Building a better financial infrastructure in Asia

Robust, stable financial systems and markets are key to sustained economic development in Asia, whether we are in periods of crisis, recovery or growth. In 2010, Asia appears to be in recovery mode, perhaps leading the rest of the world out of crisis, but the Asian financial industry cannot be complacent. Financial institutions here are busy strengthening their offerings for local and international markets while refocusing on core products and regional advantages to obtain greater market share.

For China, as its export-driven economy has grown, its financial infrastructure needs have also grown, particularly with regard to the development and integration of its stock exchanges, the clearinghouses that are being established, the internationalization of the Renminbi and the need to extend credit to Chinese consumers who are now funding consumption from their savings. In Shanghai in particular, certain steps must be taken if Shanghai is to realize its potential as an international financial centre.

Come join the SWIFT community in Shanghai as we share best practices and agree how we can collaborate in the non-competitive space to meet these needs of the Chinese financial sector and the corporates and consumers it serves. With special focus on the securities markets and infrastructures plus standards and technology, our guest speakers will share the latest developments and market insights and lead our discussion around supporting Shanghai as a leading financial centre.

We are confident that this SWIFT Business Forum will encourage and advance critical dialogue and common action, and look forward to seeing you in Shanghai this 23 April.

8.30 – 9.00

Registrations open

Opening Plenary hosted by Eric Chua, Head of Shanghai, SWIFT

9.00 – 9.20

SWIFT Welcome

• Ian Johnston, Chief Executive, Asia Pacific, SWIFT

9.20 – 10.30

Shanghai — The path to becoming an international financial centre
By most measures, Shanghai is already the national financial centre for mainland China, but its ambitions do not stop there. Supported by the dynamic national economy and favourable government policies, Shanghai intends to build a highly-internationalised financial market by 2020. Come share insights and policy views on the framework and steps that must be taken to strengthen Shanghai’s financial infrastructure, including what must be done at the infrastructure level and what individual institutions can do.

Speakers:

• Yang Shihua, Chief Operating Officer, Bank of China and National Member Group of SWIFT China
• Edmond Ng, Head, Global Custody, HSBC China
• Ning Wright, Partner in Charge, Risk & Compliance / Performance & Technology, KPMG China

10.30 – 11.00

Coffee break

11.00 – 11.30

Technology and standards for China financial markets
During the global financial crisis, technology and standards were recognised as critical competitive advantages, as stakeholders like regulators and clients pushed financial institutions to provide more transparency, security and stability. The global nature of financial markets are also pushing boundaries as financial institutions compete to provide more services while at the same time lowering costs and reducing risk. In China, the Central Bank and the China Financial Standardisation Technology Committee (CFSTC) are promoting adoption of ISO20022, and the CNAPS II project will be the flagship for standards adoption. We will explore how PBOC and some CIOs are currently formulating their strategies for adding the related challenges in the market place.

Speakers:

• Wang Xiaoqing, Director, Technical & Engineering Management Division, Technology Department, PBOC
• Dr. Bai Shuo, Chief Technology Officer, Shanghai Stock Exchange

11.30 – 12.10

New horizons of Chinese Yuan in cross-border clearing and settlement
With China’s rapidly-expanding economy and its significance in global trade, there is much speculation that the Chinese Yuan will attain an international status more reflective of China’s economic weight in the world. The newly-initiated pilot programme allowing for international settlement of CNY-denominated trade transactions is an important step towards , free conversion of the Chinese currency, and this session will explore the mechanisms of the pilot and discuss next steps and implications for infrastructures and financial institutions involved in developing this market.

Speakers:

• Yang Min, Senior Manager, International Banking Dept., Bank of Communications
• Yang Jiewen, Senior Strategic Planner, Product and Business Development Div., Economics and Strategy, Bank of China (Hong Kong)

12.10 – 1.15

1.15 – 2.15

Customer experience sharing and case studies
Learning from others’ best practices and experience will help you make the right choices for your institution. Come hear from SWIFT customers as they share their experiences working with SWIFT and our Partners to deliver the right offerings for Corporates, QDII automation and Corporate Actions.

Speakers:

• Wang Shoujiang, Deputy General Manager, Settlement and Cash Management Department, ICBC
• Stevenson Chan, Managing Director, Head of Business Operations, BOCI HK
• Joe Zhou, Director, YSStech

2.15 – 2.35

Technology evolution: Interfaces, integration and consulting services
What are the advanced technologies behind infrastructure that supports efficient, secure and cost-effective financial transactions? What should you expect from SWIFT in the near future? How do new products and services fit into financial institutions business demand? Join this session to learn more about our connectivity offerings and discuss its features and roadmap in the Q&A session.

Speaker:

• Forrest Lin, Project Manager, Sales Services, Asia Pacific, SWIFT

New Development and solutions for payment market infrastructures
SWIFT is one of the world’s biggest providers of messaging for Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) systems. SWIFT is also well-integrated in the domestic clearing market, from cross-border payments and workers’ remittances to interoperability between Exchange Houses and robust high value payments clearing infrastructures. During this session, we will offer you insights into how market infrastructures rely on SWIFT to ensure best-practice interoperability at domestic and international levels.

Speakers:

• Stanley Chan, Head of Financial Infrastructural Development, Hong Kong Monetary Authority