Digital Frontier: Unlocking Shanghai’s FinTech and AI Innovation Landscape

Artificial intelligence is moving from experimentation to execution in the financial services industry. Banks across Asia are under pressure to harness its potential while navigating complex realities—regulation, cybersecurity, customer trust and the challenge of building future-ready talent. The region is also experiencing rapid advances in digital payments, cross-border financial services, blockchain applications and large language models that are reshaping both back-end operations and customer experience.

Amid these shifts, Shanghai has become a hub of experimentation and scale. The city’s unique combination of financial institutions, technology giants, startups and regulators positions it as a laboratory for the future of banking. It offers valuable lessons on how Asian banks can deploy AI to deliver inclusion, strengthen resilience and create new value for customers.

The Building the AI Bank Retreat & Study Tour is designed to give participants both strategic insight and practical exposure. Over five days, the programme combines:

  • Two days of retreat sessions: high-level discussions and bootcamps on AI strategy, technology roadmaps, organisational models, ethics, regulation and product innovation.
  • Three days of innovation tours: site visits to leading banks, technology pioneers and AI innovators in Shanghai, offering direct access to real-world applications and leadership perspectives.
  • Cultural immersion: a chance to experience Shanghai’s history and culture, fostering shared learning and relationships beyond the business setting.

More than a study tour, this extended programme is a leadership platform. It enables senior bankers from across Asia and beyond to learn from the region’s most dynamic ecosystem, exchange perspectives with global peers and build actionable roadmaps for transforming their own institutions into future-ready AI banks.

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Key focus areas:

automation

Cutting-edge applications of AI, big data and blockchain in financial services

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Developments in digital payments, inclusive finance and cross-border services

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Industry implications of large language models and multi-modal AI

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AI-driven transformation in risk management, logistics and consumer services

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Shanghai’s innovation culture, collaborative ecosystem and leadership lessons

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Future bank design integrating technology, talent and customer experience

Tour Itinerary

Building the AI Bank Retreat & Study Tour

Day-1, 2 Mar 2026
8:00 - 8:50

Breakfast

9:00 - 9:45

Welcome Introduction

Our hosts will provide an introduction to the program, site visits and key innovation trends to be covered during the tour.

10:00 - 10:30

Depart from Hotel

10:30 - 12:00

Ant International Wallet: Connecting Global Markets

Ant International Wallet is a global leader in cross-border payments, providing seamless financial connections for consumers and merchants worldwide. 

  • Discover how it integrates diverse local wallets and payment methods to enable a unified global payment experience.
  • See how it empowers SMEs to expand into overseas markets through innovative solutions.
  • Gain insights into how advanced technologies enhance the efficiency, security and scalability of cross-border transactions.
12:30 - 13:30

Lunch

14:00 - 15:30

InfinigenceAI: Powering the Core of Computing in the Era of Large Models

InfinigenceAI, an innovative company born out of Tsinghua University, is dedicated to solving China’s AI computing efficiency challenges. The company is focused on building a unified computing infrastructure that connects various large models with heterogeneous chips. This visit will provide a deep dive into how InfinigenceAI leverages its “Infini-AI” large model development and service platform, along with advanced AI computing optimization technologies, to enable the practical application of large models across industries.

  • Explore how InfinigenceAI enhances training and inference efficiency of large models through coordinated optimization of software and hardware, addressing the utilization challenges of domestic computing resources.
  • Understand how the Infini-AI platform supports compatibility across multiple models and chip types, reducing the cost of AI application development and deployment.
  • Analyze InfinigenceAI’s innovative practices and business models in both general-purpose and industry-specific large models, including applications in government services, legal sectors and securities.
16:00 - 17:30

Inceptio Technology: Reshaping the Logistics Industry with Autonomous Driving

Inceptio is a pioneer in autonomous trucking for trunk logistics in China, focused on deploying L3 and L4 autonomous driving systems at scale. 

  • Explore how AI boosts efficiency and safety in long-haul logistics.
  • Understand the broader impact of autonomous driving on labor, industrial chains and urban operations.
  • Learn from real-world cases how Inceptio is driving AI integration in traditional industries.
18:30 - 18:30

Welcome Dinner

End of the day


Building the AI Bank Retreat & Study Tour

Day-2, 3 Mar 2026
7:40 - 8:20

Breakfast

08:30 - 09:00

Depart from Hotel

09:00 - 11:30

Huawei Shanghai Qingpu R&D Center: Exploring a Frontier Technology Innovation Hub

Huawei’s Qingpu R&D Center is a major innovation base focusing on next-gen technologies including communications, cloud infrastructure, AI and smart devices. 

  • Dive into Huawei’s achievements in core tech areas such as cloud computing, communications and AI.
  • Understand how it builds end-to-end innovation capabilities and applies them in industries like FinTech.
  • Explore how Huawei maintains innovation and talent development in the face of global challenges.
12:00 - 13:00

Lunch

13:30 - 15:00

Shanghai Pudong Development Bank: Leading Banking Digital Transformation

A second visit for deeper engagement and additional demonstrations, offering an extended look at SPDB’s digital strategy and applications. 

  • Further explore digital customer service, blockchain integration and data-driven risk control.
  • Understand how SPDB builds an omni-channel ecosystem.
  • Learn about their efforts to expand financial inclusion and support SMEs with digital tools.
15:30 - 17:00

Step Ahead: China’s General Large Model Innovation Practice

Step Ahead is a leading LLM developer in China, advancing AI deployment across multiple industries. 

  • Understand how it builds and optimizes trillion-parameter MoE large language models (e.g., Step-2) and insights into training and performance enhancement.
  • See how multi-modal models like Step-1V are being applied in fields such as entertainment and IP to enable richer user interaction.
  • Learn about its open-source and open API strategies for building an accessible AI ecosystem.
18:30 - 19:10

Feedback & 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. 

End of the tour


Building the AI Bank Retreat & Study Tour

Day-3, 4 Mar 2026
08:30 - 09:00

Registration

09:00 - 10:00

Discussion 1: A lay of the land – How AI will transform Asia’s socio-economic landscape

This session examines how banks must anticipate changes in demographics, technology and economic structures and adapt for long-term relevance. It connects macro trends with banking strategy, helping leaders align their institution’s vision with the evolving marketplace.

  • A study of the GDP growth and social demographics of the countries in attendance
  • A profile of Gen Zs and Gen As today
  • Employment and industrial profiles of countries in the region
  • Technology that is to come – from robotics to gene editing
  • The shift from digital platforms to AI – changes in every day life 
10:00 - 10:30

Morning break

10:30 - 11:30

Discussion 2:  Setting the technology milestones – Prioritising your bank’s strategy roadmaps to breakthroughs as they happen

With rapid breakthroughs in generative AI, robotics and quantum computing, banks must develop clear strategic roadmaps to stay ahead. This session helps leaders identify priorities, sequence initiatives and allocate resources for both immediate wins and long-term transformation.

  • Mapping AI breakthroughs: large language models, AGI, robotics, quantum
  • Identifying “low-hanging fruit” for near-term gains
  • Balancing cost efficiency with strategic innovation
  • Aligning technology milestones with business objectives
11:30 - 12:30

Discussion 3: Banking and relationships in the Agentic Age

Agentic AI will transform how customers interact with banks and manage financial relationships. This session explores how banking apps and platforms must evolve to meet new expectations and examines the shifting role of embedded finance in everyday life.

  • Redesigning digital platforms for conversational and adaptive engagement
  • Rethinking customer experience and relationship models
  • The evolving role of embedded finance in an AI-driven world
  • Prioritising what matters to customers in the agentic age
12:30 - 13:30

Lunch

13:30 - 15:00

Discussion 4: Bank technology architecture in an AI Age – What the IT vendors aren’t telling us

AI is reshaping how bank technology is created and maintained, and how data is procured, stored and processed. Many IT vendors are still struggling to adapt. Banks need their own mental map of what to build, what to buy and how to manage vendor relationships. These are now CEO-level decisions that must return to the board before moving forward. This session helps leaders plan a clear architecture strategy for the future.

  • How much of your technology should be built in-house?
  • What is the right balance between internal and vendor-delivered solutions?
  • How to plan for cloud, hardware and hybrid technology investments
  • How to structure leadership and governance in architecture decisions
15:00 - 15:30

Afternoon Break

15:30 - 16:30

Discussion 5: Organising for AI: Skills, structures and teams

AI will transform every banking function, from advisory to claims processing to payments and fraud detection. Banks must rethink how to organise talent, structure teams and develop new capabilities. This session explores how development teams, business units and operations should work together to drive AI adoption across the organisation. 

  • Where should AI development teams sit relative to business and operations?
  • How should responsibilities shift between analysts, programmers and business leads?
  • How to reshape organisational structures for agility and innovation
  • Case studies: building AI capabilities in key banking functions
16:30

End of the Conference Day 1


Building the AI Bank Retreat & Study Tour

Day-4, 5 Mar 2026
08:30 - 09:00

Registration

09:00 - 10:30

Discussion 6: Institutionalising ethics, integrity and algorithms

AI systems can amplify bias, compromise privacy, and damage trust if not properly governed. Banks must embed ethics and integrity into algorithms and organisational culture. This session uses real scenarios to explore how to build transparency, fairness, and accountability across AI-enabled services.

  • How to recognise and correct bias in AI systems
  • Building feedback loops for continuous learning and improvement
  • Protecting customer data while maintaining transparency
  • Ensuring fairness in lending, hiring and conflict resolution
10:30 - 11:00

Morning Break

11:00 - 12:30

Discussion 7: Cybersecurity, cloud and the new regulatory landscape

AI is creating new cybersecurity threats at unprecedented scale. At the same time, banks must navigate evolving regulations while building secure, trusted AI-driven services. This session examines how to manage these risks, engage with regulators and help shape future policy. Recommendations from this session will be published as a white paper for participants to share with their regulators.

  • How AI is changing the cybersecurity threat landscape
  • Leveraging networks and partnerships for better defence
  • Engaging regulators to co-create AI frameworks for banking
  • Building long-term trust with customers and stakeholders
12:30 - 13:30

Lunch

13:30 - 15:00

Discussion 8: From data to mortgages to crypto: Rethinking products and services

AI is redefining what banks can offer to customers. From personalised mortgages to crypto and IoT-driven services, product innovation must keep pace with new technologies and evolving customer lifestyles. This session challenges participants to think beyond current offerings and explore what will create real value in the intelligent economy.

  • How AI is transforming product design and delivery
  • Personalising products and services for customer ecosystems
  • The role of digital assets and crypto in future banking
  • Building products that fit emerging lifestyles and behaviours
15:00 - 15:30

Afternoon Break

15:30 - 16:30

Closing Session 9: What should we measure? Defining success in AI transformation

AI will reshape how banks measure performance, both financial and non-financial. This closing group exercise helps participants translate their learning into practical strategies and metrics. Teams will develop an AI transition roadmap for their organisation and critique each other’s approaches, to sharpen thinking and foster cross-learning.

  • What new KPIs will matter in an AI-driven bank?
  • Rethinking cost, profitability and ecosystem-level value
  • Balancing operational metrics with trust and customer outcomes
  • Drafting an AI transition strategy and roadmap
16:30

End of the Conference Day 2


Building the AI Bank Retreat & Study Tour

Day-5, 6 Mar 2026
9:00

Breakfast at Hotel

10:00

Depart Hotel

Private coach transfer to Nanxun Ancient Town (~1.5–2 hrs)

11:45 - 13:00

Guided exploration of the town

  • Walk along the ancient waterways and stone bridges
  • Visit Nanxun’s famous private gardens and courtyards
  • Explore Zhang Shiming’s Former Residence and the Hundred-Room Houses
13:00 - 14:00

Lunch at a traditional riverside restaurant featuring local Jiangnan cuisine

14:00 - 16:30

Continue exploring Nanxun

  • Little Lotus Garden (小莲庄)
  • Jiaye Library (嘉业藏书楼)
  • Time to wander and shop along the canals
16:30 - 17:00

Tea / Coffee Break by the Canal

Relax with tea/coffee at a riverside teahouse, soak in the town’s peaceful vibeLearn about its open-source and open API strategies for building an accessible AI ecosystem.

17:00

Depart Nanxun

18:45

Return to hotel in Shanghai

End of the cultural tour


Tour Hosts

Marla Sofer
Marla Sofer
Founder & CEO, knomee

Who should attend?

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Chairmen, CEOs and board members of banks in emerging economies seeking to integrate innovation into their business models

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Senior executives in retail, corporate, transaction banking and trade finance

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C-level executives, including chief innovation officers, chief data officers and chief marketing officers.

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Decision makers in mobile banking, online payments, consumer experience, technology and operations

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Leaders in charge of channels, product innovation and retail operations

bank

Senior executives specialising in business analytics and data management

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