[2021 Asia Financial Forum] Taking Photos and Notes... The Heated Atmosphere on Site

Highlights of the 10th Anniversary Seoul Asia Financial Forum

On the 25th, a panel discussion chaired by Professor Hong Jong-ho of Seoul National University Graduate School of Environmental Studies is taking place at the 10th 2021 Seoul Asia Financial Forum held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, under the theme of future financial innovation and sustainable growth. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] The ‘10th 2021 Seoul Asia Financial Forum’ hosted by Asia Economy on the 25th saw a large attendance of key figures from the financial and capital markets despite the impact of COVID-19, confirming the intense enthusiasm surrounding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), a recent hot topic.

Attendees exchanged opinions and shared concerns on financial innovation strategies through ESG, which has emerged as both a survival value and a challenge for companies.

The event, held at the Grand Ballroom of the Westin Chosun Hotel on Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, was equipped with thermal scanners for COVID-19 prevention, and thorough measures such as pre-event temperature checks and hand sanitizers were in place to guard against possible infections.

Additionally, the event was conducted in a hybrid format, both online and offline, strictly adhering to quarantine rules including indoor mask-wearing. Attendees who arrived early on a rainy morning greeted each other warmly while maintaining social distancing.

During the VIP tea time, various conversations took place. Eun Sung-soo, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, who attended to deliver congratulatory remarks, engaged in discussions on financial issues with heads of financial associations, related institutions, and financial holding company chairpersons. Notably, Chairman Eun extended the scheduled photo session as he exchanged views with financial holding company chairpersons on virtual currencies, which have recently become a widespread social issue.

Eun Sung-soo, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, along with heads of major commercial banks and representatives of financial institutions, are exchanging opinions on the 25th at the Grand Ballroom of The Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, ahead of the '10th 2021 Seoul Asia Financial Forum' hosted by Asia Economy. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Kim Kwang-soo, Chairman of the Korea Federation of Banks, emphasized, "Although there are many virtual currency investors and growing concerns, there is little that the banking sector can do at this point." He added, "The Federation has created standard guidelines including evaluation factors for banks that enter into contracts to issue real-name accounts with virtual currency exchanges, but the prevailing attitude is still to observe the situation, so banking sector movements may not be very active."

Jung Hee-soo, Chairman of the Life Insurance Association, said, "It is very gratifying that the interest in ESG management has grown socially beyond the financial sector since CEOs of insurance companies gathered last February to declare ESG management." He added, "I hope this event will serve as a catalyst for preparing the future and contemplating the role of ESG and finance."

Yu Myung-soon, the only female executive present and CEO of Citibank Korea, was notably seen conversing with CEOs of internet banks.

On the same day, Cho Hong-rae, CEO of Korea Investment Trust Management, who launched two types of active Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), described ETFs as "products that will change the market landscape." He assessed, "Currently, growth stocks such as electric vehicles are in a lull, but their growth potential has not disappeared," adding, "It will be a timing to take a breather."

Interest in ‘ESG,’ an essential topic in the financial sector, was hotter than expected. Due to social distancing measures such as spacing seats, some audience members stood to listen to the lectures. Some attendees were seen taking notes or photos of presentations by world-renowned scholars on ESG. One attendee even requested additional event booklets from the organizers.

Financial Services Commission Chairman Eun Sung-soo delivers a congratulatory speech at the 10th 2021 Seoul Asia Financial Forum held on the theme of future financial innovation and sustainable growth at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 25th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.