Overview
As regulatory pressure mounts – and, with it, questions from investors and the press – senior leaders in finance are increasingly being pushed to focus their attention on two key themes in 2018: corporate governance and technology.
This event addresses the importance of diversity and balanced board representation on the one hand as well as topics of automation and technology on the other, and provides a forum of discussion and networking in Frankfurt, one of Europe’s most significant hubs that, in light of Brexit, will only become more important as of next year and beyond.
>> Bettina Stark-Watzinger MP, Chair of Bundestag Finance Committee
>> Ralf Frank, Managing Director, DVFA German Association for Financial Analysis and Asset Management
>> Martin Schmidt, Partner at Postera Capital GmbH, Blockchain & Cryptoasset Investment
>> Vuyiswa M’Cwabeni, Chief Product Strategist & Chief of Staff for Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE Products & Innovation
>> Dr. Edeltraud Leibrock, Senior Partner at Huehn Initiative, Co-Founder & Managing Director at Connected Innovations, former Member of the Executive Board of KfW Banking Group
>> Holger Knauer, Founder & CEO, Catana Capital GmbH
AGENDA
09:00-09:30
Arrival
09:30-10:00
Opening remarks with Peter Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg LP
10:00-11:00
Panel discussion 1: The Business of Corporate Governance
In a recent letter to CEOs, Larry Fink of BlackRock called upon companies to drive the sustainable, long-term growth that their clients need to meet their goals or else risk losing their business. “Society is demanding that companies, both public and private, serve a social purpose,” he wrote in a draft of the letter that was shared with The New York Times. This and other actions from asset managers (both active and passive), beg the question: is this their responsibility?
During this panel discussion, we will address this question of whether the burden should fall on the investor, the individual, or the governing bodies. We will also delve into broader topics on corporate governance, reviewing current standards for gender diversity on boards, whether quotas or regulation should be put in place, and just how effective these quotas are.
11:00-12:00
Panel discussion 2: Expanding investment process – big data & beyond
As Brexit and regulation drive change globally, a unique opportunity for European financial players to make a comeback has arisen.
This panel discussion will discuss the sheer amount of data being collected and processed, and the code-based technology used to manage and optimize such information.
We’ll look at how these areas can impact the way businesses and regulation evolve, and how firms are building and growing top performing tech teams. The panel will also discuss the transformation of processes and workflows due to technological advancements, and the particular challenges and opportunities encountered by women in this industry.