Navigating Rules, Policy and the Digital Future of Trade Finance | Half-Day Conference | 3 March 2026
As 2026 shapes up to be a pivotal year for global trade finance, ICC United Kingdom invites members and stakeholders to a half-day conference exploring the regulatory, policy and digital developments transforming the industry.
This event will bring together senior leaders from banks, trade finance associations, multilateral development banks, policymakers and legal experts to take stock of the evolving trade finance landscape in the UK and globally. It also marks an important milestone in the lead-up to ICC United Kingdom hosting the ICC Banking Commission Annual Meeting later this year.
The programme will open with updates from the ICC Banking Commission, providing insights into the work of its committees and working groups, forthcoming rule developments (including UCP and ISBP), UK advocacy priorities, and what to expect as the Commission convenes in Paris this spring. Participants will then hear perspectives from leading trade finance associations and multilateral development banks on their strategic priorities for 2026, current policy initiatives and opportunities for industry engagement.
The conference will conclude with an in-depth discussion on the UK’s Digital Assets Act and its implications for trade finance. This session will explore how the new legal framework enables the digitalisation of trade documentation, supports innovation across documentary trade processes, and contributes to the UK’s trade and growth ambitions, as well as broader global objectives.
Designed as a focused, interactive forum, the conference will offer practical insights, policy context and networking opportunities for organisations navigating change and positioning themselves for the next phase of trade finance.
Location to be announced. Early registration is recommended due to limited capacity.
Registration, coffee, networking
Opening remarks
- Parvaiz Dalal, Chair of ICC United Kingdom Trade Finance Committee (Citi)
ICC Banking Commission updates – Commission and UK
This session will provide the latest updates and insights on ICC Banking Commission working groups and activities, including what to expect in Paris when the Commission is hosted by ICC France in March. It will cover UK advocacy positions, rule changes, disputes, strategic priorities, and the future direction of travel for the industry.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Brendan Vickers, ICC United Kingdom
- Tomasch Kubiak, ICC Banking Commission
- Emmanuelle Butaud-Stubbs, ICC France
- Dave Meynell, ICC United Kingdom
Further speakers to provide updates on the Commercial Crime and Risk Working Group and the Digital Commercialisation Working Group to be announced.
Updates from International Institutions
This session will provide the latest updates and insights from international institutions on their current activities and priorities for 2026. It will cover strategic initiatives, policy and advocacy developments, and areas of focus for the year ahead, as well as highlighting opportunities for members to engage and contribute.
Speakers: To be announced.
Coffee & Networking
Deep dive: What does the Digital Assets Act mean for trade finance?
The Digital Assets Act and Electronic Trade Documents Act provide a comprehensive legal framework to digitalise documentary trade processes and enable tokenisation and automated settlement for 60% of global trade finance. This session will enable ICC members to gain a clearer understanding of what the Digital Assets Act means for the trade finance industry, the changes it will bring, and how the new legislation supports the UK’s trade and growth strategy, as well as broader global growth priorities.
Speakers:
- Moderator: Sean Edwards, SMBC and Chair, ITFA
- Prof Sarah Green, University of Bristol and Newmans Row
- Paul Landless, DLA Piper
- Duncan Lodge, Bank of America
Close
- Brendan Vickers, ICC United Kingdom