China’s AI and digital finance evolution reflects decades of institutional learning, policy alignment and platform maturity. From Alipay’s trust revolution to AI-driven risk systems, the 2025 China AI Innovation Study Tour showcased how banks, techfins and regulators now innovate within an integrated ecoystem.

China’s AI innovation model blends entrepreneurial dynamism, policy alignment and technological self-reliance. As observed during the 2025 China AI Innovation Study Tour, platforms, banks and regulators have built an ecosystem integrating finance, data and governance — offering lessons but limited replicability abroad.

China’s AI momentum stems from physical, digital and institutional infrastructure, open cross-border orientation, and platform-scaled entrepreneurship. During a study tour, delegates saw frameworks operationalising AI, privacy-preserving data pipes, indigenous tech stacks, and compliance-led innovation that scale inclusion, resilience and connectivity

At Sibos Frankfurt 2025, leading technology partners revealed how they are rebuilding the infrastructure of global payments, trade and post-trade operations. By combining artificial intelligence, cloud-native platforms and open interoperability, they are enabling financial institutions to deliver secure, resilient and programmable services across borders and asset classes.

At Sibos Frankfurt 2025, global transaction banks revealed how they are embedding artificial intelligence, standardisation and tokenisation to transform payments, trade and treasury. From real-time clearing and interoperable platforms to ESG-linked finance and shared ledgers, the industry is converging on a new digital foundation for global commerce.

Michael Wen, executive vice president of Cathay United Bank, explains how the bank is embedding sustainability across its corporate banking business, supporting clients through the transition to net zero, and building momentum in green and social finance across Asia.

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited (“ICBC (Asia)”) was awarded Best Custodian Bank in Hong Kong for its exceptional custody services in 2024, surpassing HKD1.35 trillion ($173 billion) in assets under custody and expanding its global network across over 90 markets. With robust risk management, advanced infrastructure and scalable solutions, the bank continues to lead the market by supporting institutional clients across diverse investment structures and jurisdictions.

Ping An Bank leverages AI to strengthen core retail and transaction capabilities, driving innovation, efficiency and improved customer experience across operations.

Banks can turn financial knowledge into their strongest defence against scams, debt and digital exploitation.

Over a decade of cheap liquidity shaped the global financial landscape after the Global Financial Crisis. As the world transitions from abundant to selective capital, supply chain finance is being redefined by costed liquidity, data transparency and multi-funder collaboration. The question is no longer whether liquidity exists—but where it will come from, and how trusted data will determine its flow.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) is deepening its pan-African presence through digital innovation and strategic diversification. Shamsideen Fashola, head of retail and digital banking for UBA described how the bank is embedding artificial intelligence, real-time payments, and customer-centric platforms with a view to balance financial inclusion with premium digital experiences.

As Asia Pacific’s trade and payment flows accelerate, leading banks in the region are embedding finance into client ecosystems, orchestrating modular platforms and scaling AI for resilient, sustainable growth.

UOB’s FDI Advisory Unit aims to become a partner for corporates expanding across ASEAN, and today, the focus has deepened from countries into economic corridors. Jimmy Koh, managing director and head of network partnerships and strategic marketing explains how the bank is helping corporates navigate new project pipelines in the region.

As global supply chains shift, ASEAN is emerging as a key hub for trade. UOB's Wee Ee Cheong and Frederick Chin discusss how investment and innovation, shaped by cooperation, technology and sustainability, will define the region’s next phase of integration and growth.

At Sibos Frankfurt 2025, Franck Dubois, head of Asia Pacific for Securities Services at BNP Paribas, highlighted how globalisation, private capital growth and technology shift are reshaping custody and settlement. He explained how the bank is helping clients’ transition to shorter settlement cycles, automate private markets and maintain trust and operational resilience.