The Banking Academy | Shenzhen & Hong Kong Innovation Study Tour 2024

The Convergence of Finance and Technology in Shenzhen and Hong Kong

Shenzhen, globally recognized as China's technology powerhouse, is at the forefront of AI, blockchain, and fintech innovations, hosting a diverse ecosystem of tech giants and nimble startups. Its blend of advanced technology and financial services heralds a new era in digital banking and finance.

Adjacent to this tech bastion, Hong Kong stands as a leading global financial centre, distinguished by its integration of traditional banking with groundbreaking fintech initiatives. This city's vibrant business environment and thriving startup scene make it an essential hub for digital finance innovation.

The Shenzhen Innovation Study Tour 2024 offers an unparalleled three-day journey through these dynamic cities, providing a deep dive into the pioneering financial technologies reshaping the global landscape. From the digital banking trailblazers in Shenzhen to the innovative virtual banks and fintech ecosystems in Hong Kong, participants will encounter the leading forces sculpting the future of finance.

Key focus areas:

automation

Digital Banking Evolution:
Discover how virtual banks are redefining financial services with innovative, customer-first solutions.

financial-institutions

Blockchain and AI Integration:
Explore the transformative power of blockchain and AI in enhancing transparency, efficiency, and security within the financial sector.

innovative

Innovative Financial Solutions:
Witness firsthand the latest advancements and collaborative efforts shaping fintech solutions.

innovative

Cross-Border Financial Dynamics:
Delve into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Greater Bay Area's diverse financial landscape.

Tour Itinerary

07:00 – 08:00

Breakfast at the Hotel

08:00 – 08:45

Welcome and Introduction

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

08:45

Departure from the hotel

09:30 – 12:00

WeBank: Pioneering Digital Banking with Fintech

WeBank, China’s first digital-only bank, sets new standards in banking through AI and blockchain innovation. While visiting WeBank, we’ll investigate their collaboration effort with fintech firms for innovation and growth as well as addressing the following topics:

  • Digital-Only Banking Model: WeBank’s comprehensive digital banking system revolutionises traditional banking.
  • AI in Financial Solutions: Examine the new chatbots and predictive analytics for credit assessment.
  • Blockchain Innovations: Learn how they elevate transaction security, transparency and efficiency.
12:00 – 13:00

Lunch

13:30 – 15:00

Innovating Supply Chain Finance (SCF) with Linklogis

Linklogis, founded in Shenzhen with Tencent's support, became the first Chinese supply chain finance technology SaaS company to list on the HKEX in April 2021. Since 2016, Linklogis has led the industry in supply chain, accounts receivable, and factoring financing.

  • Deep-Tier Financing: Delve into how Linklogis facilitates seamless capital flow within supply chains, reaching remote suppliers.
  • Blockchain Innovation: Grasp the company's groundbreaking use of blockchain for transparent, secure financial transactions.
  • Asset Diversification: Explore the firm's robust risk-assessment tools.
15:00 – 17:30

Credit Assessment in an Era of Revolutionisation by Lexin Fintech

Lexin Fintech, headquartered in Shenzhen, is a leader in the credit technology sector of China. They are dedicated to harnessing technology and risk management expertise to democratise financing for the younger generation of consumers.

  • Credit Risk Management: Unearth how Lexin Fintech utilises big data and artificial intelligence to enhance credit assessment, ensuring tailored offerings for its young clientele.
  • Omni-Channel Consumer Connect: Explore Lexin's approach to providing a comprehensive financing experience by integrating offline and online touchpoints.
  • Facilitating Financial Transformation: Investigate how Lexin Fintech supports the digital evolution of financial institutions through the provision of cutting-edge proprietary technologies.
17:30

End of the day


08:00 – 08:45

Breakfast at the Hotel

08:45

Departure from the Hotel

09:30 – 11:30

Tencent Security: Safeguarding the Digital Finance Frontier

As a critical arm of Tencent’s vast digital empire, Tencent Security has established itself as a vanguard in cybersecurity. Protecting not just their own expansive networks but also providing security solutions that underpin the safety of the financial sector, Tencent Security is a silent sentinel against digital threats.

  • Cutting-Edge Cyber Defense: Learn about Tencent Security’s advanced cybersecurity measures that protect against evolving threats in the fintech space.
  • Innovation in Action: Discover how Tencent’s security innovations are applied in real-world scenarios, from mobile payments to safeguarding digital transactions.
  • Strategic Risk Management: Gain insights into their approach to risk assessment and crisis response, critical for the safeguarding of future finance.
12:00 – 13:00

Lunch

13:30 – 15:00

OneConnect: Unifying Finance with AI, Blockchain, and Cloud Innovations

OneConnect, a vital arm of the esteemed Ping An Group, is recognized for revolutionizing financial services through its comprehensive technology-as-a-service platform. Founded in 2015 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2019, OneConnect stands at the forefront of facilitating digital transformations across banking, insurance, and asset management sectors.

  • Integrated Digital Solutions: Discover how OneConnect's unique cloud-based services enable seamless digital transformations for financial institutions, setting new industry benchmarks.
  • Strategic Technological Advantages: Delve into the competitive edge OneConnect holds through its use of AI, Blockchain, and Big Data, distinguishing it from its competitors.
  • Blueprint for Future Finance: Gain insights into OneConnect’s forward-looking strategies that align with global fintech development trends, fostering the digital evolution of financial institutions.
15:30 – 17:30

Micro Connect: Bridging Global Capital to Small Enterprises with Pioneering FinTech

MicroConnect, established in Shenzhen, is an emerging star in financial technology, specialising in microfinancing solutions powered by cutting-edge technology. It offers a range of services aimed at bridging the gap between traditional financial institutions and the digital economy. With a strong focus on data security and user experience, MicroConnect is dedicated to providing secure, efficient, and user-friendly financial services, leveraging blockchain, big data, and AI.

  • Investor Engagement: Understand how Micro Connect grants investors an unfiltered and diverse perspective into the day-to-day cash flows pulsating through China's consumer-driven stores.
  • Empowerment through Capital: Unravel the unique mechanisms rendering capital acquisition both accessible and affordable for small businesses.
  • Holistic Financial Ecosystem: Explore its comprehensive financial network, inclusive of a fund platform, cutting-edge product solutions, and a credentialed exchange.
17:30 – 19:30

Transfer to Hong Kong by bus


07:45 – 08:45

Breakfast

08:45

Departure from the Hotel

09:30 – 11:30

Standard Chartered Bank Hong Kong: A Legacy of Financial Excellence

Founded in 1859, Standard Chartered Bank Hong Kong is a subsidiary of the British multinational banking and financial services company, Standard Chartered. As one of Hong Kong's three note-issuing banks, Standard Chartered has established a formidable presence in the region, recognised for its robust performance and substantial contributions to the local economy.

  • Digital Banking Evolution: Discover how Standard Chartered Hong Kong leads transformation in digital banking, implementing state-of-the-art technologies to enhance customer convenience and security.
  • Wealth Management Strategies: Gain insights into how the bank leverages data analytics and personalised digital solutions to elevate its wealth management services, catering to the nuanced needs of diverse client segments.
  • Retail Banking Innovations: Explore the innovative approaches they employ to revolutionise retail banking, focusing on customer engagement and tailored financial products.
12:00 – 13:00

Lunch

13:30 – 15:00

ZA Bank: Setting the Standard in Next-Generation Banking

ZA Bank, established as Hong Kong's first virtual bank in 2019, epitomizes the radical shift towards digital banking in the Asia-Pacific region. With a customer-centric approach, ZA Bank leverages innovative technology to offer simplified banking solutions, making financial services more accessible, efficient, and secure for its users. As a frontrunner in the virtual banking space, ZA Bank has set new benchmarks for the industry in terms of product innovation and user experience.

  • Digital Banking Pioneers: Experience the innovative approaches that make ZA Bank a leader in Hong Kong’s virtual banking sector.
  • Customer-Centric Services: Understand how ZA Bank’s focus on customer needs leads to the development of tailored and intuitive financial products.
  • Technological Integration: Explore the technology and security frameworks underpinning ZA Bank’s digital-first banking solutions, ensuring user safety and operational efficiency.
15:30 – 17:00

Invest Hong Kong: Catalyzing Global Financial Synergy

Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong SAR Government responsible for Foreign Direct Investment, supporting overseas and Mainland businesses to set up and expand in Hong Kong. They provide free advice and customized services to help businesses succeed in the global economy's Asia-Pacific hub.

  • Global Financial Gateway: Understand how Invest Hong Kong positions the city as a leading global financial hub and what that means for international banking and fintech companies.
  • Support and Services: Discover the comprehensive range of services Invest Hong Kong provides to facilitate foreign investment and business expansion in Hong Kong's dynamic market.
  • Innovation Ecosystem: Explore how Invest Hong Kong fosters an environment conducive to innovation and collaboration, contributing to the growth and development of the financial services industry.
17:30 – 18:15

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.

18:15

End of the Programme

People you will meet

A programme of this nature can only be presented by highly experienced professionals who have been entrenched in the industry over many years.

Barry Katz
Barry Katz
Professor, California College of the Arts,Consulting Professor,
Stanford University
Chacko Becca
Becca Carroll
Senior Director & Co-Lead, Last Mile Money Initiative,
IDEO

Tour Hosts

Marla Sofer
Marla Sofer
Founder & CEO, knomee

Who should attend?

The Shenzhen & Hong Kong Innovation Study Tour is designed for:

bank

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

transaction

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

data

C-level executives, including Chief Innovation Officers, Chief Data Officers, and Chief Marketing Officers.

mobile-banking

Decision-makers responsible for mobile banking, online payments, consumer experience, technology, and operations.

channel

Leaders in charge of channels, product innovation, and retail operations.

analytics

Senior executives specialising in business analytics and data management.

The Investment

US$ 6,800

  • Full access to the Shenzhen & Hong Kong Innovation Study Tour 2024 (20 - 22 May)
  • Access to The Asian Banker Summit 2024 (23 May)
  • Access to tour and conference slides & videos
  • 4-night accommodation (19 - 22 May)
  • All program-related breakfasts, lunches, and select dinners
  • Excludes airfare, visa fees, and airport transfers.

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Delegate Registration

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