Financial Center News #126

Our Managing Director, Jochen Biedermann, will be speaking at the Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025!

He will be sharing insights on the future of financial centers, innovation, and sustainable finance, and how global collaboration is shaping the next chapter of the fintech industry.

Join him and 37,000+ professionals from around the world to explore the future of finance and technology in Hong Kong. 💡

🗓️ Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK Festival 2025 📍 3–7 November, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre & Multiple Venues

Register here (use code HKFTWXSMUSPEAKER%10 for 10% off): 👉 https://lnkd.in/gBaVtP4x

Behind every milestone in ADGM's journey are the people who made it possible. Over the past ten years, they've seen ADGM evolve into the fastest-growing international financial centre—and, in the process, have grown with it.

As we mark A Decade in Motion, our colleagues share their stories: when they first joined, how ADGM has shaped their professional paths, and what excites them most about the road ahead.

On the eve of Republic Day, employees of the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) were honoured with AIFC Medals of Honour, AIFC Medals of Appreciation, Certificates of Recognition, and letters of gratitude for the successful implementation of various projects.

Outstanding contributions were recognised across the AIFC including the AIFC Authority, Astana International Exchange - AIX, the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), as well as the AIFC Court and International Arbitration Centre.

The professionalism, dedication, and commitment of our team truly deserve special recognition.

During the award ceremony, AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov, CFA noted: «Our team consists of true professionals who make a significant contribution to the successful implementation of our strategic priorities. Your hard work, responsibility, and joint efforts strengthen the reputation of our financial centre and help elevate the country's financial system to a new level on the international stage».

☄️ Congratulations to our colleagues on this well-deserved recognition! May your energy, perseverance, and shared commitment continue to drive us towards new achievements.

Co-hosting the 12th Busan Global Finance Forum on 28 Oct spotlighting Busan's edge in AI + marine finance.

📍 Theme 'Leading Digital and Marine FInance in the Age of #AI"

Honored to host Prof. Michael Mainelli, Chairman of Z/Yen Group Limited, delivering a keynote on "Connectivity & Cities: How to build a successful technology & financial centre."

Calendar blocked, see you tomorrow.

https://lnkd.in/g6PtK7AR

#DIFC, in partnership with S&P Global Ratings, hosted the launch of the 15th Annual Islamic Finance Conference, a key platform shaping the future of global Islamic finance.

The event discussed the sector's outlook, evolving GCC credit conditions, the growth of sukuk markets, and the increasing role of sustainable finance. The conference also marked the launch of S&P Global Ratings' Islamic Finance Outlook Report, offering valuable insights into the trends driving the industry's next phase of growth.

Read more: https://lnkd.in/duCB7p-g

During 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Miss Keshini began painting with watercolours, drawing inspiration from both German and Mauritian artists, blending cultural influences into her unique artistic expression.

In her Artwork, Cobbled streets in Italy, she utilizes a combination of permanence and fluidity to express themes of order, transformation, liberation and the element of the unforeseeable. While the permanent black ink represents order, the soft watercolour paints convey this looseness

Miss Keshini Tupsy expressed her gratitude to the Economic Development Board (EDB) for providing her with the wonderful opportunity to showcase her artwork.

The #EDBArtGallery is open to visitors from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday

FinanceMalta participated in the Digital Malta Conference bringing together leaders driving Malta's digital and financial transformation.

During the event, Alex Konewko(Finductive), delivered a presentation titled "The FinTech Ecosystem in Malta", outlining the sector's rapid evolution, regulatory strengths, and collaboration opportunities within the Maltese financial landscape.

The conference also featured key representatives from across the industry, including Sandro Pecorella(SGM-FX), Luke Mizzi(Camilleri Preziosi Advocates), Miguel Cassar(Amicorp Fund Services), Reuben Camilleri(Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Ltd.), who contributed to the dialogue on innovation and digital growth.

FinanceMalta continues to engage with industry peers to strengthen Malta's position as a forward-looking hub for financial and digital services.

Towards Sustainable Disclosure…

The #FSA invites you to attend the Workshop on the Policy for Implementing IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 Standards, aimed at promoting corporate transparency and alignment with global sustainability reporting standards.

🗓️ October 29, 2025 📍 Al Irfan Hall – Financial Services Authority, Airport Heights 🕙 10:00 AM

#IFRS_S1 #IFRS_S2

Registration link (رابط التسجيل): https://lnkd.in/dCFgSrGm

#Newsletter | What's moving Frankfurt's financial centre

🌐 #FrankfurtOnStage: Frankfurt presented itself with confidence at the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington. Together with leading banks, FMF President Oliver Behrens and Managing Director Hubertus Väth showcased Frankfurt's stability and innovative strength. At this week's Frankfurt Finance & Future Summit, Hubertus Väth highlighted Frankfurt's growing role as a driver of growth and competitiveness in Europe.

📊 #CenterForFinancialStudies: The new CFS Index slightly declined to 106.0 in Q2 2025, reflecting a modest dip in sentiment across Germany's financial sector. In the special survey, industry professionals this time assessed the federal government's economic policy, calling for stronger action on taxes, bureaucracy reduction, and pension reform.

🤝 #International: Frankfurt Main Finance expands its global network with new partnerships in Uzbekistan and Vietnam, supporting the development of international financial centres and strengthening investment ties across continents.

👉 Sign up to read the full stories and more insights: https://brnw.ch/21wWVkQ

Speed or security? Until recently, this was seen as a trade-off. But customers today expect both – instantly and invisibly.

Through the Digital Identity Specialization, Future Finance Poland works with partners to design onboarding journeys that deliver on both fronts.

We asked Malgorzata Domagala, Vice President, Products and Solutions, Mastercard: Is it possible to reconcile two customer priorities – speed and full sense of security?

"It is now expected to have the best of both worlds, without compromises. Customers demand speed and security at the same time. The secret? Making robust protection invisible. Technologies based on biometrics and AI-driven fraud detection work quietly in the background, enabling as frictionless experience as possible, while upholding the highest standards of trust."

For the market, this means: 🔹Faster access without delays 🔹Stronger, invisible security layers 🔹Trust built directly into digital services

This is how digital identity reshapes onboarding – where speed meets security.

What would Capital need to thrive? A place where rules safeguard its value and systems empower its growth.

In Hong Kong, a world-class legal system and robust regulatory framework provide exactly that — a trusted environment where ambition and opportunity converge.

In today's financial landscape, stability and trust are critical. Hong Kong's globally calibrated safeguards, predictable transparency, and competitive efficiency make it the ideal partner for high-value transactions and complex financial strategies.

With its reputation for integrity and low, simple taxation, Hong Kong empowers Capital to grow with confidence.

📽️ Watch how Hong Kong's robust legal framework empowers Capital to thrive: https://lnkd.in/gqJeaBvu

Join us in sharing why Hong Kong is the global anchor of financial security and success. ✨ Stay tuned for the final video in this series showcasing why Hong Kong is #WhereMoneyComesToGrow.

Fintech Zone İstanbul has opened its doors at the Istanbul Financial Center, creating a new hub for innovation in financial technologies. It connects startups, investors and institutions, providing the ideal environment for growth and collaboration.

Discover more and apply at: https://fintech.zone/

Joe Moynihan explores four key trends shaping the global landscape for international finance centres (IFCs):

🌱 Sustainability 🌐Digital transformation 👥Human capital ☑️ Regulatory collaboration

These are not challenges but opportunities for IFCs like Jersey to demonstrate leadership through credible, measurable action.

🔗 Read his latest blog post to learn more: https://jsy.fi/4osHAGQ

KIFC CEO Hortense Mudenge yesterday welcomed Ms. Irene Vida Gala, Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Rwanda, for a courtesy visit.

Discussions centered around KIFC's mandate and value proposition, while exploring opportunities for collaboration between the Rwandan and Brazilian financial sectors.

At our recent Focus on Investing event, we discussed how investors can navigate today's "polycrisis" - from market volatility to geopolitical uncertainty and technological disruption. What are the risks and opportunities they should pay attention to in this environment, and how can they rebalance their portfolios? These are the strategic questions our guests sought to answer, as today's reality increasingly differs from that of tomorrow.

Vincenzo Vedda, Chief Investment Officer at DWS Group, stated in his keynote speech that the tariffs imposed by the United States on the rest of the world currently represent one of the main issues and will have a significant impact on global growth. However, despite the sharp rise in stock market valuations and the growing talk of a potential "bubble," he remains calm. Stock prices have increased considerably, but this rise is justified by economic activity and strong earnings reports.

The day's panel focused on the growth of thematic investing in sectors such as AI and defense, as well as the strong expansion of ETFs as their vehicle, fuelled by retail investors, wealth management clients and institutional players who need to aim for greater flexibility.

Finally, Douglass Welch, Managing Director at Pemberton Asset Management, confirmed the growing influence of private debt in portfolios composition as well as the role its plays in financing SMEs and the real economy.

🔗 If you have missed the event, watch the recap here: https://bit.ly/4nt7QAZ

Thank you to all our speakers: Luigi Antonaci, Eurizon SLJ Capital / Hind El Gaidi, ICG / Corinne Lamesch, ALFI - Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry / Omar Moufti, CFA, CAIA , iShares by BlackRock / Matias N. Rubiolo,Luxembourg for Finance / Michael Stewart, CFA, Amundi / Vincenzo Vedda, DWS Group / Douglass Welch, Pemberton Asset Management

This morning, the NIFC partnered with the Office of Kenya's Special Envoy for Climate Change, led by Ali Mohamed through its Clean Cooking Delivery Unit to convene the High-Level Summit on Unlocking Finance and Investments for Institutional Clean Cooking in Kenya.

The Government was represented by the Chief Guest, Her Excellency The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Mrs Rachael Ruto, The Cabinet Secretary of Education, CS Julius Migos Ogamba, Principal Secretary of Investments, PS Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, CBS and the Special Envoy on Technology, Ambassador Philip Thigo, MBS.

NIFC CEO Daniel Mainda participated in an insightful panel discussion alongside Faustina Fynn-Nyame of Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) Africa, Dennis MUNUVE of African Development Bank Group, Paul Russo of KCB Bank Group, John Mwendwa, OGW of Kenya Investment Authority (InvestKenya) and a representative from UNDP KENYA. The discussion was focused on unlocking scalable finance and investment for institutional clean cooking across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The NIFC is excited to play its part in bringing together key leaders and partners to chart a path toward a more sustainable and equitable energy future for all.

We met with representatives from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai to explore collaboration opportunities across the financial and professional services sectors. 🤝

The discussion focused on enhancing economic and trade ties between the two markets, supporting enterprises in expanding their business presence, and building on the outcomes of the Chief Executive's delegation visit earlier this year.

Kati Nayeri and Alena Caglar from the Finance Accelerator of Boerse Stuttgart Group and Stuttgart Financial took part in the Umwelttechnik BW 's BW congress last week.

The congress brought together leading minds from business, science and politics to discuss central questions about the future of Baden-Württemberg, including: 🔄 How can the transformation of industry succeed? 🌍 What role do circular economy and resource efficiency play? 🏭 How can carbon management contribute to competitiveness? 💡 Which innovations will strengthen BaWü as a location in the long term?

Kati Nayeri was also part of a panel on the topic of "How can Baden-Württemberg as an industrial and business location position itself strategically, securely and successfully in the long term for the future?" and brought in the perspective of the capital market and innovation financing.

➡️ For us, it is clear that the future is created where industry, capital and innovation come together.

We are pleased to support City & Financial Global's event: The UK's New Cryptoasset and Stablecoin Regulatory Regime 2025, which will take place in London on 26 November 2025. The UK is establishing a new regulatory framework for cryptoassets and stablecoins, creating a clear path for innovation and investment.

This one-day summit offers critical insights and connections to navigate the evolving UK market. Key topics include: ➡️ Updates from regulators and policy makers on legislative developments and regulatory priorities. ➡️ Detailed sessions on the regulation of fiat-backed stablecoins, trading platforms, and new requirements for custody and safeguarding. ➡️ Analysis of the phased rollout of the regulatory framework, including what to expect in subsequent phases. ➡️ Comparative perspectives on how the UK's approach aligns with or diverges from international frameworks. ➡️ Practical guidance on compliance, authorisation processes, and adapting business models to meet new standards for consumer protection and market integrity. ➡️ Discussion of the regime's potential impact on innovation, competition, and the evolving relationship between established financial institutions and digital asset firms.

👉 Find out more and register here: https://lnkd.in/e3snKFGf

Across Africa, innovation, trade and human capital are converging to unlock a new era of growth and opportunity. The continent is not waiting for the future, it is actively building it.

At the Africa Rising Forum & Expo hosted by the Africa International Chamber of Commerce & Industry (AICCI), leaders gathered to explore how purpose, profit and partnerships can accelerate the continent's transformation.

Brenda Mbathi, CEO of TRIFIC SEZ, shared how Special Economic Zones are shaping Africa's next frontier for investment, creating smart ecosystems for trade, financing and innovation. Through TRIFIC SEZ, Nairobi is positioning itself as a hub for purpose driven growth and a gateway to Africa's economic future.