At Sibos 2024, thought leaders and experts will share insights on a wide range of sustainability and diversity issues. Here’s just a taste of what’s in store.</em></p> Sibos is an important opportunity to discuss how we can create a more accessible, inclusive and diverse financial industry. This includes how we ensure underserved markets can access the services they need, and how we manage the people within our organisations. Read on for a preview of some of the sessions featured on the programme</a>.</p> 11.15 CST, Monday 21 October</strong></h5> Future of financial inclusion – a view from APAC</strong></p> The APAC region is experiencing a financial revolution, but millions remain unbanked. We’ll explore the unique challenges, from digital divides to regulatory hurdles, examining the roadblocks to financial access. Author Tudor Finneran, Xu Hu from the Chinese Academy of Financial Inclusion at the Renmin University of China and Josef Jelinek from Kapronasia will discuss how mobile wallets, AI and blockchain will help shape a more inclusive financial landscape, and how governments, financial institutions and startups can work together to empower the unbanked.</p> 14:00, Monday 21 October</strong></h5> Securities 2030: A global vision for accessibility, fairness and speed</strong></p> Technology, demographics and regulation are fast transforming global capital markets. Technology like blockchain promises to provide more access to wealth creation, improve funding opportunities for traditionally underserved sectors, and make instant atomic settlement the new norm. Younger generations, digital natives and more ESG-driven consumers are demanding new investment paradigms. And regulators are pushing forward new measures to constantly balance innovation and end-investor protection. What does all this mean? Join Gary O’Brien from BNP Paribas, Stanley Chan from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Fiona Horsewill of HSBC and Yabing Hu from ICBC to consider what the securities industry might look like in just a few years’ time.</p> 15:00, Monday 21 October</strong></h5> Big Issue Debate: Can better collaboration create a more inclusive digital economy?</strong></p> In our increasingly interconnected world, international payments have taken centre stage. The value of global trade has doubled in four of the last five decades. More and more migrant workers need to send funds home to their families. And e-commerce is opening up the world to smaller companies more easily than ever. Financial institutions play an essential role in supporting economic development across all these areas and more. But are we getting it right? How can the industry work better together to make finance more inclusive and accessible, aligned with the G20’s goals, to create a fairer, stronger and more sustainable global economy? Join Burcu Civelek Yüce of Akbank, Steven Beck from the Asian Development Bank, Jean-François Denis from BNP Paribas, J.P. Morgan's Natasha Condon and Arundhati Bhattacharya from Salesforce, India to learn more.</p> 10.30, Wednesday 23 October</strong></h5> Managing transition finance in the age of sustainability: How international financial centres are paving the way to net zero</strong></p> We examine the pivotal role IFCs play in driving the transition to a sustainable, net-zero economy. As industries decarbonise, financial institutions and advisory firms are at the forefront of enabling this transformation and addressing the challenges involved. We’ll discuss how the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) is working with their ecosystems and globally to provide the finance and expertise needed to deliver an accelerated and just transition. Soongoo Ahn from Busan Finance Center, TheCityUK’s Nicola Watkinson, King Lun Au from the Financial Services Development Council and Hubertus Vaeth of Frankfurt Main Finance will delve into the latest success stories, challenges, and ways of helping companies fund their transition.</p> 14:30, Wednesday 23 October</strong></h5> Leveraging diversity for innovation and growth</strong></p> Diversity is a source of strength, driving innovation, creativity and resilience in the face of evolving challenges and opportunities in financial services. How can we work together to help organisations achieve success? Lauren D'Arcy of Barclays, Bana Akkad and Fangfang Chen from BNY, Uday Sareen of ING and Violet Chung from McKinsey will explore how diverse perspectives, inclusive practices, and equitable policies can enhance competitiveness and contribute to sustainable economic growth.</p> 16:00, Wednesday 23 October</strong></h5> Empowering women to lead: Unveiling strategies for success</strong></p> Research consistently shows women leaders help increase productivity, enhance collaboration, inspire organisational dedication and improve fairness. We’re far from reaching gender parity, but ongoing industry efforts are paving the way for more women to rise through the ranks. Join Kanika Thakur from Citi, Serene Zhang from China Merchants Bank, Susan Yang of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Sofia Hammoucha of Standard Chartered as they talk through the key factors behind successful women leaders and actionable strategies to break through remaining barriers.</p> Sign up for the Sibos Sustainability Pledge</strong></p> Our sustainability initiatives</a> </a>at Sibos stretch far beyond the conference programme, and we’re inviting you to help #LeadTheChange by joining the Sibos Sustainability Pledge.</p> All you have to do is commit to at least five positive actions during Sibos week. Whether you use our free transport shuttles, choose a meat-free lunch or attend our Diversity, equity and inclusion networking event</a>, together we can make a huge difference.</p> Log into sibos.com</a> or click ‘More’ in the Sibos app to make your pledge!</p> Register today</a></em> </em></a>to secure your spot in Beijing. 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