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Friday, September 19, 2025

Financial Center News #120

WAIFC member financial centers report on capital markets innovation, blockchain and AI integration in financial services. Updates from 21 centers including Abu Dhabi, Astana, Hong Kong, and Lagos on regulatory frameworks and cross-border investment opportunities.

Financial Center News #120 โ€“ title image

World Alliance

World Alliance

The Finance Summit | 18.09.2025 in Stuttgart yesterday was a great success - congratulations to our member Stuttgart Financial!

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

The ADGM Dispute Resolution Hearing Centre (DRHC) welcomed a senior delegation from the Bar Council of England and Wales.

The discussions centred on ADGM's distinctive legal framework, including the direct application of English common law, the structure of ADGM Courts, and the enforcement of judgments. The delegation also explored the Court-Annexed Mediation Scheme, reflecting ADGM's progressive approach to dispute resolution.

As part of the visit, guests toured the DRHC โ€” a purpose-built facility for in-person, hybrid, and virtual hearings โ€” and experienced a live demonstration of Mediation in the Metaverse, showcasing ADGM's commitment to innovation and accessibility in justice.

With Abu Dhabi set to host the upcoming International Bar Association Arbitration Day Conference, ADGM continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for international collaboration and world-class dispute resolution.

Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)

Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC)

๐ŸŒŸAstana Finance Days 2025 has once again confirmed its status as the largest financial platform in the region. The forum brought together global asset managers, government representatives, international companies, and leading experts, becoming a space for dialogue, agreements, and new initiatives.

Busan Finance Center (BFC)

Busan Finance Center (BFC)

๐ŸŒ D-#365: #WAIFC AGM 2026 in Busan

Exactly one year from today, #Busan will welcome the world's leading international financial centers for the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) Annual General Meeting #2026.

๐Ÿ“ Venue: Busan, South Korea ๐Ÿ“ Date: September 14-18, 2026

๐Ÿš€ Highlights will include: Global policy dialogues on the future of finance Advancing maritime finance: green shipping, port infrastructure Networking with financial leaders Unique Busan experiences across finance, culture, and the sea

โš“ With its position as a global maritime hub, Busan is ready to showcase how finance meets the ocean.

Casablanca Finance City (CFC)

Casablanca Finance City (CFC)

Global tensions, trade fragmentation, and shifting alliances are reshaping investment dynamics across Africa. Strengthening financial systems, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive growth are key to maintaining the continent's attractiveness for long-term investors.

This panel will discuss these challenges and explore ways to move towards practical strategies to enhance economic resilience, drive innovation, and create sustainable investment opportunities across the region.

๐Ÿ“… 19 September 2025 โฐ Starting at 8:30 AM ๐Ÿ“ Four Seasons Casablanca & Online ๐Ÿ”— Don't miss this key discussion: https://lnkd.in/e7khE7Q8

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

The latest Future of Finance report reveals how global markets are transforming and why Dubai is at the forefront of this shift.

Key findings from "The Shift to Private Capital: The New Private Wealth Hubs" report: - Public markets are shrinking, with wealth increasingly concentrated in fewer companies. - Traditional diversification is weakening as equities and bonds move in tandem. - Private markets are on track to exceed USD 30 trillion AUM by 2030. - Global private wealth has reached USD 471 trillion, accelerated by the Great Wealth Transfer. - Dubai, through #DIFC, is emerging as the hub where strong governance meets entrepreneurial growth.

Read the full report now: https://lnkd.in/dPaUKB33

Economic Development Board Mauritius (EDB)

Economic Development Board Mauritius (EDB)

India-Mauritius bilateral relations

EnterpriseNGR

EnterpriseNGR

Insurance plays a vital role in protecting lives, businesses, and communities. But in Nigeria, many people still find it difficult to access reliable, efficient, and trusted insurance solutions.

We want to change that.

This is why we're asking for your feedback: โœ… What works for you today? โœ… What challenges do you face? โœ… Where can the industry do better?

Your insights will help industry leaders design better products, improve claims processes, and build a stronger, more reliable insurance sector for all Nigerians.

Click the link below to share your experience https://bit.ly/46XCtZP

Your voice will shape the future of insurance in Nigeria.

FinanceMalta (FM)

FinanceMalta (FM)

++FM 18th Annual Conference โ€“ Featured Speaker++ ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Matthew Bianchi โ€” Deputy Chairman, FinanceMalta

Buy tickets ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://lnkd.in/eKsEDY4G

Pleased to host Matthew at FM18 for impactful dialogue with our community.

FSA Oman

FSA Oman

โœจ Pure environmentโ€ฆ sustainable planet ๐ŸŒ

The #FSA_Oman continues its commitment to green economy & sustainable finance ๐ŸŒฑ

Frankfurt Main Finance (FMF)

Frankfurt Main Finance (FMF)

๐ŸŒFOOD for THOUGHT โ€“ Online Event

Frankfurt Main Finance and the Association of Foreign Banks in Germany are delighted to invite you to the next edition of FOOD for THOUGHT.

๐Ÿ“Œ Tuesday, 23 September 2025 | 09:00 โ€“ 10:00 (Frankfurt time) | Online

We are pleased to welcome Shahanaz Mรผller, CAMS and Partner at Deloitte Forensic in Vienna. Under the title "From Regulation to Reinvention: Using Europe's AML Reform to Build Smarter Organizations", she will explore how Europe's new AML framework marks a strategic turning point. Instead of being seen merely as a compliance obligation, it opens the door for institutions to transform processes, strengthen governance, and move toward adaptive, data-driven compliance models.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Register here: https://brnw.ch/21wVPJe

Future Finance Poland (FFP)

Future Finance Poland (FFP)

Fintech Trends Shaping the Future of Finance โ€“ September 22, The Shard, London.

London is Europe's capital for financial innovation, investment, and education โ€“ the perfect backdrop for an exclusive event organised by FinTech Poland, in collaboration with Warwick Business School and the Gillmore Centre for Financial Technology.

Poland is rapidly emerging as a fintech powerhouse, home to over 380 companies.

Join us for a day of visionary discussions, market insights, and networking opportunities with leaders from the UK, Poland, and beyond.

๐Ÿ“… September 22 | 9:30โ€“15:00 | The Shard, London ๐Ÿ”— Register now โžก https://lnkd.in/ebRfapuw

Financial Services Development Council (FSDC), Hong Kong

Financial Services Development Council (FSDC), Hong Kong

Building Bridges: FSDC Explores Bilateral Financial Opportunities with Pakistan

To unlock mutual synergies between Hong Kong and Pakistan, FSDC Vice-Chairman Mr Daniel Fung engaged in a dynamic dialogue at the Financial Services & Investment Seminar 2025, hosted by the Consulate General of Pakistan in Hong Kong.

In his thoughtful speech, Mr Fung highlighted Hong Kong's role as a global financial hub and its ability to connect with and support Pakistani firms through a diverse and sophisticated financial ecosystem. He shared valuable insights on how Hong Kong's capital market can facilitate funding and how its thriving #FinTech ecosystem can enhance Pakistan's #DigitalEconomy, as well as the potential for collaboration in #TransitionFinance and #SustainableDevelopment.

Conversations like these underscore the FSDC's continued commitment to fostering financial connectivity and multilateral development, showcasing the potential to forge long-term partnerships rooted in innovation, sustainability, and mutual growth.

Istanbul Financial Center (IFC)

Istanbul Financial Center (IFC)

Tรผrkiye's high-tech manufacturing sector is experiencing record growth. In June, high-tech product manufacturing surged by 88.2%. This progress is driven by strategic investments in R&D, technology development, and design centers.

Jersey Finance (JF)

Jersey Finance (JF)

What does the future look like for women in finance in South Africa, the GCC and beyond?

In our latest Jersey Heard Podcast, Amy Bryant, our Deputy CEO, sits down with Dr Rufaro Nyakatawa-Mucheka, PhD, CFPยฎ, MBA, TEP, our Market Development Consultant โ€“ Africa and An Kelles, our Director โ€“ GCC, to explore the landscape for women working in financial services in their regions.

Hear key takeaways from our recent Perspectives: Women in Leadership event in South Africa, as well as what guests can look forward to at our GCC event series coming this October.

๐ŸŽง Listen here: https://jsy.fi/42mNOiQ

Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC)

Kigali International Financial Centre (KIFC)

Yesterday, we were honored to host Koenig & Bauer, the world's oldest printing press manufacturer, for a courtesy visit. By offering an attractive, competitive, and investor-friendly environment, fully compliant with international best practices, Rwanda stands out as Africa's gateway for investors seeking opportunities across the continent.

Luxembourg for Finance (LFF)

Luxembourg for Finance (LFF)

At our recent Focus on Compliance & Risk Management livestream we explored the complexity of evolving regulations, while navigating rising geopolitical and operational risks.

In our fireside chat with Andrew McDougall, he noted that while there are parallels with the Cold War, today's far more complex geopolitical landscape requires financial institutions to adapt across sanctions, currencies, jurisdictions, and regulation. He stressed that cutting through the constant noise of the 24-hour news cycle demands deeper knowledge of regions and risks, coupled with rigorous risk management processes to anticipate and respond effectively to global events.

Our first panel focused on the evolving role of compliance in European finance, highlighting priorities such as sustainable finance, AI governance, operational resilience under DORA, and the upcoming EU AML Authority.

During the second panel, our speakers explored how a hyperconnected financial system amplifies operational risks, from reliance on global tech providers to complex delegation chains, requiring proactive risk management, and alignment with frameworks like DORA.

Thank you to our speakers: Andrew McDougall, Barclays | Michael Horvath, PwC | Sandrine Labro, Brown Brothers Harriman | Karine Laurencin Mussy, Amundi | Alexandra Merlino, Pictet Group | Antoine Meyers, BGL BNP Paribas | Luc Neuberg, PhD, GFR (Global Fund Risk) | Tilo Reichert, CAIA, CFA, FRM, Swiss Life Asset Managers | Lynn Robbroeckx, Luxembourg for Finance | Anne-Lise Vandevoir, Clifford Chance | Murielle YIMGANG, Generali Luxembourg

Many thanks to our sponsor Aptus.AI

Click here to watch the full replay: http://bit.ly/4g2DYrW

Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)

Qatar Financial Centre (QFC)

QFC was pleased to take part in the Finance Leadership Dialogue, hosted by our partner, Qatar Finance and Business Academy - QFBA - the national institution specialised in training and development for Qatar's financial sector. ๐Ÿ‡ถ๐Ÿ‡ฆ

This exclusive roundtable brought together senior leaders from across the industry to: ๐ŸŸฃ Exchange perspectives on the new global competency framework for finance leadership ๐ŸŸฃ Explore how to build future-ready talent pipelines ๐ŸŸฃ Align financial leadership with Qatar's long-term economic priorities

By fostering dialogue and developing talent, QFC remains committed to strengthening Qatar's financial ecosystem and supporting sustainable growth.

Stuttgart Financial (SF)

By Finance Accelerator

Stuttgart Financial (SF) โ€“ By Finance Accelerator

Tomorrow the time has finally come: The Finance Summit | 18.09.2025 of the Boerse Stuttgart Group and Stuttgart Financial will take place and with it our Venture Day ๐ŸŽ‰

We are looking forward to the Female Founders Breakfast, good conversations, networking opportunities, exciting panels and keynotes, the Startup Expo and of course to the pitches of our start-ups as part of the BW Startup Award and the Female Founders Scholarship!

We hope you have already secured your ticket, because with over 1,400 registrations, the day will be the center for startups, innovation and European ideas ๐Ÿ˜Ž for the future

You can already find the agenda for the day here: https://lnkd.in/dU7Y2ZSp

See you tomorrow at the Haus der Wirtschaft ๐Ÿ™Œ

TheCityUK

TheCityUK

We were delighted to host our virtual policymaker roundtable yesterday in partnership with The ABI and LIIBA - London & International Insurance Brokers' Association.

The discussion explored how insurance firms can prepare to utilise and benefit from the Berne Financial Services Agreement (BFSA) ahead of its go-live date on 1 January 2026. Participants received practical guidance on accessing new cross-border opportunities, meeting regulatory and operational requirements, and heard insights from both UK and Swiss authorities on implementation and supervision.

Thank you to our speakers from HM Treasury, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Staatssekretariat fรผr internationale Finanzfragen SIF, and Eidgenรถssische Finanzmarktaufsicht FINMA, as well as to all attendees for contributing to such a valuable and engaging discussion.

Our roundtable series continues to provide a platform for policymakers and industry leaders to share expertise and collaborate on key issues for the sector.

If you would like to learn more about how your organisation could benefit from the BFSA, we encourage you to refer to the Financial Conduct Authority Q&A page (https://lnkd.in/eMUCVFkF) in the first instance. Alternatively, you can email europe@thecityuk.com and we will connect you with the right team to support your question or request.

Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre (TRIFIC)

Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre (TRIFIC)

At TRIFIC SEZ, we're creating a future-ready ecosystem built for scale, speed, and innovation.

From world-class facilities to tax incentives and seamless digital connectivity, this is where businesses gain their competitive edge. TRIFIC isn't just a location. It's where the future is being built.

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