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.

Over six days, the programme combines:

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

*The first 20 full-program registrants will receive a complimentary city tour on Day 6.

Get Your Brochure

Get Your Brochure

Register Now
Add to Calendar
Remind Me Contact Us

For Past Event Photos Click Here

Key focus areas:

automation

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

automation

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

automation

Industry implications of large language models and multi-modal AI

automation

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

automation

Shanghai’s innovation culture, collaborative ecosystem and leadership lessons

automation

Future bank design integrating technology, talent and customer experience

Itinerary

*Please note that this is a working agenda. Sites lineup, topics, and speakers are subject to change and will be confirmed closer to the event date.

Shanghai AI Study Tour 2026

Day 1, 9 Mar 2026
8:00 - 9:00

Welcome introduction

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

9:00

Departure from the hotel

9:30 - 11:00

iFLYTEK: Speech, language & AI interaction pioneer

iFLYTEK (科大讯飞), founded in 1999, is a leading AI company specializing in intelligent speech, natural language processing and human–machine interaction. Its technologies in speech recognition, synthesis, translation and large language models power a broad ecosystem of consumer devices, enterprise solutions and AI cloud services.

With its vision to make machines “listen, speak, understand and think,” iFLYTEK integrates hardware and software innovation to drive AI adoption across education, healthcare, communications and enterprise sectors.

  • Explore how iFLYTEK leads in multilingual speech recognition, synthesis, and translation (60+ languages), with flagship products such as the Smart Translator, Smart Recorder Pro and intelligent meeting assistants.
  • Discover the iFLYTEK Spark Cognitive Model (讯飞星火) and its breakthroughs in language understanding, reasoning and interaction for enterprise and consumer applications.
  • Learn how the company brings AI into classrooms, hospitals and workplaces while expanding globally through developer platforms and cross-industry collaborations.
11:30 - 12:30

Lunch 

13:15 - 14:45

Douyin: Harnessing AI and big data for consumer engagement

Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, has become a leading platform for short-form video and digital content, reshaping how people connect, consume, and create. As part of ByteDance, alongside its enterprise service arm Volcano Engine, Douyin benefits from the group’s cutting-edge data + AI capabilities, spanning large models, big data and intelligent agents. Together, these innovations provide highly personalised content experiences and drive new business models across industries. This visit will explore how Douyin leverages technology to drive user engagement, commerce and ecosystem growth, with discussion focusing on:

  • Reviewing the development of artificial intelligence and showcasing ByteDance’s latest advances in large models, big data analytics and intelligent solutions.
  • Examining real-world cases where AI and big data are applied in content distribution, personalised recommendations, e-commerce and financial services.
  • Exploring how AI enhances digital productivity, reshapes business models and creates new opportunities for enterprise growth.

16:00 - 18:00

Huawei Shanghai Qingpu R&D Centre: Exploring a frontier technology innovation hub

Huawei’s Qingpu R&D Centre 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.
18:30

Dinner 

End of the day


Shanghai AI Study Tour 2026

Day 2, 10 Mar 2026
7:30

Departure from the hotel

8:30 - 9:30

Transfer from Shanghai to Hangzhou by high-speed train

10:30 - 12:00

Ant Group: Rebuilding Digital Financial Infrastructure through AI and Fintech Platforms

Ant Group is one of China’s leading fintech and digital technology groups. Centered on payments, financial services, risk management and data intelligence, it has built technology platforms that serve financial institutions and the real economy. Rather than focusing on individual products or business lines, Ant Group’s core strength lies in the deep integration of AI, data and distributed systems to deliver scalable fintech infrastructure.

  • Examine how Ant Group builds foundational technology platforms spanning AI, risk management, payment and settlement, data intelligence and distributed architectures to support large-scale financial operations.
  • Learn about its practices in intelligent risk control, anti-fraud, credit assessment and regtech, enabling precise decision-making in high-concurrency and highly regulated environments.
  • Gain insights into how they empower banks and financial institutions through technology enablement and ecosystem collaboration to improve efficiency, reduce costs and accelerate digital transformation.
12:30 - 13:30

Lunch

14:00 - 15:30

MYbank: Rebuilding SME Finance with AI at Scale

Founded in 2015 and marking its 10th anniversary, MYbank is one of China’s most representative digital banks, purpose-built to serve SMEs and individual entrepreneurs. With over 68 million SME users and more than 80% first-time borrowers over the past five years, MYbank has built a scalable and sustainable model for inclusive finance. This session explores how MYbank embeds AI into real-world SME finance, using deep technology integration and organisational alignment to automate risk, credit and operations at scale.

  • Examine how MYbank applies four core AI systems across agriculture finance, supply-chain lending, intelligent risk control and cash-flow management.
  • Understand how AI-driven automation enables low-cost, high-volume SME lending while maintaining strong risk discipline.
  • Learn how they build a resilient, compliant digital banking infrastructure, supported by a workforce that is 67% technology talent, offering a replicable model for global institutions.
16:00 - 17:30

West Lake boat tour

18:00 - 19:30

Dinner 

20:00 - 21:30

Transfer from Hangzhou to Shanghai by high-speed train

End of the day 


Shanghai AI Study Tour 2026

Day 3, 11 Mar 2026
9:30

Departure from the hotel

10:00 - 11:30

Bank of Communications (BOCOM): Driving Bank-Wide Digital Transformation and Retail Innovation

Bank of Communications is one of China’s major state-owned commercial banks, headquartered in Shanghai. In recent years, BOCOM has accelerated a bank-wide digital transformation, placing data and technology at the core of its growth strategy to reshape retail banking, customer management and operational efficiency. This session explores how a large state-owned bank advances digital capability building and embeds technology deeply into business execution to drive sustainable growth.

  • Examine BOCOM’s overall approach to enterprise-wide digital transformation, including digital platforms, system modernisation and business-technology integration.
  • Learn how it leverages CRM and customer data platforms to enable customer insight, segmentation and omni-channel customer management for more effective acquisition and retention.
  • Gain insights into its retail banking digitalisation practices, from digital product design and intelligent marketing to data-driven operations and customer-journey optimisation.
11:30 - 12:30

Lunch 

13:00 - 14:30

Alipay: The AI-Powered Super App for Digital Life

Alipay is Ant Group’s core digital payments and wallet platform, evolving from an e-commerce payment tool into a large-scale digital finance platform spanning payments, accounts, risk management and data capabilities. Today, it serves over one billion users and tens of millions of merchants, driving the adoption of digital payments and wallets across China and international markets. This session focuses on Alipay’s platform architecture, data and AI applications, and practical use cases for banks and merchants—exploring how digital wallets have become a critical gateway connecting users, scenarios and services.

  • Examine how they build scalable, platform-based capabilities across accounts, payments, clearing and settlement, risk management and open APIs to support high-volume, multi-scenario transactions.
  • Explore how data and AI power customer insight, intelligent marketing and user operations, enhancing engagement and merchant efficiency from a CRM perspective.
  • Understand Alipay’s cross-border payment and wallet-interconnection practices, including how Alipay+ links wallets across markets to enable smoother global commerce.
15:00 - 16:30

DingTalk: Enabling Enterprise-Wide Digital Collaboration and Workflow Automation

DingTalk is a leading enterprise collaboration and digital workplace platform developed by Alibaba Group, widely adopted by large organisations to support secure communication, workflow automation and data-driven operations. This session explores how DingTalk enables enterprises to improve execution efficiency, strengthen cross-department coordination and support large-scale digital transformation.

  • Examine DingTalk’s role as an enterprise digital operating platform, integrating communication, workflow and low-code tools to support organisation-wide collaboration.
  • Learn how workflow automation and intelligent features help reduce manual processes, accelerate approvals and improve operational efficiency.
  • Gain insights into how large enterprises deploy collaboration platforms to break silos, improve transparency and support scalable digital transformation.
17:00 - 18:00

Briefing: China After Hyper Growth – Structural Change, Innovation and the New Economic Reality

China has entered a fundamentally new phase of development. After decades of rapid expansion driven by investment, urbanisation and global integration, the country is now navigating slower growth, structural constraints and rising global uncertainty.

In this high-level briefing, Professor Zhang Jun, one of China’s most respected economists and a leading international commentator on the Chinese economy, will provide a clear and candid assessment of China’s economic transition. Drawing on decades of research, policy observation and global engagement, he will explain what has changed, what remains unfinished and what truly matters for global business and financial leaders today.

  • We’ll hear from Professor Zhang:
  • Why China’s era of hyper growth has ended and what replaces it
  • Key structural challenges shaping China’s long-term outlook
  • The real role of technology, innovation and industrial policy in sustaining growth
  • Policy trade-offs between reform, stability and global integration
  • Common misconceptions about China’s economy and how leaders should rethink strategy
18:00 - 19:00

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.

19:00

Dinner

End of the tour


Shanghai AI Innovation Conference 2026

Day 4, 12 Mar 2026
8:30 - 9:00

Registration 

9:00 - 10:30

Welcome address

Opening remarks and keynotes

The Global Excellence in Digital Finance 2026 benchmarking briefing

We will present the key findings from the Global Excellence in Digital Finance 2026 benchmarking report. The report will cover the assessment framework, major insights on the application of AI in finance, forecasts for upcoming industry trends, and a showcase of exemplary industry best practices.

10:30 - 11:00

Break  

11:00 - 12:30

Digital finance leadership dialogue: Building the AI roadmap

  • Identifying high-impact AI applications in finance
  • Prioritising AI investments in line with business goals
  • Balancing cost efficiency, resilience and innovation
  • Redefining competitiveness in the AI-driven financial era
12:30 - 13:30

Lunch

13:30 - 14:30

Presentations:  

  • Delivering predictive and personalised banking experiences through data insights by China Merchants Bank
  • Preserving human connection in automated services by RedNote

Panel discussion: Personalisation and customer experience in the next-generation bank

Intelligent technologies are transforming how banks understand, serve and engage customers. This panel discussion explores how data-driven intelligence enables more relevant, predictive, and trusted customer experiences, moving beyond efficiency towards fostering emotional connection and long-term loyalty.

 

14:30 - 15:30

Presentations:

  • Leveraging AI-native data platforms for decisioning and risk control by China Construction Bank
  • From fragmented data to unified intelligence by Keeta

Panel discussion: Data platforms and AI-driven operational intelligence

As the lifeblood of intelligent banking, data powers next-generation architectures that enable real-time intelligence, predictive operations, and continuous learning across the retail banking landscape. This dialogue examines the infrastructure shaping the future.

 

15:30 - 16:00

Break 

16:00 - 17:00

Presentations: 

  • Leveraging APIs and open platforms to build and scale AI-powered financial ecosystems by Ping An Bank
  • Developing new business and revenue models through strategic alliances in the intelligent economy by JD Finance  

Panel discussion: Building the AI-powered financial ecosystem

Join leaders from traditional banks, fintechs, and digital platforms as they explore collaborative paths to innovation. This session will evaluate partnership models, enabling technologies, and strategic approaches that successfully integrate AI into new financial services, moving beyond competition to create shared value.

 

17:00

End of the retreat Day 1


Shanghai AI Innovation Conference 2026

Day 5, 13 Mar 2026
8:30 - 9:00

Registration

9:00 - 10:30

Presentations:

Digital payments and embedded finance: New frontiers

Data-driven analytics are enabling smarter digital payments and embedded finance models. Leaders will showcase their innovations in cross-border payments, mobile wallets, and consumer finance experiences.

  • AI-enhanced payment fraud detection by Alipay
  • Embedded finance for digital ecosystems by WeChat Pay
10:30 - 11:00

Break  

11:00 - 12:30

Presentations:

AI-driven credit, lending and SME financing

Advanced data platforms are transforming credit and SME lending. This session focuses on automated underwriting, risk assessment, and faster decision-making while maintaining regulatory compliance.

  • Blockchain for data integrity, transparency, and smart contract automation by WeBank
  • AI-powered credit scoring and risk evaluation by MYbank
12:30 - 13:30

Lunch  

13:30 - 15:00

Presentations:

Intelligent defense: Securing financial ecosystems with AI and trust technologies

As finance grows more automated, cyber and fraud risks escalate. This session explores how banks and tech firms deploy predictive AI, digital identity systems, and large language models to build proactive defenses to balance innovation with security, privacy, and trust.

  • Ensuring model integrity and compliance in AI and LLM systems by Volcano Engine
  • Integrated AI frameworks for fraud detection and risk management by Tencent Tech
15:00 - 16:00

Presentations: 

Cloud: Powering the future of finance

Cloud and AI together form the core of next-generation banking infrastructure. This session examines how cloud-native platforms and cognitive capabilities improve scalability, speed, and innovation across retail finance.

  • Cloud as the enabler of intelligent financial operations by Alibaba Cloud
  • Managing third-party risks and cybersecurity by Tencent Cloud
16:00 - 16:30

Break 

16:30 - 17:30

Closing panel:

Building the AI-ready future

This closing dialogue looks ahead to the coming decade, as banks evolve into intelligent, adaptive organizations powered by automation, AI agents, robotics, and quantum computing.

  • Rethinking the architecture of AI-first financial institutions
  • Preparing talent, governance and culture for continuous innovation
  • How AI agents, robotics and quantum computing will reshape operations and service delivery
  • Envisioning the future of value, trust and competitiveness in intelligent banking

Panellists: 

  • - CATL
  • - Kunlun Tech
17:30

End of the retreat Day 2


Shanghai City Tour

Day 6, 14 Mar 2026
9:00

Departure from the hotel 

9:30 - 10:45

Bank of Shanghai Museum: Financial history & urban development

Located in the historic former Bank of China building on the Bund, the Bank of Shanghai Museum offers a deep dive into Shanghai's evolution as an international financial center. We will trace the city's financial history from the establishment of the first banks to its rise as a global hub, focusing on the blend of traditional Chinese and Western financial practices.

  • Historical architecture: The museum itself is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture on the Bund, providing a tangible link to the financial golden age.
  • Financial evolution: Explore exhibits detailing the instruments, currency, and practices that shaped Shanghai's economy and laid the foundation for its modern financial ecosystem.
  • Haipai finance: Understand the unique "Haipai" characteristics of Shanghai finance, where local innovation met international trade and investment.
11:15 - 13:15

Shanghai Arts and Crafts Museum: Haipai heritage & artisan spirit

Located in an elegant, historical garden building in Xuhui, this museum preserves the essence of Haipai (Shanghai style) traditional arts. We will examine the studios of masters in crafts like wool embroidery, dough modelling, and jade carving to understand the preservation and commercialization of cultural assets.

  • Artisan interaction: Witness living masters at work in their studios, experiencing the spirit of craftsmanship first-hand.
  • Elegant setting: Admire the gorgeous historic architecture and surrounding garden.
  • Experiential highlight: The museum often hosts hands-on workshops (e.g., dough modelling, rubbings). Teams can pre-book an experience to add an interactive dimension to the visit.
  • Cultural value: Analyse how traditional IP is revitalized and converted into tourism and cultural value.
13:15 - 14:00

Lunch

14:30 - 16:45

Yu Garden: Classical garden artistry & cultural bazaar

Built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden stands as one of the finest examples of classical Jiangnan garden design. This session offers a deep dive into its elegant landscapes and the vibrant cultural life surrounding it.

  • Classical artistry: Discover the garden’s pavilions, rockeries, winding corridors, and serene ponds — including the Grand Rockery, the largest in Southern China, and the iconic Exquisite Jade Rock (玉玲珑).
  • Historical insights: Visit landmarks like Dianchun Hall to learn about the garden’s role in Shanghai’s history, including its link to the Small-Sword Society Uprising.
  • Cultural immersion (45 min free exploration): Stroll through the lively Yuyuan Bazaar beside the City God Temple, where you can sample local snacks such as Nanxiang Steamed Buns, shop for traditional crafts, and experience the blend of history and modern commerce.

End of the city tour


Tour Hosts

Marla Sofer
Marla Sofer
Founder & CEO, knomee

Who should attend?

bank

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

bank

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

bank

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

bank

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

bank

Leaders in charge of channels, product innovation and retail operations

bank

Senior executives specialising in business analytics and data management

Register Today

5-Day Full Program (9-13 March)

USD 15,000

  • All site visits, meetings, conference sessions, and cultural tour
  • 6 nights of accommodation (8-13 March 2026)
  • Transportation between program sites
  • Group dining as outlined in the agenda
  • Airport transfers
  • Presentation decks (subject to site consent)
  • Video recordings (if available)
  • Post-event report

Not Included (participants’ responsibility):

  • Visa fees

* TAB Global can provide a letter of participation to support visa applications.

  • Meals during free evenings

3-Day Program (12-14 March)

USD 6,000

  • 3 nights of accommodation (11-13 March 2026)
  • Dining as outlined in the agenda
  • Ground transfers
  • Post-event report

Not Included (participants’ responsibility):

  • Airport transfers
  • Visa fees

* TAB Global can provide a letter of participation to support visa applications.

  • Meals during free evenings

  • For sponsorship enquiries, please contact
  • For agenda and speaking opportunities, please contact

For sponsorship enquiries, please contact

For agenda and speaking opportunities, please contact