Join leaders, regulators and innovators in London to tackle digital trade finance, sustainable trade finance and the global trade finance gap
The ICC Banking Commission convenes in London from 9–11 November 2026 for a focused three-day gathering of policymakers, senior bankers and industry innovators. This in-person forum will examine the practical and policy challenges that influence cross-border commerce, including the acceleration of digital trade finance, advances in sustainable trade finance and emerging regulatory developments.
Attendees will have opportunities to join working groups, plenary sessions and technical briefings that aim to foster collaboration and create actionable outcomes.
This edition places special emphasis on how technology and standards can unlock access to finance for smaller businesses while strengthening system-wide resilience.
The programme includes sessions at prominent London venues: a members-only day at a location to be confirmed, a plenary at Mansion House and a concluding day at the EBRD Canary Wharf campus. Registration fees are published in the range of £325-£590 incl.
VAT, capacity is limited and early registration is recommended.
Event structure and key themes
The meeting is organised to balance technical work with strategic discussion. Day one (9th November) is reserved for members-only working groups covering topics such as regulatory advocacy, financial crime and risk, and the adoption of digital trade finance practices. Day two (10th November) will bring together members and non-members for a full plenary at Mansion House focused on global priorities, from standards adoption to sustainability. Day three (11th November) at EBRD Canary Wharf will explore the frontier of trade innovation under the banner of next generation trade, including practical digital solutions and the use of digital assets in finance.
Detailed programme highlights
Day 1 – working groups and technical sessions (9th November)
On 9th November the agenda opens with registration followed by parallel working groups that will dive into specialised subjects such as regulatory advocacy and financial crimes, as well as focused streams on digital trade finance adoption and sustainable trade finance. Technical legal and guarantees sessions will examine practical rule updates and dispute resolution. The afternoon brings the ICC National Committees Forum, followed by a workshop that consolidates technical opinions and recent rule developments to promote international best practice.
Day 2 – plenary at Mansion House (10th November)
The plenary day begins with a networking breakfast and opening remarks from Florian Witt, Chair of the ICC Banking Commission. Senior speakers scheduled include a keynote from the Chancellor of the Exchequer (TBC) and a platinum sponsor address from HSBC. Sessions will cover the adoption of e rules such as eUCP and URDTT, initiatives to prevent greenwashing, and the regulatory treatment of trade finance across regions. The day closes with reflections from John Denton, Secretary General of the ICC, and a handover announcement for March 2027.
Day 3 – next generation trade: innovation and the digital frontier (11th November)
Day three opens with a keynote by Saif Malik, CEO, Standard Chartered UK, and continues with panels on how banks can accelerate modernisation. Discussions will present real-world digital pilots that reduce friction in working capital and cross-border processes, explore the operational role of export credit agencies and showcase solutions for streamlined compliance and AML/KYC innovation. A session on the role of digital assets will map opportunities and risks for financial institutions, followed by closing remarks from Florian Witt.
Practical information and participation
This event is intended for in-person attendance only and will not be broadcast virtually. Day one is strictly for ICC members, while the plenary and day three programme are open to both members and non-members. Organisations interested in membership should contact [email protected]. International delegates who require travel documentation support can request a visa letter via [email protected]. A reception on 10th November will provide networking opportunities and remarks from notable figures including Lord Karan Bilimoria.
Why attend and next steps
Attending provides a rare chance to engage directly with decision-makers shaping global trade finance policy ahead of the UK-hosted G20 in 2027. Participants will gain insight into evolving standards, exchange practical implementations of digital trade finance, and contribute to solutions for closing the global trade finance gap. Full programme details and speaker lists will be published shortly; given limited capacity organisers advise participants to reserve places early to secure attendance.
