CAFE UK Celebrates 15th Anniversary and Relaunch at the Royal Automobile Club

London, 27 September 2024

The Chinese Association of Financial Executives in the UK (CAFE UK) celebrated its 15th anniversary with a memorable relaunch drink reception at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club in London. The event marked a new chapter for the association, reaffirming its commitment to fostering collaboration between the UK and China in the financial sector.

The evening was opened by the association’s Secretary-General, Ms. Yanjun Zheng, who welcomed distinguished guests and introduced the event’s focus on celebrating CAFE UK’s 15 years of achievements. “We are delighted to be here today, in the heart of London, to reflect on CAFE UK's journey and to launch a new era of growth and cooperation,” said Ms. Zheng.

Chairman Dr. Zhiqiang Mao followed with a retrospective look at the association’s impactful contributions to the UK and Chinese financial communities over the last decade and a half. He highlighted the organisation’s success in building bridges between the two nations through seminars, visits, and thought leadership initiatives. After a brief hiatus during the global pandemic, the association is now poised to expand its initiatives with renewed energy.

The event also saw the introduction of CAFE UK's newly appointed Executive Committee by President Mr. Qiubo Ye. The new leadership team, consisting of prominent professionals in the financial sector, is set to guide the association into its next phase of development, fostering innovation and deeper collaboration across borders.

Special guest speaker Tim Skeet, Chief Institutional Relationship Officer at the Bank of China London, shared his reflections on the evolution of UK-China relations in the financial sector, drawing from his 43 years of experience in the capital markets. Mr. Skeet emphasised the critical role that associations like CAFE UK play in promoting financial integration and innovation between the two countries.

The event’s success was also made possible through the support of corporate partners, including Augusta Aiken & Associates Global, whose Head of Asian Business, Dr. Steven Liu, addressed attendees with insights into the mobility of international financial talents.

The evening concluded with a toast to the future of CAFE UK, as members and guests networked and discussed the exciting opportunities ahead. The association’s relaunch promises a calendar filled with more events, programs, and initiatives aimed at supporting financial professionals and promoting UK-China financial ties.

About CAFE UK

Founded in 2009, the Chinese Association of Financial Executives in the UK (CAFE UK) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering professional growth, networking, and collaboration between the financial sectors of the UK and China. The association serves as a platform for financial executives to share knowledge, drive innovation, and build strategic partnerships.

For more information, please visit www.cafeuk.org