2015 Conference of the Asian Bankers Association to Gather Leading Bankers from Asia Pacific

Over 250 of the leading bankers and bank regulators from around the Asia-Pacific region are expected to gather in Taipei, Taiwan on November 12-13, 2015 for the 32nd General Meeting and Conference of the Asian Bankers Association (ABA), the biggest regional grouping of commercial banks in the Asia-Pacific region. Focusing on the theme “Asian Banks: Growing Beyond Borders”, the Taipei Conference will discuss what Asian banks need to do to successfully expand from their domestic borders into the regional and international markets.

This year's annual gathering of the ABA, which will be held at Grand Hyatt Hotel Taipei, will be jointly hosted by the CTBC Bank and the Bankers Association of the Republic of China (BAROC).

ABA Chairman Mr. Daniel Wu, who is President of CTBC Financial Holding, said that the Conference Program is designed to provide ABA members the opportunity not only to deliberate on internal policy matters that will help shape the future direction of the Association, but also to exchange views on current trends and developments in the regional and international markets that are expected to significantly impact on the financial landscape in which ABA members operate. Participation in the Taipei Conference will also allow delegates to gain first-hand knowledge of the important developments in Taiwan's financial and banking industry while strengthening contacts at the most influential level through direct access to decision-makers in government and the private sector, Mr. Wu added.

BAROC Chairperson Dr. Catherine Jih-Chu Lee, who also concurrently serves as Chairperson of Taiwan Financial Holdings and Bank of Taiwan, said that this year's Conference aims to provide a platform for delegates to exchange views on the current market realities in the industry – particularly in the US, the Eurozone, the UK, China, and Japan - and their impact on banking operations; to gain a deeper understanding of market trends and customer demands; and to consider how to effectively respond to continuing regulatory changes. Aside from taking an active participation in the discussions, she also encouraged delegates to bring along their family to let them enjoy Taipei, a world-class city famous for its amazing cuisine, unique museums, warm hospitable people, and a safe and secure environment.

The Taipei Conference will feature eminent experts who have been invited to speak on timely and relevant issues, such as: (a) Regional Integration: Implications for Asian Banks ; (b) Managing a Multi-Cultural and Multi-Generational Customer Base; and (c) Going Digital: Pursuing Global Opportunities Through Technology. 

The program also includes a CEO Forum during which banking leaders and experts will share with the audience their views on appropriate business strategies to address challenges in different markets.

A “Discover ABA” session will also be held wherein country presentations will be made by representatives from six banks and financial organizations to provide delegates the opportunity to obtain more information about the economic, business, and financial sector conditions in their respective countries.

An important highlight of the Taipei gathering is the presentation of the ABA Lifetime Achievement Awards to four members who have served as strong pillars of the Association over the past years. The Awards are given in recognition of their continued long involvement in the ABA, their unwavering commitment to the objective of the Association of bringing bankers in Asia together to promote  regional cooperation and to further advance the interest of the region’s banking sector, and their important contribution to the banking industry in their respective countries. The Awards presentation will be held during the Farewell Dinner on November 13.

With this year’s gathering expected to bring together financial regulators and  senior representatives of ABA member banks operating in the Asian region, the ABA hopes that discussions will not only be of commercial interest to the participants, but will also be useful to the Association in its efforts to help shape policies that affect the  region’s development.

Established in October 1981, the ABA (www.aba.org.tw) aims to provide a forum for advancing the cause of the banking and finance industry in the region and promoting regional economic cooperation. It has a membership base that currently includes some 100 of the leading banks and bankers associations from 25 countries in the region.

Representatives of the banking, financial, insurance and securities sectors from different countries are welcome to join the Taipei Conference.  For more information, please visit the Conference website at: www.2015aba.org