HKMA and DFSA to co-host third Climate Finance Conference to drive transition in a changing world

On Mon, 10 Aug, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ("HKMA") and the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA") announced today (10 August) that the third edition of the HKMA-DFSA Joint Climate Finance Conference will take place on 10 September in Hong Kong. The conference is a flagship initiative jointly established by the HKMA and the DFSA to support and enable the continued development of climate finance across Asia and the Middle East. Themed Driving Transition in a Changing World, this year’s conference will also be a main event of the Hong Kong Green Week 2026. Supported by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and Nasdaq Dubai, the conference will convene corporate leaders, investors and policymakers to explore partnerships, financing solutions and innovations required to support a viable and credible green transition amid global uncertainty. Discussions will focus on the emerging and strategic sectors in Hong Kong and Dubai. Featuring keynote addresses, fireside chats, enlightening talks and panel discussions, the conference will also highlight how the two international financial centres can serve as catalysts of transition finance. Mr Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the HKMA, said, "As global uncertainty challenges green transition, leading sustainable finance hubs like Hong Kong and Dubai must align to drive capital towards real-world solutions. We are excited to facilitate the cross-regional dialogue, and look forward to moving beyond discussion to unlock tangible business and investment opportunities." Mr Mark Steward, Chief Executive of the DFSA, said, "This conference reflects the strong partnership between the DFSA and the HKMA, providing a valuable platform to exchange perspectives, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and support the continued development of sustainable finance across our regions."

Regulatory Mandates and Institutional Frameworks

The HKMA serves as Hong Kong’s central banking institution, with main functions including maintaining currency stability within the Linked Exchange Rate System, promoting the stability and integrity of the financial system, helping to maintain Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre, and managing the Exchange Fund. The DFSA acts as the independent regulator of financial services conducted in and from the Dubai International Financial Centre ("DIFC"), a purpose-built financial free zone in Dubai, UAE. The DFSA regulates and supervises financial services firms and markets in DIFC, including asset managers, banks, custody and trust services, commodities futures traders, fund managers, insurers and reinsurers, traders of securities and fintech firms. The DFSA is also responsible for the registration and oversight of Registered Auditors and Audit Principals in DIFC, including their continuing compliance with registration criteria and conduct of audits of Public Listed Companies, Authorised Firms, Authorised Market Institutions and Domestic Funds. Furthermore, the DFSA supervises exchanges and trading platforms for both conduct and prudential purposes, overseeing an international securities exchange (Nasdaq Dubai) and an international commodities derivatives exchange (Gulf Mercantile Exchange), while also supervising and enforcing anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism requirements applicable in DIFC.

Market Infrastructure and Exchange Operations

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited ("HKEX") is a publicly-traded company (HKEX Stock Code: 388) and one of the world’s leading global exchange groups, offering a range of equity, derivative, commodity, fixed income and other financial markets, products and services, including the London Metal Exchange. As a superconnector and gateway between East and West, HKEX facilitates the two-way flow of capital, ideas and dialogue between China and the rest of the world, through its pioneering Connect schemes, increasingly diversified product ecosystem and its deep, liquid and international markets. HKEX is a purpose-led organisation which, across its business and through the work of HKEX Foundation, seeks to connect, promote and progress its markets and the communities it supports for the prosperity of all. Nasdaq Dubai is the international financial exchange serving the region between Western Europe and East Asia. The exchange currently lists shares, derivatives, Sukuk (Islamic bonds), conventional bonds and Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITS"). The majority shareholder of Nasdaq Dubai is Dubai Financial Market with a two-thirds stake. Borse Dubai owns one third of the shares. The regulator of Nasdaq Dubai is the DFSA.

Sustainability Event Overview

The 2026 edition of Hong Kong Green Week, the city’s flagship sustainability event, will take place from 7 to 11 September. Themed Future-proofing Sustainable Growth, the week-long programme will feature a variety of events and networking opportunities, bringing together diverse and practical insights across the globe to inspire and drive collective actions towards Asia’s sustainable transformation.