Finance

Asian Financial Forum 2026 Set for January Return With Focus on Finance, Technology, and Regional Growth – FinTech Weekly

Published

1 month ago

January 24, 2026

Asian Financial Forum 2026 Set for January Return With Focus on Finance, Technology, and Regional Growth – FinTech Weekly

The Asian Financial Forum 2026 will take place on January 26–27 in Hong Kong, bringing together global leaders to discuss economic trends, fintech, AI, green technology, and cross-border collaboration, alongside expanded deal-making sessions.

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Asian Financial Forum Confirms 2026 Dates and Program Direction

The Asian Financial Forum (AFF) will return on January 26 and 27, 2026, bringing together government officials, financial executives, investors, and business leaders from around the world. The event is Asia’s first major financial gathering of the year, positioning it as an early venue for discussions on economic trends and policy priorities.

The forum will once again serve as a meeting point for decision-makers focused on global markets and regional development. AFF has built its reputation as a platform where public and private sector leaders exchange views on finance, trade, and innovation while forming new international business connections.

The 2026 edition will focus on cooperation between policymakers and the business community in response to changing economic conditions and shifting trade patterns. The program will also give attention to sectors linked to digital transformation and sustainability.

Participation Expected From Thousands of Global Delegates

Organizers expect more than 3,600 participants from over 60 countries and regions. The speaker lineup is projected to include more than 130 global speakers from government, finance, and industry.

Senior leadership representation remains a key feature of the event. Data from the forum indicates that about 81 percent of attendees come from CEO-level or senior decision-making roles. This includes executives from financial institutions, multinational companies, and technology firms.

The exhibition segment is also set to expand. Organizers report that more than 140 exhibitors, startups, and service providers are expected to take part, reflecting the forum’s role as both a policy discussion platform and a business networking venue.

Program Theme Highlights Joint Efforts Across Markets

The theme selected for AFF 2026 centers on cooperation between global business communities and policymakers. Organizers say the goal is to examine how coordinated efforts can support growth across regions and industries during a period of economic adjustment.

Rather than focusing on a single region or sector, the forum plans to address shared challenges that affect international markets. Topics include financial stability, cross-border investment flows, digital infrastructure, and sustainable development.

The agenda is expected to include panel discussions, keynote sessions, and closed-door meetings designed to promote practical exchanges between public officials and private sector leaders.

Focus on Technology-Driven Sectors

Technology will again play a central role in the 2026 program. Organizers confirmed that several high-growth sectors will receive dedicated attention, including fintech, artificial intelligence, robotics, green technology, new energy solutions, and web3-related applications.

Financial technology remains a key area of interest as banks, payment providers, and regulators continue to adapt to digital services. Sessions are expected to address topics such as digital payments, regulatory compliance, and cross-border transaction systems.

AI and robotics will also be discussed in the context of productivity and labor markets. Business leaders and policymakers are expected to review how automation tools affect manufacturing, logistics, and service industries.

Green technology and energy transition initiatives will form another core part of the agenda. Discussions are expected to focus on financing models that support low-carbon projects and infrastructure development.

Linking Finance With the Real Economy

AFF organizers said the forum will continue to examine the relationship between financial systems and real economic activity. This includes how capital markets, banking services, and investment tools support small businesses, infrastructure projects, and regional trade.

The program aims to highlight ways financial institutions can improve access to funding for companies operating in emerging sectors. Attention will also be given to risk management and regulatory frameworks that influence lending and investment behavior.

Participants are expected to review how financial policy decisions affect employment, supply chains, and long-term economic stability across Asia and beyond.

AFF Deal-Making Program Expands Business Matching

Alongside policy discussions, AFF will host its dedicated deal-making segment designed to connect investors with project owners and companies seeking funding.

According to figures released by the forum, the deal-making platform is expected to facilitate more than 720 business meetings. Participation is projected to include more than 280 investors, over 560 projects, and approximately 510 project owners.

Organizers describe the program as a structured matchmaking environment where participants can explore partnerships and investment opportunities. Meetings are typically arranged in advance, allowing investors and businesses to hold targeted discussions over the two-day event.

This component reflects the forum’s dual role as both a discussion venue and a practical business exchange platform.

Government and Institutional Participation

AFF traditionally attracts senior government representatives and officials from regulatory bodies. Organizers say this participation allows for direct dialogue between policymakers and private sector leaders.

Government involvement also provides insight into regulatory developments and economic policy priorities. These discussions are particularly relevant for international investors seeking clarity on market access rules and compliance requirements.

Financial institutions and multilateral organizations are also expected to play a visible role in the 2026 event. Their presence supports conversations around regional integration and cross-border financial cooperation.

Asia’s Position in Global Finance

The forum takes place at a time when Asia continues to expand its role in global trade and investment. Regional financial centers remain active in areas such as capital markets, asset management, and digital payments.

AFF organizers emphasize the importance of presenting economic trends from an Asian perspective. This approach reflects the region’s growing influence in technology development, manufacturing, and infrastructure investment.

Participants from outside Asia also attend the forum to better understand regional market conditions and identify partnership opportunities.

Industry Representation Across Multiple Sectors

Beyond financial services, the forum draws participation from a wide range of industries. Technology firms, energy companies, logistics providers, and manufacturing groups are among those represented.

This broad industry mix allows discussions to cover topics that affect multiple sectors. Examples include supply chain financing, digital transformation strategies, and cross-border trade logistics.

The exhibition area provides companies with an opportunity to present products and services related to financial infrastructure, data analytics, compliance tools, and enterprise software.

Preparing for Policy and Market Developments

The timing of AFF early in the calendar year positions it as a venue for setting priorities and reviewing economic forecasts. Business leaders often use the forum to assess market conditions and prepare for upcoming regulatory changes.

Discussions typically address monetary policy trends, interest rate outlooks, and geopolitical factors that influence investment decisions. These sessions provide participants with context for planning corporate strategies and capital allocation.

For policymakers, the forum offers feedback from the private sector on regulatory proposals and market conditions.

Digital Infrastructure and Cross-Border Connectivity

Another area of focus for AFF 2026 involves digital infrastructure and international connectivity. Topics include payment systems, data sharing standards, and cybersecurity frameworks.

Cross-border transactions remain a priority for businesses operating across Asia and global markets. Sessions are expected to examine how digital tools can improve transaction speed, transparency, and cost efficiency.

This part of the program reflects growing interest in modernizing financial infrastructure to support international commerce.

Role of Startups and Emerging Companies

Startups and emerging companies will also feature in the 2026 forum. Organizers expect a strong presence from technology firms offering new financial and enterprise solutions.

These companies often use AFF as a platform to meet investors, form partnerships, and explore expansion into new markets. Their participation adds a practical business dimension to the event alongside policy discussions.

The presence of service providers and technology vendors further supports knowledge sharing across the financial ecosystem.

What to Watch Ahead of the Forum

As the event approaches, attention will turn to the final speaker lineup and detailed program schedule. Market participants will watch for announcements related to policy themes and industry priorities.

Investors and corporate executives are likely to focus on sessions addressing digital finance, sustainability, and regional trade integration. Government representatives are expected to use the platform to communicate policy directions and regulatory updates.

The deal-making program will also draw interest from companies seeking funding and partnerships.

A Platform for Regional and Global Dialogue

AFF 2026 is set to continue its role as a meeting place for public and private sector leaders. The combination of policy discussion, business matching, and technology-focused sessions reflects the forum’s broad scope.

Organizers aim to provide a structured environment for dialogue on economic trends and practical business cooperation. With thousands of participants expected, the event will once again serve as a focal point for financial and business activity at the start of the year.

Further details about the forum are available through the official Asian Financial Forum website: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en

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Finance

Cornell Administrator Warren Petrofsky Named FAS Finance Dean | News | The Harvard Crimson

Published

5 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Cornell Administrator Warren Petrofsky Named FAS Finance Dean | News | The Harvard Crimson

Cornell University administrator Warren Petrofsky will serve as the Faculty of Arts and Sciences’ new dean of administration and finance, charged with spearheading efforts to shore up the school’s finances as it faces a hefty budget deficit.

Petrofsky’s appointment, announced in a Friday email from FAS Dean Hopi E. Hoekstra to FAS affiliates, will begin April 20 — nearly a year after former FAS dean of administration and finance Scott A. Jordan stepped down. Petrofsky will replace interim dean Mary Ann Bradley, who helped shape the early stages of FAS cost-cutting initiatives.

Petrofsky currently serves as associate dean of administration at Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences.

As dean, he oversaw a budget cut of nearly $11 million to the institution’s College of Arts and Sciences after the federal government slashed at least $250 million in stop-work orders and frozen grants, according to the Cornell Daily Sun.

He also serves on a work group established in November 2025 to streamline the school’s administrative systems.

Earlier, at the University of Pennsylvania, Petrofsky managed capital initiatives and organizational redesigns in a number of administrative roles.

Petrofsky is poised to lead similar efforts at the FAS, which relaunched its Resources Committee in spring 2025 and created a committee to consolidate staff positions amid massive federal funding cuts.

As part of its planning process, the committee has quietly brought on external help. Over several months, consultants from McKinsey & Company have been interviewing dozens of administrators and staff across the FAS.

Petrofsky will also likely have a hand in other cost-cutting measures across the FAS, which is facing a $365 million budget deficit. The school has already announced it will keep spending flat for the 2026 fiscal year, and it has dramatically reduced Ph.D. admissions.

In her email, Hoekstra praised Petrofsky’s performance across his career.

“Warren has emphasized transparency, clarity in communication, and investment in staff development,” she wrote. “He approaches change with steadiness and purpose, and with deep respect for the mission that unites our faculty, researchers, staff, and students. I am confident that he will be a strong partner to me and to our community.”

—Staff writer Amann S. Mahajan can be reached at [email protected] and on Signal at amannsm.38. Follow her on X @amannmahajan.

Finance

Where in California are people feeling the most financial distress?

Published

18 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Where in California are people feeling the most financial distress?

Inland California’s relative affordability cannot always relieve financial stress.

My spreadsheet reviewed a WalletHub ranking of financial distress for the residents of 100 U.S. cities, including 17 in California. The analysis compared local credit scores, late bill payments, bankruptcy filings and online searches for debt or loans to quantify where individuals had the largest money challenges.

When California cities were divided into three geographic regions – Southern California, the Bay Area, and anything inland – the most challenges were often found far from the coast.

The average national ranking of the six inland cities was 39th worst for distress, the most troubled grade among the state’s slices.

Bakersfield received the inland region’s worst score, ranking No. 24 highest nationally for financial distress. That was followed by Sacramento (30th), San Bernardino (39th), Stockton (43rd), Fresno (45th), and Riverside (52nd).

Southern California’s seven cities overall fared better, with an average national ranking of 56th largest financial problems.

However, Los Angeles had the state’s ugliest grade, ranking fifth-worst nationally for monetary distress. Then came San Diego at 22nd-worst, then Long Beach (48th), Irvine (70th), Anaheim (71st), Santa Ana (85th), and Chula Vista (89th).

Monetary challenges were limited in the Bay Area. Its four cities average rank was 69th worst nationally.

San Jose had the region’s most distressed finances, with a No. 50 worst ranking. That was followed by Oakland (69th), San Francisco (72nd), and Fremont (83rd).

The results remind us that inland California’s affordability – it’s home to the state’s cheapest housing, for example – doesn’t fully compensate for wages that typically decline the farther one works from the Pacific Ocean.

A peek inside the scorecard’s grades shows where trouble exists within California.

Credit scores were the lowest inland, with little difference elsewhere. Late payments were also more common inland. Tardy bills were most difficult to find in Northern California.

Bankruptcy problems also were bubbling inland, but grew the slowest in Southern California. And worrisome online searches were more frequent inland, while varying only slightly closer to the Pacific.

Note: Across the state’s 17 cities in the study, the No. 53 average rank is a middle-of-the-pack grade on the 100-city national scale for monetary woes.

Jonathan Lansner is the business columnist for the Southern California News Group. He can be reached at jlansner@scng.com

Finance

Why Chime Financial Stock Surged Nearly 14% Higher Today | The Motley Fool

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

Why Chime Financial Stock Surged Nearly 14% Higher Today | The Motley Fool

The up-and-coming fintech scored a pair of fourth-quarter beats.

Diversified fintech Chime Financial (CHYM +12.88%) was playing a satisfying tune to investors on Thursday. The company’s stock flew almost 14% higher that trading session, thanks mostly to a fourth quarter that featured notably higher-than-expected revenue guidance.

Sweet music

Chime published its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results just after market close on Wednesday. For the former period, the company’s revenue was $596 million, bettering the same quarter of 2024 by 25%. The company’s strongest revenue stream, payments, rose 17% to $396 million. Its take from platform-related activity rose more precipitously, advancing 47% to $200 million.

Image source: Getty Images.

Meanwhile, Chime’s net loss under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) more than doubled. It was $45 million, or $0.12 per share, compared with a fourth-quarter 2024 deficit of $19.6 million.

On average, analysts tracking the stock were modeling revenue below $578 million and a deeper bottom-line loss of $0.20 per share.

In its earnings release, Chime pointed to the take-up of its Chime Card as a particular catalyst for growth. Regarding the product, the company said, “Among new member cohorts, over half are adopting Chime Card, and those members are putting over 70% of their Chime spend on the product, which earns materially higher take rates compared to debit.”

Today’s Change

(12.88%) $2.72

Current Price

$23.83

Key Data Points

Market Cap

$7.9B

Day’s Range

$22.30 – $24.63

52wk Range

$16.17 – $44.94

Volume

562K

Avg Vol

3.3M

Gross Margin

86.34%

Double-digit growth expected

Chime management proffered revenue and non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) guidance for full-year 2026. The company expects to post a top line of $627 million to $637 million, which would represent at least 21% growth over the 2024 result. Adjusted EBITDA should be $380 million to $400 million. No net income forecasts were provided in the earnings release.

It isn’t easy to find a niche in the financial industry, which is crowded with companies offering every imaginable type of service to clients. Yet Chime seems to be achieving that, as the Chime Card is clearly a hit among the company’s target demographic of clientele underserved by mainstream banks. This growth stock is definitely worth considering as a buy.