Breakfast briefing

Despite best efforts by world governments, the global financial crisis of 2007 seems far from over. What started out as a US sub-prime mortgage loan crisis in 2007 has culminated in the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008 and resulted in massive government bailouts of huge and highly regarded financial institutions. This crisis has erupted and evolved into a sovereign crisis and is now even threatening the future of the European Union. Complex financial instruments called Securitisations, CDOs and Derivatives have been widely blamed for causing this crisis. What are these instruments, and how did they cause a financial crisis on such a massive scale?

The AMLO came into effect on All Fools’ day, presaging perhaps its design on creating an Orwellian atmosphere of systemic suspicion in the financial sector at all levels. The objective of this presentation, within the constraints of time, is to consider the ramifications of non-compliance, especially the exposure to criminal prosecution and what, if any, systems can be put in place to minimize vulnerability to the sanctions in the armoury of the Securities and Future Commission.

Despite weak growth in the developed world, led by serious problems in Europe, emerging Asia have managed to remain resilient and shown robust growth led by China.  While worries about the sustainability of China's growth model continue to linger, we think incremental steps towards economic rebalancing and China's room for policy maneuver should provide solace.  

Overall, the challenge for the region will be how to insulate itself from risks in the development market by generating final demand within the region, managing inflation/asset bubble risks in a prolonged accommodative monetary environment and insulate itself through risks associated with volatile capital flows.  

At this breakfast, Seb Warner from Knight Frank will provide a full update on the London residentail market and the Partners from Forsters LLP, a London based law firm, will share with you their analysis on the following aspects of the new UK budget:

•    the Stamp Duty Land Tax changes
•    the proposed annual charges and capital gains tax on sale of UK residential property
     owned by non-UK
     resident, non-natural persons - the consultation process
•    the implications for existing structures
•    how purchases of UK residential and commercial property should now be structured in
     order to minimise UK tax
•    update on the statutory residence test

The last few months have been filled with speculation about Chinese politics following the fall of Bo Xilai, previously Chongqing Party Secretary and Commerce Minister. This talk will look at the implications for Chinese politics and policy, and in particular at the leadership transition due to take place this autumn.

Should an increased number of senior roles be occupied by women? Would this be beneficial to organisational performance? How can you fully develop talented individuals, whilst treating everyone fairly? Fraser Murray, a talent expert from Rock The Boat Consulting, will share with us key research findings as well as what you and your organisation can do to ensure you develop people to their full potential in order to retain talent and maximise organisational performance. The session will challenge conventional thinking and present creative options for us all to consider! 

Many more expatriate clients and regional Asians are choosing to retire to other countries in the Asian region, primarily Southern Asia. The presentation has been designed to educate on the tax aspects of retiring in Asia. The speaker will outline the tax systems of the main Asian retirement destinations, namely Australia, Thailand, Malaysia & Singapore, and compares them to the Hong Kong system.

From monitoring huge volumes of traditional and social media, to engaging in meaningful discussions with stakeholders, corporate communicators and marketers are being forced to listen and to engage like never before. Martin Murtland, Vice President and Managing Director of Factiva solutions for public relations and corporate communications professionals, will lead a discussion on how companies can build their ‘Social IQ’ by implementing social media monitoring and engagement programmes that support their commercial objectives.

Underground financing has existed ever since the emergence of a private sector in post-reform China. Recently the government initiated a new round of reforms in the financial sector, which include allowing domestic private capital to invest in financial services. If such reforms are successfully carried out, then it will bring great changes to China’s financial industry.

How do you herd all the brilliant minds and oversized egos into a High Performance Team ? Unfortunately, most of the focus in talent development lies in building up individual performance, competencies and skills. Many organisations lose sight of the importance of team development and functionality. As a result it is commonplace to have high caliber individuals in mediocre performing teams.  
 
At the breakfast, Douglas Gerber, IAF Certified Facilitator and Founder of FocusOne Ltd. will explore:

•    What makes up a High Performance Executive Team (HPT)?
•    The power of brilliant teams to achieve industry leadership
•    Where is your team on the scale of brilliance to disfunctionality?
•    What you can do NOW to start the path to team brilliance