The CEFAR Academy organizes various public events including competitions, seminars and conferences from time to time to promote FinTech applied research with support from industry and academic partners.

The CUHK FinTech Seminar Series is co-organized by the CEFAR Academy and the Asia-Pacific Institute of Business (APIB). Industry practitioners are invited to campus to share their areas of expertise. We see the advantage of bringing together the academia and industry experts, providing a platform to carry out fruitful and productive discussions, encourage the exchange of ideas and promote future collaboration opportunities. CUHK students may also widen their exposure and receive some enlightenment in their career development.

UPCOMING FINTECH SEMINAR

Topic:
Innovating Together: Unlocking Value Through Fintech Partnerships
Date:
15 Oct 2024
Time:
5:30pm - 6:15pm
Venue:
Emerald Room, CUHK Business School Town Centre (Unit B, 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong)
Language:
English

Abstract

This seminar focuses on the strategic partnership achievements of Hang Seng Bank and highlights key fintech projects. It illustrates how collaboration with industry partners enhances innovation and customer experiences while streamlining operations and adapting to the evolving financial landscape. The seminar showcases successful initiatives that demonstrate the shared value created and emphasising the importance of strategic alliances in unlocking new opportunities and driving growth in the fintech sector

Speaker(s)

  • Ms. Nancy Cheng , Head of Partnership and Innovation, Hang Seng Bank

Moderator

  • Prof. Chun Kwong Chan, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy

BIOGRAPHY

Ms. Nancy Cheng
Head of Partnership and Innovation, Hang Seng Bank

Ms. Nancy Cheng currently serves as the Head of Partnership and Innovation at Hang Seng Bank. In her position, she is responsible for overseeing firm-wide innovation projects and strategic partnerships, focusing on areas such as the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and the development of new business models with innovation companies.

Before joining Hang Seng, Nancy gained extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions across various industries. Additionally, she possesses a strong background in the insurance sector from her tenure at a regional insurance firm.

Prof. Chun Kwong Chan
Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
Topic:
**The topic of the upcoming seminar is yet to be confirmed, please stay tuned for further updates**
Date:
19 Nov 2024
Time:
5:30pm - 6:15pm
Venue:
CUHK Business School Town Centre (Unit B, 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong)
Language:
English
Registration link:
Topic:
**The topic of the upcoming seminar is yet to be confirmed, please stay tuned for further updates**
Date:
17 Dec 2024
Time:
5:30pm - 6:15pm
Venue:
CUHK Business School Town Centre (Unit B, 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong)
Language:
English

PAST SEMINAR

Date Topic Speaker
16 Apr 2024 The Role of AI in Asset Management
  • Dr. Alfred Ma , Managing Director, CASH Algo Finance Group
  • Prof. Chun Kwong Chan, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
19 Mar 2024 Emerging Market Trends in Digital Asset Applications
  • Mr. Robert Lui, Hong Kong Digital Asset Leader, Capital Market Services Group Hong Kong Offering Services Leader, and Audit & Assurance Partner of Deloitte China - Deloitte
  • Prof. Chun Kwong Chan, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
27 Feb 2024 Innovation in Asset Management
  • Ms. Brit Blakeney, SVP, Digital Strategy & Wealth Management – Asia, Franklin Templeton
  • Prof. Chun Kwong Chan, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
30 Jan 2024 Innovative banking solution to meet SME customers need
  • Mr. John Wong, Managing Director, Head of Global Payments Solutions, Hang Seng Bank
  • Prof. Chun Kwong Chan, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
5 Dec 2023 Reshaping The Finance Industry With Pioneering AI Applications
  • Mr. Derrick Loi, General Manager for International Business, Digital Technologies in Ant Group.
  • Prof. Chun Kwong CHAN, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
14 Nov 2023 Leveraging Data In Financial Market Transparency And Investment Decisions
  • Ms Emily Chan, Bloomberg Analytics
  • Prof. Kyson Ho, Associate Professor of Practice Centre for Financial Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
4 Oct 2023 The Role of AI in ESG practices
  • Dr. Rajeev CHIB, Asia Pacific –CAO Financial Institutions Sales & Solutions, Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited
  • Prof. Chun Kwong CHAN, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering; Professor of Practice in FinTech; Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
Topic:
The Role of AI in Asset Management
Date:
16 Apr 2024
Time:
5:30pm - 6:15pm
Venue:
Emerald Room, CUHK Business School Town Centre (Unit B, 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong)
Language:
English

Abstract

In this Seminar, Dr. Ma will present a few of the latest outcomes achieved through the application of AI in asset management. For predictive AI, quantamental models with AI have been applied in a public fund. While the results are promising, it remains challenging to incorporate all risk factors. For generative AI, Large Language Models (LLM) have been used to assist and streamline algo trading strategies selection and deployment. Dr. Ma will showcase a prototype model to illustrate its potential applications and associated challenges.

Speaker(s)

  • Dr. Alfred Ma , Managing Director, CASH Algo Finance Group

Moderator

  • Prof. Chun Kwong Chan, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Alfred Ma
Managing Director, CASH Algo Finance Group

Dr. Alfred MA is a FinTech practitioner and researcher. He holds a PhD in Operations Research from Columbia University, and an MPhil and BSc in Mathematics from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is a CFA charter holder, Professional Risk Manager (PRM), Associate of Society of Actuaries (ASA), and Chartered Engineer (CEng). He has more than 5 years of full-time and part-time teaching experience in quantitative finance area in the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, City University of Hong Kong and Lingnan University. He has published more than 20 articles in peer-reviewed journals including Journal of Computational Finance, Journal of Financial Data Science, and Journal of Trading.

Alfred is now a managing director in CASH Algo Finance Group (CAFG) which started the first algo trading strategy in 2009 and officially entered the FinTech space at HKSTP in 2016. CAFG obtained the various FinTech awards including Fintech of the year 2018 (start up) by etnet. It managed funds both in Hong Kong and China. CAFG has also been training new algo trading strategists in Hong Kong and organized two times inter-university algo trading competition with participants from top universities in both Hong Kong and China including Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Fudan University.
Prof. Chun Kwong Chan
Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
Topic:
Emerging Market Trends in Digital Asset Applications
Date:
19 Mar 2024
Time:
5:30pm - 6:15pm
Venue:
Emerald Room, CUHK Business School Town Centre (Unit B, 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong)
Language:
English

Abstract

In the digital era, economies around the world are seizing opportunities presented by digital asset while ensuring risk management and regulatory compliance. In June 2023, Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission introduced a regulatory framework for virtual asset trading platforms which aims to support the industry's orderly and sustainable development. To delve into what lies ahead, this session will explore the significance of Hong Kong's ongoing collaboration with international markets in order to ensure that our city's digital asset and Web3 policies align with global standards, thereby fostering broader market adoption. Furthermore, we will discuss emerging market trends in digital asset applications across various industries, including topics such as tokenization, blockchain-based payment solutions, and more.

Speaker(s)

  • Mr. Robert Lui, Hong Kong Digital Asset Leader, Capital Market Services Group Hong Kong Offering Services Leader, and Audit & Assurance Partner of Deloitte China - Deloitte

Moderator

  • Prof. Chun Kwong Chan, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Robert Lui
Hong Kong Digital Asset Leader, Capital Market Services Group Hong Kong Offering Services Leader, and Audit & Assurance Partner of Deloitte China - Deloitte

Robert Lui is Hong Kong Digital Asset Leader, Capital Market Services Group Hong Kong Offering Services Leader, and Audit & Assurance partner of Deloitte China.

Overseeing Deloitte’s digital asset program in Hong Kong, Robert works closely with regulators, trading platforms, custodians, and asset managers on licensing, compliance review, and security token offering projects. With over 20 years of professional experience, he has led over 50 IPO engagements with listed companies, growth enterprises and overseas corporations in a broad range of industries, covering audit & assurance, digitalization, and mergers & acquisition services.

As a Member of the HKSAR Government’s Task Force on Promoting Web3 Development, Robert plays an active role in supporting the growth of Hong Kong’s digital asset and Web3 ecosystem. His other key external appointments include Divisional President of Greater China for CPA Australia, Board Director of the Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute, and Council Member and Court Member of the City University of Hong Kong.

Prof. Chun Kwong Chan
Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
Topic:
Innovation in Asset Management
Date:
27 Feb 2024
Time:
5:30pm - 6:15pm
Venue:
Emerald Room, CUHK Business School Town Centre (Unit B, 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong)
Language:
English

Abstract

In this Seminar, Ms. Blakeney will share with us about the innovation in asset management through the experience of Franklin Templeton (FT). We will learn from her about how wealthtech has been driving innovation forward at FT. Some AI initiatives, digital assets & tokenization of funds and the Bitcoin ETF recently launched by the firm in the US, will be discussed. We will also explore together the role that the digital wealth team plays in this broad endeavour, digital distribution in asset management, and the evolving role of the advisor.

Speaker(s)

  • Ms. Brit Blakeney, SVP, Digital Strategy & Wealth Management – Asia, Franklin Templeton

Moderator

  • Prof. Chun Kwong Chan, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy

BIOGRAPHY

Ms. Brit Blakeney
SVP, Digital Strategy & Wealth Management – Asia, Franklin Templeton

Brit Blakeney is Senior Vice President in the Digital Advisory & Wealth Management group for the Asia Pacific Region of Franklin Templeton. Based in Hong Kong, Brit is focused on driving the digital product and tech-enabled distribution strategy, working with internal partners and clients. Brit also oversees research, commercial partnerships, strategic acquisitions, and investments into distribution related fintech firms in Asia.

Prior to this role, Brit was Head of Innovation and Ecosystems for DBS Bank Hong Kong. Brit has also held senior positions at major data & analytics, media and internet companies, such as Dun & Bradstreet, AOL and Univision, and helped launch and run several successful internet and financial startups.

Brit holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Georgetown University and also studied at the Université Stendhal in Grenoble, France. She is on the WealthTech and InvestTech committee of the FinTech Association of Hong Kong, a member of Women in Tech Hong Kong, a founding Advisory Committee member of CEFAR (CUHK Engineering, Fintech and Applied Research Academy), Greater Bay Fintech Talent Initiative Advisor, and is a regular speaker at industry events across Asia.

Prof. Chun Kwong Chan
Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
Topic:
Innovative banking solution to meet SME customers need
Date:
30 Jan 2024
Time:
5:30pm - 6:15pm
Venue:
Emerald Room, CUHK Business School Town Centre (Unit B, 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong)
Language:
English

Abstract

In this presentation, we will examine the digital transformation journey of SME customers and focus on the valuable support provided by banks, specifically referencing the experience of Hang Seng. We will discuss how these banks help SMEs achieve their business goals by maximizing sales, enhancing operating efficiency, and effectively managing operating costs through the implementation of innovative banking solutions.
Registration link:

Speaker(s)

  • Mr. John Wong, Managing Director, Head of Global Payments Solutions, Hang Seng Bank

Moderator

  • Prof. Chun Kwong Chan, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. John Wong
Managing Director, Head of Global Payments Solutions, Hang Seng Bank

Transaction Banker of the Year by The Asian Banker (2018)

SME Banker of the Year by The Asset (2018 & 2023)

John is currently responsible for Hang Seng wholesale banking cash management business and strategy with coverage across sales, product management, digital banking channel development and client implementation. He has thorough knowledge and solid experience on commercial banking.

John is a solid commercial banking executive with proven track record in delivering exceptional strong and sustainable business result. He possesses over 30 years of banking experience and specialized on transaction banking. Prior to joining Hang Seng Bank in 2015, John spent 25 years with Standard Chartered Hong Kong and China. He has successful career span in leading business transformation and managing changes effectively. He is an active influencer on digital innovation and latest banking development eg like CBDC.

John has strong leadership and has Asia Pacific working experience in Hong Kong, China and a few APR countries. He got multi-cultural appreciation in working with people of different nationalities and background. He was named Transaction Banker of the Year by The Asian Banker and SME Banker of the Year by The Asset in 2018 & 2023 respectively.  John holds an MBA from the Henley Management College in the UK.

Prof. Chun Kwong Chan
Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
Topic:
Reshaping The Finance Industry With Pioneering AI Applications
Date:
5 Dec 2023
Time:
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Venue:
Emerald Room, CUHK Business School Town Centre (Unit B, 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong)
Language:
English

Supporting Organization:

 

Hong Kong Computer Society

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the finance industry in unprecedented ways. AI-powered algorithms, machine learning models, and cognitive automation are enabling new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and innovation in various financial processes and services. In this presentation, we will explore how AI is reshaping the future of finance in Risk assessment, Fraud detection and Personalized services. However, AI also poses some challenges and opportunities for the finance industry, such as ethical issues, regulatory compliance, talent development, and competitive advantage.

Speaker(s)

  • Mr. Derrick Loi, General Manager for International Business, Digital Technologies in Ant Group.

Moderator

  • Prof. Chun Kwong CHAN, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy

BIOGRAPHY

Mr. Derrick Loi
General Manager for International Business, Digital Technologies in Ant Group.

Derrick has 25 years of regional P&L management experience in AI powered regtech, fraud prevention, cloud computing, AI/ML, Azure gaming infrastructure, enterprise data center, product management, managed security, data protection and managed services in Asia Pacific and global markets, responsible for direct sales, BD, partner sales, presales, product management, delivery and customer success.

His previous roles include GM, Apps and Infra, Azure at Microsoft Asia. Derrick's current role is General Manager for International Business, Digital Technologies in Ant Group. He leads a team of BDs, solutions architects, engineers and developers to grow the business from 0 to 1: productize, localize, deliver and manage various innovative fintech solutions and services (AI powered eKYC, eKYB, AML, fraud prevention, MPC credit rating, super-app, etc) for both internal Ant Group and external FSI, telco, govt customers.

Prof. Chun Kwong CHAN
Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
Topic:
Leveraging Data In Financial Market Transparency And Investment Decisions
Date:
14 Nov 2023
Time:
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Venue:
Emerald Room, CUHK Business School Town Centre (Unit B, 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong)
Language:
English

Abstract

Data is an increasing prominent element in decision making. With more data created every day, are we making the best use of it? Join us for a discussion on how you can gain insights from data and apply data analysis to everyday situations. Learn how better news, data, research and analytics potentially enhance financial market transparency and decision making.

Speaker(s)

  • Ms Emily Chan, Bloomberg Analytics

Moderator

  • Prof. Kyson Ho, Associate Professor of Practice Centre for Financial Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

BIOGRAPHY

Ms Emily Chan
Bloomberg Analytics

Emily has 10 years of experience in the financial data industry and currently works in Bloomberg. She is a staunch proponent of integrating the academia with industry practice – Emily is a university part-time lecturer and pioneered the development of finance laboratories in Hong Kong universities. She is an executive committee member of a number of professional and industrial organisations. Emily is an executive committee member of the HKUBBA Association, a member of the Chartered Market Technician Association, an external professional advisor for UOW College and a former committee member of the FinTech Association of Hong Kong. She routinely speaks in university guest lectures and industry conferences on technology, data and technical analysis. She served in the HKSAR Government as an Assistant Secretary, who is responsible for policy formulation, resource allocation and the promotion of the interests of the HKSAR.

Emily is an avid volunteer and scales the cultivation of financial and technological inclusion and literacy through her networks. She led Government-subvented volunteer organisations. Her work on youth development has been featured by the Government for public recognition.
 

Prof. Kyson Ho
Associate Professor of Practice Centre for Financial Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Topic:
The Role of AI in ESG practices
Date:
4 Oct 2023
Time:
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Venue:
Emerald Room, CUHK Business School Town Centre (Unit B, 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong)
Language:
English

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing ESG practices, empowering organizations to address sustainability challenges with greater precision and impact. By leveraging AI's data processing and analysis capabilities, companies can make informed decisions, drive positive social change, and achieve sustainable environmental outcomes. AI enables comprehensive ESG assessments by analyzing vast amounts of data, identifying patterns, and predicting risks and opportunities. It contributes to climate modeling, resource management, and sustainable agriculture, enabling timely interventions and informed decision-making for environmental sustainability.

Speaker(s)

  • Dr. Rajeev CHIB, Asia Pacific –CAO Financial Institutions Sales & Solutions, Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited

Moderator

  • Prof. Chun Kwong CHAN, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering; Professor of Practice in FinTech; Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Rajeev CHIB
Asia Pacific –CAO Financial Institutions Sales & Solutions, Citigroup Global Markets Asia Limited

Dr. Chib is a seasoned Capital Markets professional with 27 years international experience with leading banks based in Hong Kong, New York and Toronto. He is the Asia CAO - Financial Institutions Sales & Solutions at Citi based in Hong Kong.

Dr. Chib is also passionate about Responsible Finance, ESG, Diversity & Talent. He is engaged with several committees and industry associations including the Co-Chair of the COO Markets committee at ASIFMA; FinTech Association of Hong Kong, Canadian Chamber of Commerce and various ESG and Citi Talent related task forces. He is also involved with several mentorship programs.

Dr. Chib received his Doctorate degree in Business Administration in October 2020 from City University of Hong Kong in Organizational Behaviour and leadership with a focus on the younger generation within Financial Services. He has a MBA (Executive MBA) and a BSc. in Quantitative Economics (with honors) from University of Toronto.

Prof. Chun Kwong CHAN
Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering; Professor of Practice in FinTech; Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy