This conference comes at a time of rapid change in global finance and technology. Central banks are navigating the shoals of market expectations and their mandate of maximum employment, stable prices and moderate long-term interest rates, to get to normalization. The U.S. economy is very healthy with low to full employment, and the global economy is growing. However; as we enter the 9^th year of an economic recovery and expansion, there are concerns about where we go from here. Automation in the form of driverless cars, rapidity of payment systems and the blockchain architecture present opportunities and challenges for global corporates and banks. Furthermore; the regulatory environment is still shifting and some rules are still being written. Are you ready for this continued rate of change?

This conference defines the core of who we are as an organization. It presents a great value for our members to address as many of these threats and opportunities as they can. As the aperture of each member of the NEAFP continues to widen based on these changes, NEAFP will continue to be here for you.

We hope you expand your mind at this conference and have fun in the process. I know I will. I look forward to seeing you in the Seaport April 18^th thru the 20^th.