Sibos, SWIFT’s flagship conference and arguably the biggest financial services event on the calendar, has been cancelled for 2020.

Having cancelled or postponed in-person community events through August, SWIFT has now taken the decision to cancel the Sibos physical event scheduled to take place in Boston from 5-8 October 2020.

SWIFT says that the decision was reached after much consultation with customers, exhibitors and other stakeholders, and that the move is in the interest, first and foremost, of protecting the safety and wellbeing of customers, partners and staff. The organisation says that it is not a decision it takes lightly, but one that is the most responsible course of action given global circumstances.

“We are exploring options to launch some world-class industry thought leadership content digitally that week and beyond. So please hold on to the dates in your diary,” the SWIFT statement notes.

The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, where Sibos was due to be held, opened a 1000-bed field hospital on premises last Friday to provide clinical care for people diagnosed with COVID-19.

The next ‘in person’ Sibos is now due to be next year’s event in Singapore from 11-14 October 2021.