On November 24 BAFT’s Board Chair, Mark Garfield, published his monthly communication to the wider BAFT membership.
Like many of you, I just attended the 2020 Virtual International Convention. Wow. What a powerful conference with excellent content, outstanding panelists and speakers and a format that provided access to experts and colleagues around the world. The event was the largest ever hosted by BAFT…750 attendees from 120 institutions across 30 countries engaged with 55 sessions and 120 panelists, speakers, and moderators. At one point, the programming went for 24 straight hours with a specific emphasis on geographic-oriented sessions that moved around the globe. More exciting than the 24 hours of the Le Mans race. Vroom!
(Don’t forget you can continue to access the plenary sessions and selected workshops on-demand until December 4)
This week in the U.S we will celebrate one of our most popular and historic holidays, Thanksgiving. It centers around a meal with family, friends, food, and faith with a focus on thankfulness and gratitude. A few years ago, I was fortunate to be in Istanbul during Ramadan. Each evening, family and friends gathered to share a wonderful meal with the express purpose of thankfulness. I reflected that it was like a Thanksgiving at home, but better as the evening meal occurred over multiple days!
In that spirit, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the BAFT staff for their tireless effort in managing the International Convention. I would also like to thank the planning committee, moderators, and subject matter experts who make it worthwhile and valuable.
I am grateful to be a part of the global banking community. Thankful, for the role that each of you play in our crucial responsibility in connecting societies, delivering goods and services, and facilitating trade. We may have to meet virtually rather than in person, but thanks to BAFT we can connect frequently, more easily, and in greater numbers.
I am most thankful for the friendship and associations I have with many of you around the globe. As I reflect upon the unique obstacles we face today, I continue to marvel at how my banking colleagues have the talent, optimism, and determination to navigate and overcome these challenges.
Mark Garfield
BAFT Chair
Head of Global Financial Institutions
Zions Bancorporation
