Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) played an important role in the economic crisis of 2007-2009, incidentally acquiring large stakes in some financial giants. Yet that role has also raised questions about the influence of these state-owned investment vehicles. In particular, there are concerns that SWFs seek political and strategic leverage on top of financial gain. Such anxieties have been exacerbated by the relative opacity of these large investors. Current discussion about these issues tends to concentrate on policy and economic matters rather than law.

This conference, jointly organized by the National University of Singapore Law Faculty and the Asian Society of International Law, aims to clarify the role that norms and law may play in future governance and regulation, including analysis of the governance potential of self-regulation and voluntary regimes. Panelists include academics, officials and senior executives from or involved in sovereign wealth funds.

Please click here for the conference programme.