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:

• Opening Address by Minister for Law, K Shanmugam
• Opening Address by Professor Simon Chesterman, Dean, Faculty of Law, NUS
• Distinguished Visitor Lecture on "The future of international banking and financial law and lawyers" by Professor Philip R Wood, QC (Hon)
• Panel Discussion on Distinguished Visitor Lecture: Remarks by General Counsel Ng Heng Fatt, Monetary Authority of Singapore

Photo Gallery:

• Centre for Banking & Finance Law officially launched on 12 September 2014