Financial Center News #116

🔔 Today, we are proud to highlight two strategic reports from our members, shedding light on two pillars: 📌 Fintech Development and the Impact of AI on Finance.

💡 1. "Qatar's Fintech Ecosystem: Trends and Opportunities" Published by our member, the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority, and Invest Qatar, this report provides a comprehensive overview of Qatar's fintech ecosystem, highlighting innovation, investment opportunities, and the country's positioning as a regional hub for digital finance. 📲 Read the report: https://lnkd.in/dSQ2i34e

🤖 2. "Is the Financial Sector Ready for the AI Revolution?" Produced by our member Future Finance Poland, this study reveals a key challenge: attracting talent to build and implement AI solutions. 🔹 61% of IT experts prefer career growth in tech companies 🔹 54% aspire to work for international firms 🔹 Only 17% are interested in domestic companies

The report explores how financial institutions can strengthen their appeal, expand IT talent pools, and position themselves as attractive destinations for AI specialists. 📲 Read the report: https://lnkd.in/dqGdatvP

Since 2019, ADGM Courts has been leading the way in dispute resolution with its Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme — the first of its kind in the region.

This confidential, flexible process offers parties a faster, cost-effective, and party-controlled alternative to litigation and arbitration. With an 80% settlement rate year after year, mediation at ADGM Courts is conducted by internationally accredited court officers and a dedicated Pro Bono Mediators Panel, providing outstanding expertise at no cost.

Whether before or after legal proceedings begin, mediation empowers you to resolve disputes efficiently and on your terms.

To learn more, contact us at mediation@adgmcourts.com or visit: https://lnkd.in/dwtYqkSV

🟢 Expand Your Horizons with AIFC's Investment Tax Residency Program

AIFC now offers a second investment pathway — in addition to securities listed on Astana International Exchange (AIX), you can invest directly into the share capital of AIFC-registered companies. Migration support is provided via the AIFC Expat Centre.

🎯 Benefits for investors: • Investor Visa (up to 5 years) or Residence Permit in Kazakhstan • Tax residency with exemption on foreign-sourced income under simplified conditions

📢 Investment thresholds: • From USD 60,000 – 5-year Investor Visa • From USD 300,000 – Residence Permit

Unlock new opportunities for global mobility, tax optimisation, and capital management with AIFC. 📩 Contact us: itrp@aifc.kz

#BFC On Air

This year marks the 16th anniversary of Busan's designation as a #financial #hub since 2009. In a recent interview with #MBC News, our President, Mr. Myungho Rhee, shared insights on Busan's current position and future as an international financial center.

Key highlights from the discussion: 📌 UNDP Financial Centres for Sustainability (FC4S) Leadership: BFC was recently selected as a member of the Steering Committee of the UNDP FC4S, opening doors for Busan to play a greater role in shaping global sustainable finance. 📌 #Maritime Finance & Policy Synergy: With the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, alongside shipping, shipbuilding, and port industries, Busan is well-positioned to strengthen its role as a true global maritime finance hub. 📌 Next-Generation Initiatives: The government's plan to establish the Southeast Investment Bank is expected to create strong synergies for Busan's financial ecosystem. 📌 Global Competition: With Busan currently ranked 24th in the Global Financial Centres Index #GFCI, continuous policy support, legal and tax incentives, and citizen engagement are essential to move further up the ranks.

📺 Watch the full MBC interview here: https://lnkd.in/gMf_MM9U

As Africa confronts the twin challenges of climate vulnerability and development imperatives, sustainable finance is emerging as a critical tool for driving inclusive, low-carbon growth. Mobilising capital towards green infrastructure, clean energy, climate-smart agriculture and resilient urban development is not only essential for meeting global climate goals but also for advancing the continent's broader development agenda.

This panel will explore the role of green and sustainable finance in shaping Africa's economic future, and examine practical strategies to align sustainability with the continent's long-term development goals.

📅 19 September 2025 📍 Four Seasons Casablanca & Online 🔗 Join us for this key discussion: https://lnkd.in/e7khE7Q8

The Dubai Financial Experts Programme cohort, Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development, embarked on a transformative learning journey at the University of Oxford.

Through immersive workshops, real-world case studies, and engaging dialogues with world-renowned professors, participants sharpened leadership capabilities, explored the future of finance and AI, and forged meaningful professional connections that will continue to shape the region's financial landscape.

[ Mauritius currently stands out among the top African countries in digital payments adoption ]

The government has launched an inspiring Digital Transformation Blueprint 2025-2029, titled "A Bridge to the Future," which outlines the strategy to modernize the island into a technology-driven, high-income, and inclusive economy by 2030, by fostering an innovation-driven culture and expanding digital public services to promote inclusiveness and economic growth.

Learn more about the Digital Transformation Blueprint (2025-2029): https://lnkd.in/dNUAMByX

Mauritius's position in digital payments is owed to the increasing adoption of digital services among the population and to financial inclusion. About 91% of adults possess a formal transaction account, showcasing strong penetration of digital financial services across the nation. In terms of contactless payments, Mauritius ranks among the top three countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The penetration of contactless transactions has surged from just 0.5% in 2020 to an impressive 45% by 2023 ( source: https://lnkd.in/dkNQZ8ss ). This rapid growth indicates a significant shift towards Near Field Communication (NFC) and QR code payment systems.

The number of mobile money agents in Mauritius has been growing steadily alongside the country's broader digital payments ecosystem development coupled with near-universal 4G/LTE mobile coverage at 99%, this infrastructure supports widespread access to digital payments throughout Mauritius.

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for this transformation, accelerating the adoption of digital payments dramatically. E-commerce transactions by value soared by an astounding 400% ( source: https://lnkd.in/d4sj4gJ ), while mobile payments experienced significant growth during lockdowns— contactless transactions quadrupled, and mobile payments increased by approximately 200%.

Innovative national initiatives have further bolstered this trend; Mauritius introduced a national QR code standard known as MauCAS QR Code to democratize digital payments for small merchants. This initiative facilitates easy acceptance of electronic payments and supports government e-services. Additionally, the Bank of Mauritius is actively exploring Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) initiatives to enhance its evolving digital payment ecosystem.

The Network Readiness Index ranks Mauritius 1st in the region for 2024, showcasing the country's capacity to navigate digital transformation and its digital readiness. This comprehensive approach positions Mauritius not just as a digital adopter but also as a digital benchmark in the region.

🌐 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/djRXstxe

EnterpriseNGR Newsletter | Q2 2025 (PART 2)

We are kicking off a new series on AI agents in finance within our Data & AI Specialization. In July and August, we hosted two workshops – at the Future Finance Poland office and Accenture Poland, our knowledge partner – gathering top experts and practitioners.

Next sessions are coming in September – join us! 📩 info@futurefinancepoland.com

Quantum leap for the Frankfurt 🚀 financial centre

At the second Quantum Roundtable Hessen in the TechQuartier, more than 30 leading representatives from politics, business and science met — including Hesse's Minister of Economic Affairs Kaweh Mansoori, the Bundesbank, Visa, JoS Quantum, TU Darmstadt and many more.

🎯 The goal: to position the financial centre of Frankfurt and the state of Hesse as an international centre for quantum technology and artificial intelligence in the financial sector.

Focus on three key measures: 1️⃣ Quantum-Secure Data Infrastructure & Frankfurt Financial Exchange 2️⃣ The sovereign AI factory Frankfurt Rhine-Main 3️⃣ The new Tech & Data Lab Frankfurt for pilot projects & innovation

📌 Minister Mansoori: "Our aim is to shape innovation responsibly – with technical excellence, economic rationality and social responsibility."

💬 More about this in the article by TechQuartier 👉 https://brnw.ch/21wV1gd

🔷 FSA hosts the 'Property All Risks Insurance' programme, designed to raise awareness and build knowledge among participants involved in product management, underwriting, risk, claims, compliance and regulatory affairs across the insurance sector.

Rising at the crossroads of continents, Istanbul Financial Center is shaping a new era of connectivity and growth. A landmark where finance, business, and culture converge.

Submit your application today: https://lnkd.in/dxA9i6YC

🗽 In the latest edition of our US newsletter: The top story in this edition underscores how today's polycrisis — marked by geopolitical turbulence, economic shifts and regulatory complexity — demands resilient and trusted international finance centres.

Our CEO, Joe Moynihan, argues that only stable jurisdictions can support international business amid fragmentation and uncertainty, delivering credibility and consistency.

Yesterday, we were delighted to host students from Green Hills Academy Rwanda as they began their two-week job shadowing program at KIFC.

Our CEO, Hortense Mudenge, welcomed the students as they embarked on this early career exploration journey. Over the coming days, they will gain invaluable exposure to careers within the financial industry — an opportunity to develop their skills, align their subject choices with future aspirations, and be inspired to consider professions in finance.

Operational risk is becoming more complex in today's hyperconnected world, where geopolitical instability, regulatory change, and digital transformation create increasingly interlinked vulnerabilities.

At Focus on Compliance & Risk Management, Michael Horvath, Partner – Regulatory Advisor at PwC Luxembourg, will moderate a discussion on how firms can reframe operational resilience for this reality. He will be joined by Antoine Meyers, Chief Information Security Officer at BGL BNP Paribas, Luc Neuberg, PhD, Chairman of the Board at the Luxembourg Association for Risk Management, and Tilo Reichert, CAIA, CFA, FRM, Head of Risk and Compliance at Swiss Life Asset Managers.

The panel will explore strategies for managing interconnected risks, strengthening resilience across organisational silos, and adapting risk frameworks to match the pace of change.

Register here: http://bit.ly/4lHoSdw

QFC was pleased to welcome a delegation from the Shishi Municipal Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, led by our professional services sector team, for a constructive meeting on advancing economic and trade cooperation between Shishi City and Qatar. 🤝

The discussion covered local investment policies, regulatory frameworks, and opportunities for collaboration — reflecting our mutual interest in fostering cross-border partnerships and shared economic growth.

LBBW is joining us as a Platinum Partner 📣

We are delighted to announce that Landesbank Baden-Württemberg will be partnering with us for the second edition of Boerse Stuttgart Group's flagship event. As Germany's biggest federal state bank and a cornerstone of the country's financial system, LBBW plays a key role — both in Germany and globally.

LBBW's participation in Finance Summit | 18.09.2025 underscores the importance of innovation and resilience in addressing the financial challenges of tomorrow. We are pleased to welcome Dominik Schütz, Head of the Innovation Lab at LBBW, to the Venture Day Stage for an in-depth look at how LBBW successfully collaborates with emerging ventures, setting a leading example for innovative corporate-startup partnerships.

Join us on 18 September 2025 in Stuttgart as we shape the dialogue around boosting Europe's growth!

📊 Data from the latest iteration of our annual 'Key facts about UK-based financial and related professional services' report shows that our industry continues to be a major national employer, employing almost 2.5 million people across the country in 2023. This equates to 1 in every 13 workers – a year-on-year increase of 1.8% – with two thirds of these jobs based outside London.

You can read more about employment in the industry and other key data and facts in the report here 📖 https://lnkd.in/eZT4tdQy