Bank of Maldives will host the 42nd Asian Bankers Association General Meeting and Conference at Kurumba Maldives from 1 to 3 September 2026, bringing senior banking leaders, policymakers, regulators and financial industry experts from across Asia to the country.
The three-day conference will be held under the theme “Banking in Asia: Investing to Build Resilience” and will provide a high-level platform for participants to examine the developments reshaping banking and financial services. Delegates will exchange perspectives on emerging opportunities, technological transformation, regulatory expectations and the measures financial institutions can adopt to remain resilient within an increasingly interconnected global economy.
The programme is expected to address major priorities for the Asian banking sector, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, payment innovation, cybersecurity, sustainable finance, risk management and cross-border financial services. Discussions will also consider how banks can strengthen operational efficiency, improve customer experiences and responsibly apply new technologies while maintaining sound governance and financial stability.
Four principal sessions are planned as part of the conference programme. These will focus on digital-first banking, building resilience through sustainable financial practices, using technology to strengthen risk management and a Governors’ Roundtable that will bring together senior regulators to exchange views on financial stability, digital development, sustainable finance and the future direction of banking regulation.
The conference will also support the Asian Bankers Association’s policy advocacy work, enabling member institutions to contribute to regional discussions on financial fraud, cybersecurity, green and sustainable finance, ethical artificial intelligence governance, cross-border payments and other issues affecting the long-term development of Asia’s banking industry.
In addition to keynote addresses and panel discussions, the programme is expected to include meetings of the association’s governing bodies, business-to-business networking sessions and a dedicated host-bank session presenting the Maldives’ financial sector and investment opportunities. These engagements will allow participating institutions to establish professional connections, explore possible partnerships and exchange practical knowledge on responding to shared regional challenges.
Kurumba Maldives will provide the setting for the international gathering. Located on Vihamanaafushi in North Malé Atoll, the resort is approximately 10 minutes from Velana International Airport by speedboat, offering convenient access for delegates arriving from international destinations. Its proximity to the capital and the country’s main aviation gateway makes the island well suited to hosting a regional conference of this scale.
Opened in 1972 as the first resort in the Maldives, Kurumba holds a distinguished place in the development of the country’s tourism industry. The resort combines white sandy beaches, a clear tropical lagoon and flourishing island greenery with an extensive selection of accommodation, dining venues, recreational experiences and guest facilities. Its natural surroundings and established hospitality services will offer delegates an environment that supports formal discussions, professional networking and meaningful regional engagement.
Hosting the conference at one of the country’s most historically significant resorts will also provide visiting delegates with an opportunity to experience the hospitality, natural beauty and service standards that have established the Maldives as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. The event is expected to further demonstrate the country’s ability to accommodate high-level international conferences alongside its globally recognised leisure tourism offering.
The conference complements the Government’s efforts to strengthen the Maldives’ international profile, promote investment confidence and expand opportunities within business and conference tourism. Welcoming senior representatives from banks and regulatory institutions across Asia is expected to generate wider exposure for the country while supporting engagement between the Maldivian financial sector and influential regional partners.
This will be the second time Bank of Maldives has hosted the Asian Bankers Association General Meeting and Conference, following its successful hosting of the event in 2018. Its selection as host once again reflects the bank’s sustained participation in the regional banking community and the growing visibility of the Maldives within Asia’s financial services sector.
The gathering will take place shortly after Bank of Maldives Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef assumed the chairmanship of the Asian Bankers Association on 31 July 2026. He is the first Maldivian to hold the position, adding further significance to the Maldives’ hosting of the association’s principal annual conference.
Preparations are underway to welcome representatives from banks and financial institutions across the region. Registration is now open through the conference organisers for delegates wishing to participate in the meetings, discussions and networking programme scheduled during the three-day event.
Established in 1981, the Asian Bankers Association is a leading regional banking organisation dedicated to promoting cooperation, professional exchange and stronger relationships among financial institutions in Asia. Its annual General Meeting and Conference provides an important forum for banking leaders, regulators and policymakers to examine common priorities and advance regional collaboration.
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