Welcome Remarks during the 2nd Asia Finance Forum

ADB's Vice-President for Knowledge Management & Sustainable Development Bambang Susantono opened the 2nd Asia FInance Forum by sharing how Fintech is now shaping the digital economy. It is now revolutionizing trade finance, and providing more opportunties for markets while supporting social developing goals. In response to these sweeping changes, ADB's new strategy up to 2030 fosters responsible and inclusive digital finance services while supporting financial sector development through innovation and an enabling environment.

Perspectives on Consumer Protection and Emerging Risks in Digital Finance

This presentation examines the state of financial consumer protection and the potential risks and costs of emerging and innovative banking services. It discusses the initiatives of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the banking institutions in Hong Kong to strengthen consumer protection and enhance customers’ confidence in the banking industry.

Closing Remarks - Financial Inclusion in the Digital Economy

In his closing remarks at this conference, Asian Development Bank (ADB)’s Diwakar Gupta stressed that (i) public private partnerships are vital for digital financial services to reduce costs to government; (ii) development in digital finance can expand financial services for the poor and build financial security; and (iii) ADB must find its niche as an enabler, targeting financial technology developmental players.

Welcome Address - Financial Inclusion in the Digital Economy

Asian Development Bank’s Bambang Susantono in his welcome address at this conference highlighted how (i) a sharing economy gathers individuals, companies, governments, and policy makers to share information and resources, creating a network effect and impact that increases access and value for all involved; (ii) digital finance is changing the value proposition for customers and institutions, from microfinance to remittances to government to person payments; and (iii) digital technologies and big data now allow financial service providers to more effectively serve the financially excluded.

Financial Inclusion in the Digital Economy

This learning event, organized by Asian Development Bank (ADB) in collaboration with the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor and ADB Institute, aimed to bring together policy makers, financial sector supervisors and regulators, financial institutions, financial technology companies, academia, as well as financial sector experts to discuss opportunities and challenges in digital finance. Another objective of the event discussions was to identify how multilateral development banks such as ADB can support in this development by financing digital technology and transformation projects.