On December 9, 2024, the Harris Family Alternative Investments Program and the Rodney L. White Center for Financial Research hosted the second annual Wharton Future of Finance Forum at Penn Washington. This year’s event brought together leading voices from academia, industry, and government to explore the transformative forces shaping global finance. As panelists engaged in these dynamic discussions, the iconic view of the Capitol building just outside the window served as a powerful reminder of the intersection between finance and policy.
With the theme Power Shift: Driving Global Finance and Unleashing Capital in a Bold New Era, the Forum featured engaging panel sessions, insightful fireside chats, and invaluable networking opportunities, showcasing the power of collaboration and innovation in navigating this pivotal moment in financial history.
Panelists discussed critical topics, such as:
- The evolving role of the U.S. dollar in a shifting geopolitical landscape
- Opportunities and challenges in the implementation of digital assets
- The transformative potential of artificial intelligence in capital markets
- Strengthening the resilience of the banking system in uncertain times
- Innovations in private credit and new lending models
- Regulatory insights for navigating the digital age
- Addressing cybersecurity risks and the role of generative AI in protecting financial systems
The Forum highlighted the expertise of Wharton and Penn faculty, including Joao Gomes, Senior Vice Dean of Research, Centers, and Academic Initiatives; David Musto, Ronald O. Perelman Professor in Finance; and Kermit Roosevelt, David Berger Professor for the Administration of Justice at Penn Carey Law. Welcome remarks were given by Ezekiel Emanuel, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives and the Diane v.S. Levy and Robert M. Levy University Professor at the University of Pennsylvania. Sarah Hammer, executive director at the Wharton School and Forum Chair, was the event’s master of ceremonies and moderated multiple discussions.
View the agenda to see the full list of speakers, moderators, and guests.
The first half of the day offered thought-provoking discussions on the transformative forces shaping global finance, with engaging panels exploring topics like the dual banking system, private credit opportunities, and the resilience of the banking sector.
Special remarks were given by Mike Rounds, United States Senator from South Dakota, in a conversation moderated by Senior Vice Dean Joao Gomes.
Following lunch, the discussions shifted to emerging technologies and pressing challenges, with panels diving into topics such as digital assets, the future of crypto trading, and the transformative role of AI in capital markets.
As the day came to a close, the Future of Finance Forum left attendees with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities defining this pivotal moment in global finance. From transformative discussions on digital innovation and regulatory insights to invaluable networking opportunities, the event underscored the importance of collaboration across academia, industry, and policy. We look forward to continuing these vital conversations and welcoming everyone back for next year’s Forum.