CCNY

Beijing Financial Street meets MIT on Partnering up for Fintech

FinTech is a new ground that has been explored by both regulatory institutions and academics to increase regional productivity and output. On Dec 3rd, connected through the platform of China Center New York (CCNY), a delegation from Beijing Xicheng District met with MIT in the new Sloan building in Cambridge, MA. The delegation was led by Dong Su, the deputy governor of Xicheng District, which oversees the development of Beijing Financial Street and Desheng High-Tech Park. MIT Sloan Executive Director David Capodilupo and representatives from the School office, faculty and student body met with the delegation.

Charlie Jiang, the CEO of Vantone Holdings, Chairman of Vantone Real Estate, opened the conversation by stating CCNY’s commitment in promoting technological innovation and facilitating mutually beneficial relationships between China and US, and it was a great pleasure to connect Beijing Financial Street with MIT.

Dong Su introduced Xicheng and Beijing Financial Street, which is home to all of China’s financial regulatory institutions and over 150 of the world’s largest enterprises’ headquarters in China. This rapidly growing region has an accumulated financial asset of 73 trillion RMB. In the first 3 quarters of 2014, the financial industry in Xicheng has seen a value added output of 104.33 Billion RMB (about $17 Billion USD), which represents a 10.6% year-on-year growth.

Representatives from MIT saw great potential for cooperation between Xicheng and the School, which is known for its leading role in the research, education and application of technology and finance. In this meeting, David explained its 20 years of partnership with Chinese universities, government and corporations, and introduced MIT’s research in financial theories, policy and its Master of Finance program. More importantly, MIT’s Action Learning Lab, custom designed courses on financial policy innovation, and Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program gave the delegation insights in building a long term collaborative relationship with the school.

The delegation and MIT agreed to establish channels for regular communication and actively move towards a materialized partnership. Dong Su invited MIT to visit Xicheng, set up an office in Xicheng’s Desheng High-Tech Park, and join the 2015 International Finance Expo and Financial Street Forum. MIT invited Dong Su and Charlie Jiang to join the 2015 MIT Asia Business Conference. The School is highly interested in setting up a permanent presence in Xicheng District and work with local government and corporations to help furthering Xicheng’s search in improving its industry structure and management effectiveness.

At the end of the meeting, both parties were delighted with the progress they have made in their first contact, and they were thankful of China Center New York for providing such an opportunity for them to meet and learn from each other. They look forward to build a long term relationship on topics such as FinTech as well as other technology related issues.