TDCC hosted the Asia Fund Standardization Forum (AFSF) online on June 14 and 15, 2022. 111 attendees representing 25 institutions, including central securities depositories (CSD), international central securities depositories (ICSD) and IT service providers participated in the event. This is the first time that TDCC host the AFSF and it was an excellent opportunity to showcase the diversity and innovation in Taiwan’s post-trade market.

Given increasing globalization and digitalization of the infrastructure of major capital markets across the world, the theme of the 2022 AFSF is “Cross Border Trade Barriers: From Silos to Symphonies.” CSDs of South Korea, the US, Thailand and Indonesia, along with market bellwethers like Euroclear, Clearstream and Calastone were invited to share their insights on market trends in the fund industry and to introduce the latest services. As the host, TDCC also made a keynote speech on data analytics in Taiwan’s mutual fund market supervision to demonstrate how competent authorities use data to better capture changes in the market and to manage risks. Professor Chi-Jui Huang of the Department of Finance and Cooperative Management of National Taipei University was also invited as a guest speaker to talk about the current situation of ESG funds and sustainable investment in Taiwan.

TDCC hosted AFSF 2022 virtual event. Chairman and CEO Sherman Lin gives opening speech.

In his opening speech, TDCC Chairman and CEO Sherman Lin said the pandemic has prompted industries to speed up innovation and the adoption of digital technology across the world as people now seek to balance economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability. In Taiwan, the Financial Supervisory Commission rolled out the “Green Finance Action Plan 2.0” in 2020, hoping to raise ESG (environment, society and governance) awareness among businesses by leveraging the influence of the financial market, and to build a well-rounded ecosystem in the market. The policy guidance has not only encouraged local fund companies to introduce ESG-themed funds, but prompted TDCC to establish a dedicated section for ESG funds on its website in order to strengthen Taiwan’s competitiveness in sustainable investment and development.

TDCC has been committed to engaging international events, with Chairman and CEO Sherman Lin also serving as the incumbent vice chair of the Asia-Pacific Central Securities Depository Group (ACG) and director of the World Forums of CSDs (WFC) in a bid to increase the visibility of Taiwan’s capital market in the global arena. The AFSF concluded successfully, as many attendees said they have learned a lot and gave positive feedback. Moving forward, TDCC will continue to work with depository organizations across the world to facilitate and strengthen international cooperation and exchanges.