On November 19, the 2025 Shenzhen International Finance Conference opened in Qianhai, Shenzhen.

As part of the 19th Shenzhen International Finance Expo, the conference is themed "Building a Financial Powerhouse and High-Level Opening-Up in the Greater Bay Area". 

Hosted by Renmin University of China (RUC) and co-organized by its Shenzhen Research Institute, School of Finance, and the Shenzhen International Chamber of Commerce, the event gathered Chinese and international guests to discuss financial development and cooperation in the Greater Bay Area.

Notable attendees included Zhou Yanli, former vice-chairman of the former China Insurance Regulatory Commission, Wang Zhongmin, former vice-chairman of the National Council for Social Security Fund, and Wang Liang, president of China Merchants Bank, among others. 

Han Seung-soo, former prime minister of the Republic of Korea, delivered a video address. The opening ceremony was presided over by Lin Shangli, RUC president.

In his speech, Zhang Donggang, Party secretary of RUC, emphasized the strategic importance of accelerating the construction of a financial powerhouse as outlined in the recommendations for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). He highlighted the Greater Bay Area's role as a frontier for financial innovation and openness, aiming to build a robust financial knowledge system, promote the "technology-industry-finance" cycle, and enhance global financial cooperation.

Han Seung-soo noted that a true financial powerhouse should be a force for global stability and sustainable development and Shenzhen, as a hub for finance, frontier technology, and resilient supply chains, should continue to support economic development and inclusive growth.

Lin emphasized the importance of financial market reform and high-level openness, with the Greater Bay Area playing a dual role in these efforts.

During the conference, the RUC Greater Bay Area Practice Base for Global Financial Excellence was inaugurated to cultivate more high-quality financial talents.

Keynote speeches covered such topics as risk management in insurance, the transition from light assets to heavy capital, and the opportunities and challenges for China's financial and capital markets.

The conference also hosted plenary sessions on Technological Innovation and International Industry-Finance Integration, Global Financial Markets and Policy Innovation, and Financial Openness and World Economic Outlook. Several research reports were released as well, providing insights into financial development.

In addition, nine parallel sessions were held, focusing on financial culture, AI, insurance investment, and cross-border ecosystems, aiming to support Shenzhen's role as a center for industrial and financial innovation.

RUC continues to align with national strategies and support the development of the Greater Bay Area, leveraging its academic strengths to contribute to financial reform and openness. The 2025 Shenzhen International Finance Conference serves as a high-level platform for international dialogue, offering new insights for global financial and regional cooperation.