The Beijing Innovation Ecosystem: Into the Heart of the Dragon

The Asian Banker has been in China since 2000. We have a deep understanding in this amazing country’s evolution over the years, and our experience makes us the ideal guide to this vibrant landscape.

Our upcoming innovation tour in Beijing will coincide with the SIBOS annual conference of correspondent and transaction bankers. We welcome finance professionals from around the world to join us in this study tour, especially if you are coming for SIBOS.

This tour offers a deep dive into innovation, corporate culture, and relationships between entrepreneurs and the state.

Visit leading Chinese technology firms like Baidu, Bytedance, and JD.com. Beijing is also home to the largest concentration of artificial intelligence (AI) startups in China, with more than 1,048 thriving core companies.

The journey continues to technology centres of two of the largest four banks in the world. Engage with prominent Chinese economists to gain more nuanced understanding of the country and try your hand at using local apps—be it for booking a luxury cab or cycling on an autumn day.

A complimentary one-night stay along the majestic Great Wall, just outside Beijing, will be added this study tour.

We limit the study tour to no more than 30 participants so that everyone has the opportunity to network.

Key focus areas:

automation

Revolutionary integration of AI, large language model and machine learning in finance

automation

Digital banking transformation: Best practices and case studies

automation

The latest in blockchain, digital currencies, and secure transactions

automation

Consumer behaviour and its influence on digital banking solutions

automation

Briefings by prominent venture capitalists and innovators in Beijing’s fintech landscape

automation

Networking with fintech trailblazers

Tour Itinerary

Beijing AI Innovation Study Tour 2024

Day-1, 16 Oct 2024
08:00

Breakfast and introduction

Our hosts will provide an introduction to the programme and a run-down of the site visits and key innovation trends to be covered during the tour.

09:30

Depart from the hotel 

10:30

Alibaba Cloud (Aliyun): Pioneering the global cloud revolution

As a cornerstone of Alibaba Group's digital ecosystem, this platform has risen to prominence as a leader in cloud computing and AI services. During our visit to its Beijing headquarters, delegates will gain exclusive insights into pioneering innovations and strategic infrastructure.

12:30

Lunch

14:00

Institute of Digital Finance, Peking University: Fusing research, practice, and policy in digital finance

The Institute of Digital Finance (IDF) at Peking University is a leader in financial innovation, spearheading research and development in fintech, digital currencies, and financial inclusion. This session offers delegates to engage with top academics and experts to delve into the innovations transforming the financial sector globally.

16:30

China Construction Bank: Leading the charge in RMB internationalisation

Explore how China Construction Bank (CCB) uses cutting-edge technology to facilitate RMB internationalisation, focusing on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) member countries' growing needs.  

19:00

Culinary harmony: Welcome dinner at TRB Hutong

 

End of Day 1


Beijing AI Innovation Study Tour 2024

Day-2, 17 Oct 2024
08:00

Breakfast at the hotel

08:45

Depart from the hotel

09:30

AIBANK: Pioneering AI-driven inclusive finance

Established in 2017 as a joint venture between CITIC Bank and Baidu, AIBANK is a digital bank with a mission to spearhead the future of financial services through technological innovation. As a leading AI-driven digital inclusive bank, AIBANK combines the strengths of finance and the internet to explore new paths for fintech and the banking industry's transformation. Its goal is to deliver equal, accessible, and secure financial services to a broad audience using AI, big data, and cloud computing.

12:00

Lunch

13:30

ICBC’s tech titan: Managing scale and innovation

ICBC Bank is a global behemoth serving over 400 million customers with a staggering 700,000 employees. Discover the sophisticated systems and strategies that keep this giant together and at the forefront of the financial industry.

15:30

China Asset Management: Navigating investment trends and emerging opportunities

As one of the leading fund management companies in China, China Asset Management excels in managing mutual funds, institutional investments, and wealth management products. This session offers a unique opportunity to engage with expert investors to decipher the evolving investment landscape in China.

18:00

Beijing duck dinner and hutong heritage experiencing 

End of Day 2


Beijing AI Innovation Study Tour 2024

Day-3, 18 Oct 2024
08:00

Breakfast at the hotel

08:45

Depart from the hotel

09:15

CITIC Financial Holdings: Pioneering a new era in wealth management

Established in 2022 as part of CITIC Group, CITIC Financial Holdings stands as China's largest financial holding company. This comprehensive financial services platform, through subsidiaries like CITIC Bank, CITIC Securities, and CITIC-Prudential Life Insurance, adheres to the "One CITIC, One Customer" philosophy. 

11:30

Lunch

14:00

Bank of Beijing: Embracing AI to drive commercial banking forward

Since its inception in 1996, Bank of Beijing has established itself as a leading city commercial bank. Today, it is propelling itself into the future with a bold new vision: becoming an "AI-driven commercial bank." This transformation involves the integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and big data, setting new standards in the financial sector.

16:00

Feedback and concluding session 

We will recap the site visits and discussions with experts and exchange personal conclusions, ideas and inspirational thoughts. Delegates will be asked to present their feedback and takeaways from the tour. 

17:00

End of tour and transfer to village to enjoy a bonus stay in a distinctive setting outside downtown Beijing.

19:00

Night talk: China’s economic insights and priorities

Join a leading economist for a comprehensive briefing on China’s current development landscape. Gain valuable insights into the nation’s economy and the pressing issues at the forefront of its growth trajectory.


Beijing AI Innovation Study Tour 2024

Day-4, 19 Oct 2024
08:00

Breakfast and visit to the Great Wall

12:30

Lunch

15:30

Transfer back to downtown Beijing and end of programme


Tour Hosts

Marla Sofer
Marla Sofer
Founder & CEO, knomee

Who should attend?

bank

Chairmen, CEOs, and board members of banks from the United States, Europe, Africa, Middle East and rest of Asia seeking to integrate innovation into their business models

bank

Heads of strategic planning

bank

Heads of technology and operations

bank

C-level executives, including chief innovation officers; heads of digital finance and chief marketing officers

bank

Corporate professionals who are new to China

The Investment

Financial Institutions

US $8800

  • Full access to Beijing Innovation Tour (16-19 October 2024).
  • Access to tour slides and videos.
  • 4-night accommodation (15- 18 October 2024).
  • All program-related breakfasts, lunches, and select dinners.

* Excludes airfare, visa fees, and airport transfers.

Have a Query? Get in Touch with Us Today!

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Delegate Registration