Swift, the global banking standards body and host of one of the world’s largest financial technology expositions, sibos, has cancelled the event in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The event, among the world’s most patronised banking technology conferences, was due to take place in Boston from the 5th to the 8th of October this year.

In announcing the decision, Swift said that “after extensive consultation with the community and in the interest, first and foremost, of protecting the safety and wellbeing of our customers, partners and staff.

“This is not a decision we take lightly, but one we believe is the most responsible course of action given global circumstances.”

With the physical event cancelled, Swift said it would explore a number of virtual options to provide “industry thought leadership content digitally that week and beyond”.

This year’s theme was Driving the evolution of smart finance.

Australia last hosted sibos in 2018 at Sydney’s International Convention Centre (ICC), which, according to Swift, attracted more than 7,500 attendees. The 2018 event marked the third time Sydney has played host to the global tech conference.

This year’s cancellation marks only the second time the event has not gone-ahead in its 42-year-long history. Following the 11 September terrorist attacks in the US, the 2001 Singapore event was withdrawn by organisers.

sibos is expected to recommence its physical event in Singapore next year from 11th to the 14th October 2021, as scheduled.