Welcome to the Ukrainian Financial Forum 2018 (UFF) – a leading platform for discussion of the most crucial financial events and trends in Ukraine and the world. The annual Forum takes place in Odesa, September 20-21 at the Bristol Hotel and brings together world-famous speakers from politics, industry and academia. The 2018 program moves the discussion on from last year, focusing on the global economy and the wider financial context for the latest trends in investment and asset management. On the first day of the Forum representatives from leading developed markets, including China, the United States and the United Kingdom, will provide a benchmark for global economic performance. Later in the day, leading figures in the Ukrainian government and the country’s largest public and private businesses will put forward the outlook Ukraine. Our distinguished speakers will also debate the future of transatlantic cooperation, the effects of Brexit and new trade wars, and many other important issues facing international businesses. As in past years, the discussions will be moderated by Anne McAlvoy, leading journalist for The Economist and BBC broadcaster. On the second day the Forum's agenda will feature investment panels looking at, amongst other things, the development of the Ukraine’s capital markets, Ukraine's opportunity in technological leadership, the future of cryptocurrencies, and Ukraine’s venture capital landscape. The day will conclude a panel on Ukraine’s startup success stories. Visitors to the UFF are also invited to participate in the evening program held at some of the City’s top restaurants and featuring star musical performances. The informal networking opportunities with the exclusive circle of representatives of the business, political and academic elite makes for unforgettable evenings. The Forum is jointly organized by ICU, an independent asset management, private equity and investment advisory firm specializing in the emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe, and the Kyiv School of Economics, one of the leading educational institutions in Europe. Welcome!