Twentieth International Banking Congress opens in St. Petersburg

ST.PETERSBURG, May 25 (Itar-Tass) - The 20th International Banking
Congress (IBC-2011) is starting in St. Petersburg on Wednesday to discuss
modernization, innovations and investments.
"During plenary meetings and workshops the participants will discuss
modernization of the Russian banking system, the role of banks in
innovative economy and their participation in investment projects; risk
management, the application of new technologies in the banking business as
well as urgent aspects of banking regulation and supervision," the
congress's organizing committee told Itar-Tass.
Representatives of both chambers of the Russian Federal Assembly, the
Federation Council and the State Duma, the Russian government, the Bank of
Russia, international financial institutions, foreign banks, audit firms,
consulting and IT-companies and bank associations are traditionally
attending the forum.
The first day will offer a busy cultural program. The participants in
the congress will have a chance to meet in an informal atmosphere during a
sightseeing tour of St. Petersburg and a concert in the Smolnyi Cathedral
where the Singing Cappella of St. Petersburg will perform its "Golden
repertoire."
The main discussions kick off on Thursday. The leaders of St.
Petersburg and the Bank of Russia, representatives of bodies of state
power, financiers, deputies and scientists are expected to deliver
speeches at the plenary meeting.
Several discussions on international reform of banking regulation,
development of national settlement systems and the banking sector's
participation in economic modernization will take place on the congress's
sidelines.