Launch of the Centre for Banking & Finance Law

The Centre for Banking & Finance Law (CBFL) was officially launched by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Law and Minister for Foreign Affairs, on 12 September 2014, at Marina Mandarin Hotel, Singapore.

Set to become a catalyst for ideas on improving banking and financial systems at the national, regional and global levels, CBFL will focus on important aspects of banking and finance law and regulation, including financial industry reform, new regulations, and private law issues. It aims to bring together a vibrant community to generate scholarship, policy recommendations and intellectual exchange about the robustness, soundness and stability of the banking sector, capital markets and other financial services.

In his opening address, Professor Simon Chesterman, Dean of NUS Faculty of Law, said, "Bringing together expertise that covers the major economies of the region and most of the globe, the Centre for Banking & Finance Law will enhance Singapore's status as an international financial centre and thought-leader in three ways. First, as a convenor, the Centre will engage local and international banks, lawyers, regulators, and academics in a regular exchange of ideas. Secondly, as a thought-leader, the Centre will generate new insights of scholarly value and policy relevance. Thirdly, as a platform, the Centre will ensure that these ideas have an impact in both the classroom and the boardroom."

Associate Professor Dora Neo, Director of CBFL, said during her welcome address, "Dedicated research and more informed practice will meet at CBFL, for in-depth and intensive dialogue on important issues affecting the financial services industry. Deeper knowledge and greater policy clarity can then be applied in resolving these issues. This will contribute to advancing Singapore's position as an international financial centre and enhancing trust in banks and financial institutions globally."

The launch, which was attended by an international audience of about 300 bankers, lawyers, regulators and academics, also featured a Distinguished Speaker Lecture by Professor Philip R Wood, QC (Hon), a world-renowned expert in comparative and cross-border financial law and an experienced practitioner. Professor Wood's lecture focused on the future of international banking and financial law and lawyers, and was followed by a panel discussion. The panel members were:

Mr ANG Cheng Hock, SC, Partner, Allen & Gledhill LLP
Mr Sean LANGHORNE, Partner, Hogan Lovells LLP
Professor TJIO Hans, Faculty of Law, National University of Singapore (NUS)
Mr LAM Chee Kin, Regional Head, Legal and Compliance, ASEAN, Standard Chartered Bank
Mr NG Heng Fatt, General Counsel, Monetary Authority of Singapore
Mr NG Wai King, Partner, WongPartnership

Please click on the following links to read the respective speeches given at the CBFL Launch:

Please click on the following news articles link to read about CBFL Launch:

Hear what our researchers have to say about the Researchers Programme at CBFL in the video below:

Event Photos (Click to view larger images)

Event registration	Assoc Prof Dora Neo with Dr Beh Swan Gin, MinLaw Permanent Secretary
Guests at pre-launch breakfast	From Left to Right: Dr Beh Swan Gin; Assoc Prof Alexander Loke; Prof Philip R Wood, QC (Hon); Mr K Shanmugam, Assoc Prof Dora Neo, Prof Simon Chesterman
Mr K Shanmugam delivering his speech	Prof Simon Chesterman giving his opening address
Assoc Prof Dora Neo giving her welcome address	Unveiling of the CBFL Launch Plaque
Prof Philip R Wood, QC (Hon) making a point with the help of his assistant	Audience members included representatives from banks, the legal industry and academia
Panel Discussion	Prof Tjio Hans giving his comments on the lecture
CBFL Advisory Panel and Executive Committee together with Prof Philip R wood

For more photos of the CBFL Launch, please click here.

National University of Singapore

NUS Faculty of Law

Launch of the Centre for Banking & Finance Law

Event Photos (Click to view larger images)