The 7th "2025 Golden Central Forum & Financial Institutions Awards Ceremony" was grandly held in Hong Kong's Central district on the afternoon of December 5. As a premier annual event in Hong Kong's financial sector, the forum brought together industry leaders, financial institutions, top family offices, and academic experts to discuss key topics such as the 2026 investment outlook, cross-border asset allocation, and innovative developments in RWA (Real World Assets).

Concurrently, the annual financial institutions awards were announced, with 35 outstanding institutions securing 13 major accolades for their exceptional execution capabilities and strong client reputation, showcasing the vibrancy and resilience of Hong Kong as an international financial hub.

Co-hosted by leading financial platforms Zhitong Finance, the Hong Kong Chinese Securities Association, and XinZhi Fund Network, the event was supported by CCB International and Duration Finance, with Winter Sunshine as the exclusive organizer. Strategic partners included prominent institutions such as CMB International Securities, the Hong Kong Chinese Financial Association, and China Chief Economists Forum.

After seven successful editions, the "Golden Central" Forum has become a key platform for industry insights and financial innovation. The awards are based on comprehensive metrics including business scale, project quality, and market influence, ensuring broad credibility.

Hong Kong continues to strengthen its position as a global financial center, ranking first in Asia-Pacific and third globally in the 2025 Global Financial Centers Index. The city's financial market has performed strongly this year, with IPO fundraising exceeding HKD 250 billion, leading globally. The Hang Seng Index has risen approximately 30% year-to-date, with trading volumes hitting record highs.

Deepening financial connectivity between Hong Kong and mainland China has further highlighted the city's advantages as a cross-border financial hub, bolstering confidence for stable market development in 2026.

At the forum, industry experts shared valuable insights. Dr. Zhao Wenli, Chief Economist at CCB International, delivered a keynote speech on "2026 Hong Kong Stock Market Investment Outlook," analyzing macro trends and sector opportunities to guide investors.

A core panel discussion focused on "Cross-Border Strategies and Asset Allocation Practices Amid Macro Uncertainty," featuring industry veterans including Liu Shen (Tianfeng International Asset Management), Ling Zijing (Hang Seng Investment Management), and Zhang Xuan (Songgang International Securities), who shared practical insights on topics such as weak USD-strong equity trends, opportunities in Japanese and European markets, and challenges in offshore bond maturities.

Following the public sessions, a closed-door RWA (Real World Assets) exchange session was held to explore emerging industry trends.

To recognize excellence and drive industry progress, the organizing committee unveiled the 7th "Golden Central" Awards, honoring 35 financial institutions across 13 categories. Key winners include:

- **Best Investment Banking Performance**: EDD Finance, CCB International, ABCI Capital Limited, Tianfeng International Securities, BOCHK Holdings - **Best Wealth Management Performance**: Orient Securities International, Fonde Securities, GF Securities (HK), Songgang International Asset Management - **Best Brokerage Research Team**: Guoyuan International - **Best Asset Management Performance**: CCB International, Tianfeng International, CMB Wing Lung Asset Management - **Best Brokerage Performance**: SDIC Securities (HK), SPDB International Securities, Tianfeng International, uSMART Securities, CMB International Securities - **Rising Virtual Asset Broker Award**: Zhong Ming Securities - **Digital Innovation Award**: Longbridge Securities, BOCHK Securities - **Best Digital Innovation App**: CMB International App - **Outstanding Compliance Management**: Bayesian Investment Management, Songgang International Securities, China Zhong Heng Finance Group - **Best Integrated Services**: Westbull Securities, Harvestwise Asset Management, uSMART Securities, CITIC Securities Fund Services (Asia) - **Most Comprehensive Strength Award**: Huasheng Securities, Livermore Securities, Xinghe Securities - **Best ETF Provider**: Hang Seng Investment Management - **Best Retail Banking App**: CMB Wing Lung Bank