The Asian Bankers Associations’s 39^th ABA General Meeting and Conference hosted by the Nepal Bankers Association (NBA) will be held on November 9-10, 2023 in Kathmandu, Nepal.

This year’s annual conference is doubly significant since not only is it the first face-to-face gathering that ABA members from all over Asia will have since the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, but it will also the first time that the ABA will be holding its  annual Conference in Nepal.

Focusing on the theme “ASIAN BANKING: ROADMAP FOR RECOVERY AND SUSTAINED GROWTH”, the two-day event is designed to provide another valuable platform for ABA members to meet and network with each other, as well as to exchange views with invited experts, government officials, regulators and high-level bankers from Asia Pacific and beyond.

Invited Speakers will be addressing the following relevant and timely topics:

• Global Market Trends Shaping the Future of Banking
• Digital Transformation: Enabling Digital Trust and Adoption of AI
• ESG Banking Strategy: Integrating Policy, Principle and Profit
• CEO Forum: Managing in Uncertainty and a Changing Environment  

 

 

THE PROGRAM

39th ABA General Meeting and Conference

November 9-10, 2023, Soaltee Hotel, Kathmandu, Nepal

 

November 9, 2023

08:30-18:00 Registration

09:00-09:30 Official Welcome

• Welcome Statement: Mr. Sunil KC, President, Nepal Bankers Association
• Special Address: H.E. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Prime Minister of Nepal

09:30-12:00 Special Session on “Connecting and Exploring Opportunities with ABA”

Brief country presentations by selected ABA member banks on the economy and the financial markets in their respective countries, or on special programs, projects, products or services that have benefited their customer base or the community they serve and may be adapted by member banks from other countries.

• Hatton National Bank
• Bank Pasargad
• Vietcombank (TBC)
• Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (TBC)

12:15-14:00 Lunch

14:15-15:30 Host Bank Session organized by Nepal Bankers Association

15:30-18:00 B2B / Networking Session

15:30-16:30  ABA Policy Advocacy Committee Meeting

14:30-15:30 ABA Advisory Council Meeting (ABA members only)

15:30-16:14 Election Committee Meeting (ABA members only)

16:30-18:00 61st ABA Board of Directors’ Meeting (ABA members only)

18:30-21:30 Welcome Cocktails/Dinner

 

November 10, 2023

 

39th ABA General Meeting and Conference

Asian Banking: Raodmap for Revovery and Sustained Growth

 

A combination of well-established forces and recent developments is reshaping banking. The global economy is becoming increasingly digitalised, and some of the emerging technologies have the potential to be truly transformative, even as they pose new challenges. At the same time, fintech innovators have emerged into the scene, equipped with capital and chasing scale ahead of financial returns, while new consumer trends continue to re-shape the evolving role of banks. Industry leaders recognize they need to accelerate change—not only to compete but to find new paths to growth – as they see the importance of developing and improving the resilience of the banking system. The Conference this year aims to provide ABA members the opportunity to discuss and exchange views on how various emerging challenges and trends they are facing today are coming together to influence the future of banking.

09:00-09:40 Opening Ceremony

• Welcome Statement: Sunil KC, President, Nepal Bankers Association
• Welcome Remarks: Eugene S. Acevedo, Chairman, Asian Bankers Association
• Keynote Address: CA Maha Prasad Adhikari, Governor of Nepal

09:45-10:00 Coffee Break

09:45-10:30 Press Conference

 

10:00-11:00 Plenary Session 1: Global Market Trends Shaping the Future of Banking

This session will examine the macroeconomic trends impacting the banking system and its future development. Invited speakers will share their perspectives on how to leverage on banking disruptors, the need for developing the right talent for the current market environment, the challenges posed by geopolitical risks, the impact of inflation and how rising interest rates are catalyzing product innovation, the renewed focus on branches, the new world of possibilities opened up by metaverse, the growing demand for the right talents in the banking sector, and emerging risks particularly in the wake of bank closures in the West.

 

11:00–12:00 Plenary Session 2: Digital Transformation: Enabling Digital Trust and Adoption of AI

Digital technologies are driving innovation and change in the banking industry, which is undergoing significant transformation. Mobile banking, artificial intelligence and chatbots, open banking, and cryptocurrency are just a few of the digital banking trends reshaping the industry. As digital banking grows in popularity, cybersecurity will become even more important. To protect customer data and prevent cyberattacks, banks will need to invest in advanced cybersecurity measures. For instance, to identify and prevent fraud, advanced technologies, such as biometric authentication, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, will be used. This session will examine the need for banks to implement digital trust to prevent customer account takeover and credential thefts and how they can gain customer confidence with convenient digital trust solutions and services.

12:00 -13:30 Lunch

 

13:30-14:30 Plenary Session 3: ESG Banking Strategy: Integrating Policy, Principle and Profit

As the world grapples with environmental and social challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and governance failures, the importance of ESG considerations has never been more apparent. For banks, ESG is becoming an increasingly important aspect of doing business, as it can help manage risks, enhance reputation, meet regulatory requirements, drive innovation and increase access to capital. This session will explore the key trends currently driving ESG, how a forward-looking ESG data and technology road map can help banks get ahead of growing regulatory and consumer demands, how banks that prioritize ESG are likely to be better positioned for long-term success as they can help to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all stakeholders.

 

14:30-15:30 Plenary Session 4: CEO Forum: Managing in Uncertainty and a Changing Environment

The business landscape is becoming more unpredictable than ever due to economic slowdown or disruptions, increasing competition, technological advancements, trade tensions, environmental concerns, political unrest, and social change. Many business leaders agree that it is a tough time to be leading any business right now — including banking. To stand a chance of survival and achieve sustainable profits, they recognize that it is important for companies to prepare for uncertainty. This session will invite CEOs who will share their valuable perspectives on  the different kinds of uncertainty a business might face and how to adapt to and overcome the challenges.

15:30-16:00 39th ABA General Meeting Proper

16:00-18:00 B2B / Networking Session

16:15-18:00 62nd ABA Board of Directors’ Meeting: Part One (ABA members only).

16:15-18:00 62nd ABA Board of Directors’ Meeting: Part Two .(ABA members only).

18:30 Farewell Dinner

 

November 11. 2023

08:30-17:30 Optional Tour Program / Departure of Delegates

 

 

Conference Registration

 

We encourage you and your colleagues to join us in Kathmandu by visiting the Conference website at www.abaconference2023.com, which also includes hotel booking information and other relevant details.

Please register before September 30 to enjoy early bird rate.

Please click HERE to download the Complete Program Brochure.