommodate emerging technologies and innovations while enabling a cohesive financial ecosystem, cross-border integration, investment, sustainable growth, financial stability, and inclusion.