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.

UPCOMING FINTECH SEMINAR

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

PAST SEMINAR

Date Topic Speaker
23 May 2023 Data Collaboration and Governance
  • Ms. Charlotte WONG , Managing Director, Chief Information Officer Hong Kong, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation 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
18 Apr 2023 Application of Technology on Sovereign Credit Assessment
  • Mr. Dan CHAN, Director, Product Specialist Group (PSG), Fitch Solutions
  • 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 Mar 2023 Capturing the future of virtual assets
  • Mr. Robert LUI, Hong Kong Digital Asset Leader and Audit & Assurance Partner Deloitte China
  • Prof. Chun Kwong CHAN, Programme Director, MSc FinTech, Faculty of Engineering Professor of Practice in FinTech Secretary, CUHK Engineering FinTech Applied Research (CEFAR) Academy
7 Feb 2023 Sustainability Initiatives: Challenges around Operational Resilience, Cloud and ESG Implementation
  • 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
17 Jan 2023 Riding on Digital Innovation to Achieving Winning Position
  • Ms Jennifer Tan, Chief Executive of Alipay Financial Services (HK) Limited; Executive Vice President – Strategy Development and Government Affairs, GBA of 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
7 Dec 2022 Fintech in Algo Trading and 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
Topic:
Data Collaboration and Governance
Date:
23 May 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 collaboration involves sharing data across different industry sectors for mutual benefits. Collaboration allows businesses to access a broader range of data, which can be used to improve decision-making, research, and innovation. By sharing data, organizations can gain insights that they would not have been able to obtain otherwise, leading to improved efficiencies and cost savings. Data governance is critical to ensure that data is managed ethically and securely. It involves establishing policies, procedures, and standards to ensure data is accurate, accessible, and protected. Such frameworks should consider legal and regulatory compliance, risk management, and ethical considerations. In addition, they should ensure that data is shared in a transparent and accountable manner, with appropriate measures in place to safeguard against misuse or abuse. Data collaboration across industries has the potential to drive significant value. Still, it requires careful consideration of data governance principles to ensure that it is done in a responsible and trustworthy manner.

Speaker(s)

  • Ms. Charlotte WONG , Managing Director, Chief Information Officer Hong Kong, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation 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

Ms. Charlotte WONG
Managing Director, Chief Information Officer Hong Kong, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Charlotte Wong is a seasoned banking and technology professional with over 20 years of experience. Since joining HSBC in 2001, Charlotte has held several key leadership positions across technology teams globally and regionally, in the domains of Global Markets, Securities Services and Wholesale. She is recently appointed as the Chief Information Officer Hong Kong of HSBC, leading the technology and transformation agenda to deliver faster, easier and more secure digital banking.

Charlotte graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Information Systems, and she also holds a Master of Engineering Degree in System Engineering and Management from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Charlotte is very passionate in education, especially how technology could enable quality and assessable education. Outside her professional role, she volunteers as a Girl Guide/Scout commissioner and leader and is an active member in the global Girl Guiding and Scouting movement, in advocating leadership development for girls and young women. She is also pursuing a Master of Education degree and acts as the technology advisor of an EdTech start-up in 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:
Application of Technology on Sovereign Credit Assessment
Date:
18 Apr 2023
Time:
5:20pm - 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

Country analysis plays a vital part in the credit analysis process. It is not limited to assessing direct exposure to the sovereign, like investing in sovereign bonds. However, it also impacts the creditworthiness of their financial institutions and corporates in their jurisdictions. Dan will explain how the technology enables you to analyze the country's credit risk more efficiently in this session.
Registration link:

Speaker(s)

  • Mr. Dan CHAN, Director, Product Specialist Group (PSG), Fitch Solutions

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. Dan CHAN
Director, Product Specialist Group (PSG), Fitch Solutions
Mr. Dan Chan is a director of our Product Specialist Group. He has been working with Fitch for 7 years. Prior to Fitch, Dan has worked in the credit area for 15 years, including credit risk model development, regulatory compliance advisory, and corporate credit analytics roles at S&P, Ernst & Young, and DBS Bank. Dan holds two master's degrees, one in Finance and another in Information & Technology Management, and is currently pursuing his doctoral degree with a research topic about bank credit ratings. Here is the link for his profile on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-chan-5733211/ .
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:
Capturing the future of virtual assets
Date:
14 Mar 2023
Time:
5:20pm - 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

The Hong Kong government is prepared to embrace this future, and welcome the clustering of FinTech and virtual asset community and talents in Hong Kong, and Hong Kong will promote the sustainable development of financial services across the whole virtual asset value chain. Let’s explore how Hong Kong can be an inclusive & global place and open for the innovators engaging in the virtual assets business under an appropriate regulatory framework.

Speaker(s)

  • Mr. Robert LUI, Hong Kong Digital Asset Leader and Audit & Assurance Partner Deloitte China

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 and Audit & Assurance Partner Deloitte China

Mr. Robert Lui is the Hong Kong Digital Asset Leader, Southern Region Government Affairs Unit leader, Capital Market Services Group-Southern Region Offering Services Leader and Audit & Assurance partner of Deloitte China. He has over twenty years working experience in Deloitte China. Over the years, Robert has provided audit & assurance, digitalization, merger & acquisition services to listed companies, growth enterprises and overseas companies. In addition, he is responsible for the affairs and relationship with the Government Units and the development of the Greater Bay Area.

Being the Capital Market Services Group Leader of Deloitte China Southern Region, Robert assisted more than fifty entities in their initial public offerings in The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong 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:
Sustainability Initiatives: Challenges around Operational Resilience, Cloud and ESG Implementation
Date:
7 Feb 2023
Time:
5:30pm - 6:15pm
Venue:
Sapphire Room, CUHK Business School Town Centre (Unit B, 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong)
Language:
English

Abstract

In today's environment, Operational Resilience tools enable market participants (MPs) to safeguard themselves from potential threats and failures, adapt, respond, recover and also learn from disruptive events. This is critical in order to minimize the impact on the delivery of its critical services and product offerings. Also, Cloud is another key area of focus that offers a number of benefits for MPs such as increased security, faster processing speeds, and lower cost. However, the over-reliance on one cloud service provider may introduce concentration risk. Finally, key sustainable ESG initiatives such as the creation of a structured approach for flushing out and measuring the downsides and upsides of external engagement are critical. Managers who know their external value at stake (eVAS) will not only know whether they have the appropriate risk mitigation strategy but are more likely to shift their organization to attain and maintain it.

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
Topic:
Riding on Digital Innovation to Achieving Winning Position
Date:
17 Jan 2023
Time:
5:30pm - 6:15pm
Venue:
Sapphire Room, CUHK Business School Town Centre (Unit B, 1/F, Bank of America Tower, 12 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong)
Language:
English

Abstract

Digital transformation is one of the key conversations across businesses, however, there have been many failure cases. Can companies really ride on digital innovation to build successful business models and gain winning market position? In the sharing, we use real cases to illustrate how digital innovation brings new experience to users and helps companies to grow business opportunities and sustain their leadership.

Speaker(s)

  • Ms Jennifer Tan, Chief Executive of Alipay Financial Services (HK) Limited; Executive Vice President – Strategy Development and Government Affairs, GBA of 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

Ms Jennifer Tan
Chief Executive of Alipay Financial Services (HK) Limited; Executive Vice President – Strategy Development and Government Affairs, GBA of Ant Group

Jennifer is a highly respected accounting professional and Fintech leader who has taken on senior management roles for over two decades. She is recently elected as the Global Council Member of ACCA for 2022-2025. In 2021, she was winner of the Outstanding Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award and was named by the Fintech Magazine as one of Fintech’s Top 100 Leaders in a global league table. In 2019, she was named ACCA Advocate of the Year, both for Hong Kong and Greater China, and was the Chairlady of ACCA Hong Kong for 2021/22. Jennifer is also the consultative and advisory panel member of Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation and the EXCO Member of the FinTech Specialist Group of Hong Kong Computer Society

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:
Fintech in Algo Trading and Asset Management
Date:
7 Dec 2022
Time:
4:30am - 5:30am
Venue:
Emerald Room, CUHK Business School Town Centre
Language:
English

Abstract

In this talk, the speaker will share the future outlook of algo trading in Hong Kong from a perspective of a FinTech company focusing on algo trading for years. In particular, Dr Alfred Ma will share his point of view on how easy/difficult a retail investor can deploy their only algo trading strategies and what the implications would be accordingly. Some differences between algo trading at the retail level and institutional level will also be discussed. Academic research as well as his experience in algo trading started from 2009 will be shared.

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