On May 19, one of the year’s most important financial and economic forums — the Forbes Money & CFO Summit — took place in Buenos Aires, bringing together leading economists, bankers, investors, CFOs of major companies, and representatives of Argentina’s financial sector. The main focus of the event was the transformation of the Argentine economy amid a new political course and large-scale reforms.
The forum was held at a time when the country is experiencing a historic period of change. After years of economic instability, high inflation, and restrictions for businesses, Argentina is attempting to create a new development model — one more open to investment, international capital, and private initiative.
One of the central discussions focused on the macroeconomic situation. Economist Fernando Marull stated that the country has already gone through a phase of harsh stabilization, but the key question now is whether Argentina will be able to move from austerity to real economic growth.
Forum participants emphasized that reforms alone are not enough for development — investor confidence is equally essential. According to many experts, Argentina has now received a rare opportunity to restart its economy.
RIGI: A Bet on Energy and Mining
Special attention was given to the so-called “RIGI effect” — the large investment incentive regime that could dramatically reshape the country’s economic landscape.
Energy, lithium extraction, oil, gas, and the mining industry were identified as the key sectors of the future. According to speakers, these industries are capable of generating foreign currency inflows for Argentina and reducing dependence on the constant shortage of U.S. dollars — a problem that has hindered economic development for years.
Representatives of banks and investment funds discussed the new role of capital markets. The spotlight was on opportunities for Argentine assets, the development of lending, and the emergence of new financial instruments.
Among the key speakers of the forum were:
- Facundo Gómez Minujín — CEO of J.P. Morgan in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia.
- Gustavo Manríquez — CEO of Banco Supervielle.
- Roberto E. Silva — President of Argentina’s National Securities Commission (CNV).
- Javier Timerman — Managing Partner at Adcap Grupo Financiero.
- Néstor De Cesare — President of Allaria Fondos.
- Alexia Rosenthal — Partner at TCA, Director of A3 Mercados, and President of CAFIDAP.
- Ariel Sigal — Chairman of Grupo BIND.
Speakers noted that Argentina’s banking sector is gradually transitioning to a new model — one less dependent on state mechanisms and more focused on private business and long-term financing.
Fintech: A New Center of Power
Just a few years ago, fintech companies were perceived as an alternative to traditional banks. Today, they have become full-fledged players in the financial system.
The forum actively discussed:
- digital payments,
- online lending,
- new business models,
- regulations,
- competition between banks and the fintech sector.
Experts noted that technology could become the key catalyst for modernizing Argentina’s financial system.
The New Generation of CFOs
A separate block was dedicated to the role of CFOs during times of economic transformation. Financial executives from major companies discussed how decision-making processes have changed under the new economic reality.
Among the panel participants were:
- Gonzalo Fernández Covaro — Chief Financial Officer of Grupo Galicia and Banco Galicia.
- Carlos Quintana — CFO of the Farmacity retail chain.
- Leandro Martínez — Deputy General Manager of the Financial Division at Banco Provincia.
- Hernán Lacunza — former Minister of Economy of Argentina, Director of Empiria, and Professor at ITBA and UdeSA.
The main conclusion of the discussion was that businesses can no longer rely on short-term decisions. Argentina is entering a period in which strategic planning and financial discipline are becoming key factors for survival and growth.
The Forbes Money & CFO Summit 2026 demonstrated one crucial point: Argentina is currently at a moment that could define its economic future for decades to come.
Today, the country is attempting to transition from an economy of constant crises to an economy of opportunities. And although many challenges still lie ahead, the atmosphere of the forum reflected the cautious optimism of the business community.
The key question heard in almost every discussion was: will Argentina be able to seize this opportunity now?
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Author: Olena Zhukova
Photo: Olena Zhukova