The Global ABS 2026 conference, scheduled for June 10 to 12, 2026, takes place in the vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. This annual event is one of the most anticipated gatherings in structured finance, pulling in professionals, investors, issuers, and service providers from every corner of the globe. Hosted by the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME) and IMN, Global ABS gives the industry a dedicated stage for exploring the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the asset-backed securities market.
What is Global ABS?
Global ABS is the leading event for the European structured finance industry. You get an in-depth read on the current state of the ABS market, from regulatory shifts to evolving investment strategies. Sessions cover a broad range of topics, including securitization, collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), mortgage-backed securities (MBS), and the growing role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations in structured finance. If you are serious about where this market is heading, this is the room you want to be in. And if you want to understand how smart capital gets deployed across asset classes, pairing this with a solid grasp of the core-satellite investment strategy gives you a sharper edge.
As structured finance grows and evolves, Global ABS gives industry leaders a forum to share knowledge, debate best practices, and build the kind of relationships that actually move deals forward. The event draws more than 4,000 participants each year, making it one of the largest and most influential conferences in the sector.
Key Themes and Objectives
Global ABS 2026 addresses several key themes that are critical to understanding the future of structured finance. These themes shape the agenda across all three days and reflect exactly what institutional players, policymakers, and market practitioners are wrestling with right now.
- Regulatory Developments: The conference will provide an update on the latest regulatory changes affecting the ABS market, including updates from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Attendees will learn about new regulations and their potential impact on securitization practices, investor protection, and market transparency.
- Market Dynamics and Trends: The event will explore the current trends shaping the ABS market, including the impact of rising interest rates, inflation, and geopolitical risks. Discussions will also focus on the growth of new asset classes, the role of fintech in structured finance, and the evolving investor landscape.
- Sustainable Finance and ESG Integration: As ESG becomes increasingly important in investment decisions, Global ABS 2025 will examine how the structured finance market is integrating ESG criteria. Sessions will cover green securitization, social bonds, and the challenges and opportunities of incorporating ESG factors into ABS transactions.
- Technological Innovation in Structured Finance: Technology is transforming the way structured finance operates. The conference will highlight the role of blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics in improving the efficiency, security, and transparency of ABS transactions. Attendees will gain insights into how these technologies are being applied to enhance the securitization process.
- Investment Strategies and Opportunities: With the global economy facing uncertainty, investors are seeking new strategies to optimize returns and manage risk. Global ABS 2025 will provide expert insights into the most promising investment opportunities in the structured finance market, including emerging markets, alternative asset classes, and the role of securitization in portfolio diversification.
Who Should Attend?
Global ABS 2026 is built for a wide range of professionals working across the structured finance world. Whether you manage a portfolio of CLOs, advise on regulatory compliance, or develop the technology that powers modern securitization platforms, you will find sessions and conversations tailored to your corner of the market.
- Investors and Asset Managers: Individuals looking to understand the latest trends in ABS and explore new investment opportunities.
- Issuers and Originators: Companies involved in securitizing assets and issuing ABS products, seeking to stay informed about market dynamics and regulatory changes.
- Service Providers: Law firms, rating agencies, technology providers, and other service providers that support the structured finance market.
- Regulators and Policymakers: Representatives from regulatory bodies and government agencies involved in overseeing the ABS market.
- Fintech and Technology Innovators: Companies developing new technologies to enhance the structured finance process, including blockchain, AI, and data analytics.
Featured Speakers and Sessions
Global ABS 2026 brings together a lineup of distinguished speakers drawn from across the structured finance world. Expect senior executives from leading financial institutions, regulators, policymakers, and technology innovators sharing the stage. Keynote addresses give you a macroeconomic read on global financial markets, while panel discussions dig into specific sectors like CLOs, MBS, and ESG-linked securities. The Financial Times regularly tracks the key debates shaping this space, and many of those conversations find their sharpest expression at events like this one.
Beyond the keynotes, the conference packs in a variety of sessions built for depth. You get case studies, practical insights, and interactive discussions where you can push back on experts, test ideas, and walk away with perspectives you can actually use.
Networking and Business Opportunities
Networking is at the heart of Global ABS 2026. You have plenty of room to connect with industry leaders, potential clients, and partners across dedicated networking sessions and more relaxed social events. The relationships you build here tend to have real staying power, the kind that translate into deals, partnerships, and long-term business growth.
The event also features an exhibition area where leading companies in structured finance put their products and services on display. Think of it as a curated showroom for the latest innovations in the market. You can meet service providers face to face, evaluate new tools, and get a hands-on sense of what is actually changing in the industry. For those tracking how capital flows into real assets alongside structured products, it is worth exploring short-term vs. long-term real estate investing as a complementary lens on portfolio strategy.
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona brings something special to an event of this scale. Known for its rich cultural heritage and a business environment that punches well above its weight, the city is a genuine hub for international finance and innovation. Between sessions, you can explore centuries of history, eat exceptionally well, and absorb the kind of creative energy that tends to sharpen your thinking. Bloomberg’s European finance coverage regularly highlights Barcelona as one of the continent’s most dynamic financial meeting points.
The conference takes place at a premier venue fitted with facilities, purpose-built for large-scale events like this one. The central location means you are never far from top hotels, world-class restaurants, or reliable transport links, whether you are flying in from London, Frankfurt, or New York.
How to Register
Registration for Global ABS 2026 is now open. Early registration is strongly recommended because demand fills spots fast. Book early and you lock in your place while also taking advantage of discounted rates. Your registration fee covers access to all conference sessions, networking events, and materials throughout the three days. If you are planning to use Barcelona as a base for broader European investment conversations, it is worth brushing up on renting vs. buying property in Europe before the trip.
To register, visit the official Global ABS 2026 website and complete the online registration form. You will also find the full conference agenda, confirmed speakers, and a curated list of accommodation options across Barcelona to suit every preference.
Savvas Agathangelou
Savvas Agathangelou is Co-Founder and Strategy Lead at The Luxury Playbook, specializing in real estate investment, leadership, and marketing strategy. His work focuses on identifying high-value property markets, analyzing real estate investment opportunities, and structuring strategies that align with global economic and demographic trends. He is also responsible for the platform's Leadership Voice and marketing-oriented content, where he analyzes how founders, executives, and investors build scalable systems, brands, and revenue channels within the luxury and financial ecosystem. His expertise connects real estate intelligence with growth strategy, positioning him at the intersection of investment and media expansion.
