Taiwan Financial Briefing Forum - London Edition
Unlocking Taiwan's Edge As Asia's Asset Management Hub
Forum
With Thanks To Our Event Sponsors:
With a solid industrial and economic foundation, a continuously open and optimised regulatory framework, and strong potential to connect with global capital markets, Taiwan is actively positioning itself as an asset management hub in Asia.
This forum, hosted by the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance (TABF), in collaboration with the Bankers Association of the Republic of China (BAROC) and Z/Yen Group, will focus on the latest developments in Taiwan’s financial markets, policy outlooks for establishing an Asian asset management center, and investment collaboration opportunities. Through policy sharing, expert insights, and roundtable discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s asset management potential and help build a platform for cross-border cooperation.
This event marks a pivotal opportunity to advance the global reach of Taiwan’s asset management industry, unlock new opportunities for international investors, and shape the future of the asset management landscape in Asia.
Speakers:
Professor Michael Mainelli MStJ PhD MPhil BA FCCA FCSI(Hon) FBCS FRSA CITP FIC CMC MEI is a qualified accountant, securities professional, computer specialist, and management consultant, educated at Harvard University and Trinity College Dublin. He gained his PhD at the London School of Economics where he was also Visiting Professor of Innovation & IT. Originally a research scientist in aerospace (rocket science) and computing (architecture & cartography), after directing mapping projects in Switzerland he became a senior partner with accountants BDO Binder Hamlyn directing global consulting, and Corporate Development Director for Europe’s largest R&D firm, then the Ministry of Defence’s 14,000 strong Defence Evaluation & Research Agency. During a mergers & acquisitions spell in merchant banking with Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, he founded Z/Yen in 1994, the City of London’s leading think-tank, promoting societal advance through better finance and technology, renowned for its Global Financial, Green Finance, and Smart Centres indices. Michael is the Alderman for the Broad Street ward, was a Sheriff of the City of London 2019-2021 and the 695th Lord Mayor of London for 2023-2024.
Dr Yi-Cheng Kao is the President of the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance, the foremost non-profit institution serving Taiwan’s banking industry, and a trusted platform promoting the development and advancement of Taiwan’s financial services. Dr. Kao holds a Ph.D. in International Business from National Taiwan University (NTU) and has served as Associate Professor of Economics at Fu Jen Catholic University and Adjunct Associate Professor at NTU. His tenure at Chung Yuan Christian University (CYCU) included significant contributions to institutional research, development, and accreditation through various administrative roles. Dr. Kao has been recognized for his dedication to education and research, receiving honors such as the Outstanding Mentor Award from CYCU and the Outstanding Teaching Award from NTU. His research has been published in leading academic journals such as Games and Economic Behavior. His advisory work with the Executive Yuan’s Economic Development Committee reflects his commitment to fostering fiscal stability, inclusive finance, and sustainable growth, with a focus on supporting SMEs and promoting equitable economic development.
Representative Vincent Yao has assumed the post as the Representative of Taipei Representative Office in the United Kingdom since January 2024. Prior to his current post, Representative Yao was the Director General of the Department of European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), from October 2022 to January 2024. Representative Yao was involved in European affairs first in July 2020 when he was appointed as the Representative of Taipei Mission in Sweden. In that position he also covered Taiwan-Norway relationship. Before his work in Stockholm, Representative Yao has had extensive experience in Taiwan-US relations and had held numerous senior positions with regard to north American affairs, including Director General for North American Affairs at MOFA (December 2018-July 2020), and Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Seattle, U.S. (September 2016-December 2018).
Phil C.C. Tong leads the regulation and supervision of the banking industry, with a focus on maintaining financial stability, safeguarding financial consumers, and advancing policy alignment with international standards. Prior to assuming his current role, he served as Director General of the Financial Examination Bureau. He also held several key positions at the FSC, including Deputy Director General and Chief Secretary of the Banking Bureau, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning, and Senior Executive Officer in Legal Affairs. Mr. Tong joined the FSC in 2001 and, in 2005, was seconded to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), where he served as an Associate Manager in the Central Asia Department. During his one-year tenure, he was responsible for credit analysis of financial institutions and related operations. Prior to his public service, Mr. Tong worked as a chief dealer on the foreign exchange and money market desk at Taiwan Cooperative Bank. He was also an experienced lecturer at the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance. Mr. Tong holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Finance from Loyola Marymount University in the United States, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from National Chengchi University in Taiwan.
Douglas Hansen-Luke founded Future Planet Capital in 2015 with a vision to connect the world’s biggest investors to the brightest minds to address global challenges profitably. He has had an extensive career in global finance and as an entrepreneur in London, Hong Kong and the Middle East with a focus on emerging markets and asset classes. Douglas worked for firms including Bain & Co, Salomon Brothers and ABN AMRO and co-founded Hong Kong’s first regulated online equity research firm. In his early years he ran the Oxford University newspaper and worked as an occasional freelance reporter including assignments to Afghanistan and Xinjiang. Douglas enjoys endurance travel and community projects. He led the first motorcycle expedition from India to the UK through the Former Soviet Union and crewed the winning boat in the inaugural Philippine Hobie Challenge long distance race. He has sat on the Committee of the Royal British Legion Ball and the Jesus College, Oxford, Campaign Board and has led access to finance groups to Rwanda for Project Umubano. He holds a degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
Date
Tuesday, 30 September 2025
Time
14:30 - 17:00 BST
Cost
Invitation only (contact Sasha_Davis@zyen.com for registration)
For more information please contact Sasha Davis at sasha_davis@zyen.com
Speaker(s):
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Professor Michael Mainelli
Chairman
Z/Yen Group
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Dr Kao Yi-Cheng
President
Taiwan Academy of Banking And Finance
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Vincent Yao
Representative
Taipei Representative Office In The United Kingdom
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Phil Chen-Chang Tong
Director General
Banking Bureau Of Financial Supervisory Commission
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Douglas Hansen-Luke
Founder
Future Planet Capital
Location
Innholders' Hall
30 College Street
London
EC4R 2RH
