Trade Finance Conference | 21 October 2025
REGISTRATIONS OPEN
Actions Not Words: Delivering a Modern, Digital Trade and Trade Finance System
This event will be an opportunity to gather the latest insights on the practical implementation of trade digitalisation both at multilateral and national level including the Roadmap to Digitalise UK Trade. It will be a chance to hear updates from those leading key initiatives, understand the challenges being faced, next steps on delivery and engage and network with experts from industry, government and international institutions
Registrations
Welcome Remarks
- Chris Southworth, Secretary General, ICC United Kingdom
Opening Remarks
- Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE, DL, Chair of ICC United Kingdom / Co-Chair of B20 Taskforce on Digital Transformation
- Reed Smith
Progress Overview
Overview:
This session will provide a high-level overview of delivery on the Roadmap to Digitalise UK Trade, Plan for Growth and Trade and Corporate Digitalisation Taskforces as well as developments at B20, ASEAN, APAC, World Trade Organization, ICC Digital Standards Initiative and Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting.
Panel 1: Financial Infrastructure and Regulatory Reform
Overview:
This session will provide progress updates, key challenges and next steps on the development of a UK Trade Registry to prevent fraud, reduce tax evasion and open new marketplaces for SME working capital. It will also provide an update on regulatory reform to establish trade finance as its own asset class and the implementation of recommendations to streamline Know Your Customer processes.
Coffee and Networking Break
Panel 2: Connecting financial and physical supply chains
Overview:
This session will provide insights, progress updates, learnings and next steps from key customs digitalisation initiatives including the HM Revenue and Customs sandbox, the Joint Customs Consultative Committee Task and Finish Group and use of e-invoices as transferable
Lunch and Networking Break
Panel 3: Digital Trade Superhighways
Overview:
France/EU, India, Singapore, UAE, (US), case study report, UK-France survey. Progress to date, key challenges, next steps
Panel 4: Building new trade technology sectors
Overview:
This session will explore the opportunities and challenges of defining and developing emerging trade technology sectors and solution ecosystems.
Coffee and Networking Break
Panel 5: Market Adoption and Innovation – TBC
Closing Remarks
- Chris Southworth, Secretary General / Chair, International Centre for Digital Trade and Innovation
Networking Drinks & Refreshments
