Financial Center News #127

Redefining Talent in the Age of AI

On the opening day of Hong Kong FinTech Week 2025, the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) was honored to take part in an insightful panel hosted by the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) on "AI & Finance: Redefining Talent in the Digital Age – Skills, Ethics, and the Future Workforce."

Our Managing Director, Dr. Jochen Biedermann, joined distinguished leaders including Ms. Aveline San, CEO & Banking Head of Citi Hong Kong and Macau, Mr. Joseph HL Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB), and Mr. Neil Tan 🌐, Founder & Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence Association of Hong Kong (AIHK), in a rich discussion on how AI is transforming financial centers, workforce dynamics, and ethical frameworks across the industry.

The dialogue underscored key themes shaping the financial ecosystem of tomorrow: • Building Responsible and Trustworthy AI frameworks in finance 🤝 • Leveraging global and multilingual talent to lead in the AI era • Ensuring human-centered collaboration, where ethics and judgment remain at the core of innovation 💡

As highlighted during the session, AI's transformative potential must go hand in hand with ethics, trust, and inclusion — principles that the WAIFC continues to champion across its global network.

A sincere thank you to Financial Services Development Council and Hong Kong FinTech Week for convening this important exchange on the future of talent, ethics, and AI in finance.

📲 More info: https://lnkd.in/eb8S6usa

At our 10th anniversary, our community came together to celebrate how far we've come. To look back at our beginnings and mark the milestones that turned ADGM into the world's fastest-growing international financial centre.

From inspiring conversations to moments of pride and progress, the event marked not just ten years of growth, but the energy and momentum driving us forward.

Thank you to everyone who was part of this journey. We look forward to a future built on the same ambition that started it all.

On November 4, the Astana International Financial Centre hosted the "AIFC Community: ASP in Focus" event, organised for AIFC participant companies with the support of Moore Kazakhstan.

Over 80 representatives of the AIFC ecosystem gathered to exchange insights and strengthen professional connections. The AIFC Community initiative holds several events annually to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and build a stronger professional network among AIFC participants.

The session focused on the role of Ancillary Service Providers (ASPs) — licensed consultants that support AIFC participants at every stage of their journey, from company registration and regulatory reporting to daily operations.

The meeting brought together representatives of ASP companies, AFSA experts, the AIFC Authority, and other stakeholders to discuss regulatory compliance, reporting, and professional development.

In his opening remarks, Baurzhan Kankin, Chief Clients Officer, emphasised that ASP companies act as a vital link between AIFC participants and authorities, making regular dialogue and timely updates essential.

Participants received updates from AFSA on AML/CFT compliance and reporting requirements. Expert presentations from Moore Kazakhstan and GRATA International covered topics such as valuation practices, investor confidence, and structuring family offices within the AIFC.

Karakoz Kyrkynbayeva, Partner at Moore Kazakhstan, noted that the AIFC provides a transparent and internationally recognised framework that supports company registration and partnership development.

Co-hosted by #BFC and #Financial #News, the 12th Busan Global Finance Forum spotlighted Busan's next leap in maritime & digital finance.

"In the era of the Arctic Shipping Route, we must embed eco-friendly market mechanisms and pursue bold institutional reforms and infrastructure to anchor Busan as a maritime finance hub." Rhee MyongHo, President, Busan Finance Center

"Busan has made remarkable progress over the last decade; the next step requires connectivity and fairness." Michael Mainelli, Chairman, Z/Yen Group Limited

Onward to a more connected, fair, and sustainable finance ecosystem from #Busan to the world.

📍 Article: https://lnkd.in/gW9GV4-c

Casablanca Finance City Authority and the Beijing Financial Street Service Bureau have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, marking an important step forward in their collaboration since the first agreement in 2018.

This renewed partnership seeks to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including sustainable finance, fintech, innovation, and talent development, while promoting the exchange of expertise and best practices.

Through this agreement, both institutions reaffirm their commitment to enhancing financial connectivity and supporting a more inclusive and sustainable global financial ecosystem.

Dubai has become a city where families from across the globe thrive, legacies grow, and generations succeed. DIFC has become their natural home with over 1,000 family related entities based in the Centre.

His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority recently welcomed leading families to Dubai from around the world for Standard Chartered's Global Families Network conference. During their annual gathering, families explored the paradigm shifts shaping our world, exchange ideas and share perspectives on how families can steer their future.

Dubai continues to enable and empower, families continue to invest and innovate, and DIFC continues to connect the dots globally.

📣 The Economic Development Board, host agency of the SheTrades Mauritius Hub, in collaboration with the SADC Secretariat's Industrial Development and Trade (IDT) Directorate and the International Trade Division (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade), is currently conducting a stakeholder mapping to identify women-led businesses and young entrepreneurs in the services sector, in Mauritius, who are interested in trading across borders.

⏳ Don't miss your chance to be part of this transformative initiative — register now and lead the charge towards economic growth and equality!

👉https://bit.ly/4hHsTO1

‼️Registrations should be completed by Friday, 14th November 2025.

From high-level dialogues to strategic collaborations, your participation drives decisions that impact Nigeria's FPS sector. You'll help shape initiatives, mentor future leaders, and guide projects that leave a lasting mark.

This is your chance to turn every conversation into a platform for real, measurable impact.

Take your place among the leaders shaping the future. Click the link below to become an EnterpriseNGR member today: https://lnkd.in/dSFt79Jf

We've just wrapped up our Family Offices event!

📁FinanceMalta members can access these presentations. Just follow these steps: 1. Log in at financemalta.org using your membership account. 2. Click "My Profile" in the navigation bar. 3. Scroll to the "Presentations & Information" section and click "Learn more."

From there, you'll get access to the two presentations from this event, along with all previous event presentations.

🔷 Empowering entrepreneurs and driving financial innovation the Financial Services Authority highlighted at Day 2 of #EntrepreneurialGrowth2025 its key initiatives, including crowdfunding platforms and insurance products for SMEs, to foster a more sustainable business ecosystem.

Warsaw Finance Week kicks off!

It was a pleasure to join Pawel Widawski (Future Finance Poland) at last night's opening of the Warsaw Finance Week. Over the next days, experts, policymakers, and financial leaders will exchange insights on Europe's financial future – and I look forward to contributing to this dialogue.

Strengthening the partnership between Frankfurt and Warsaw is key to building a more connected and resilient European financial landscape. I'm excited to continue this exchange and to join tomorrow's sessions.

That's a wrap on the Future Finance Summit 2025 – and what an incredible two days it's been! Over the course of two days, we were honored to host an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers, panelists, and moderators from 17 countries, each contributing deep insights on the most pressing developments shaping the financial sector – from digital transformation and AI, to regulation, innovation, and sustainable growth.

To our great speakers – thank you for your expertise and thought leadership! To our audience – your engagement, professionalism, and presence helped elevate the Summit into a truly impactful experience. And to our partners and sponsors – we are sincerely grateful for your continued support and trust. This event would not have been possible without you.

Future Finance Summit has established itself as a strategic meeting point for the financial ecosystem in Europe – enabling dialogue, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future of finance. We look forward to building on the momentum.

🚀 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗦𝗗𝗖'𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗴'𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁!

How can Hong Kong strengthen its position as a regional commodity trading hub and enhance its global competitiveness?

Join us for an insightful session as we unveil our latest study and explore how Hong Kong can capitalise on its strategic advantages to develop a vibrant commodity market — from physical trading and futures integration to infrastructure and decarbonisation-linked opportunities.

📅 Date: 10 November 2025 (Monday) ⏰ Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AM 💻 Format: Virtual – Join us on Zoom 🌍 Language: English 👉 Register Here: https://lnkd.in/ddtVGncs

🎤 Panellists: Ms Chen DING, CEO, CSOP Asset Management Limited; Vice-Chairman, FSDC Ms Clara Chan, CEO, Lee Kee Group Mr Richard Mazzochi, Partner, King & Wood Mallesons Mr Colin Toh, MD & APAC Head of Global Commodities, Bank of America

🎙 Moderator: Dr Rocky Tung, Director & Head of Policy Research, FSDC

The future of finance is reshaping in Istanbul. From modern offices to a strong infrastructure, the ecosystem brings local and international institutions together under one roof.

For more information: https://lnkd.in/dxA9i6YC

This week, join us as we are spotlighting Rwanda as Africa's rising financial hub! In São Paulo, #Brazil, KIFC team met with Planner Investimentos, a Brazilian investment bank, and Vivest, a Brazil-based pension fund.

KIFC also engaged with influential investors, presenting Rwanda's compelling value proposition and its growing role in inclusive finance across the continent.

As momentum builds toward the Inclusive FinTech Forum taking place in March 2026 in Kigali, we also showcased #IFF2026, positioning it as Brazil's gateway to engage with Africa's vibrant financial ecosystem through Rwanda.

There is a growing need for capital to strengthen Europe's security and resilience. From Luxembourg's role as home to the NATO Innovation Fund to the rise of defence-focused ETFs and venture funds domiciled in the Grand Duchy, the country is emerging as a hub for responsible investment in technologies that safeguard Europe's future. 🌍🤝

Read our newest article to learn more: http://bit.ly/4ntvDj2

The NIFC is pleased to announce the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority this afternoon, on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Daniel Mainda, Chief Executive Officer of NIFCA, and Mr. Yousuf Al-Jaida, Chief Executive Officer of QFCA.

This partnership builds on a decade-long relationship that began when the Ministry of Finance of the State of Qatar through Kenya's National Treasury, provided technical support in establishing the NIFC, making Qatar a key partner present at the very inception of the NIFC's story.

This renewed collaboration aims to enhance cross-border investment, innovation and financial cooperation through the respective international financial centres.

Through this agreement, the NIFC and QFC reaffirm their commitment to global best practices and to fostering sustainable, inclusive growth across Africa and the Middle East.

QFC participated in the second edition of Qatar Leadership Centre's Leadership Innovation Forum 2025, where our CEO, Yousuf Al-Jaida, joined a panel discussion titled "From Inheritors to Builders." 👪

He highlighted how leadership responsibility evolves across generations - moving beyond preserving legacy to actively shaping new value and contributing to the country's developing economic landscape.

This year's forum examined leadership through the lens of decision-making, with sessions spanning sportsmanship and unity, medical leadership between prevention and precision, nurturing leadership at home, and transforming ideas into practical initiatives.

📣 Attention start-ups!

Baden-Württemberg International (BW_i) nominates five start-ups to participate in Web Summit Qatar 2026 (1–4 February 2026) – an offer from the The German Mittelstand GCC Office. Participation is partly free of charge for selected start-ups.

❗ Applications are open until November 13, 2025! ➡️ You can find all the information and the opportunity to apply under the following link: https://lnkd.in/eGTXSs58

🚀 Offer for start-ups: • Own exhibition stand incl. branding & company logo • Up to 4 free Web Summit tickets per startup • Free accommodation for 4 nights • Discounted flights (Qatar Airways voucher code) • Participation in the official startup program (pitches, keynotes, mentor hours, investor meetings, matchmaking) • Exclusive side events with partners, including the German Embassy in Doha

📄 Criteria: • Industry: Technology, digitalization, sustainability or related fields • Company age: max. 5 years • Funding: ≤ $5 million • Independent (not a group subsidiary) • Own software or hardware solution

Baden-Württemberg International nominates and accompanies the participating startups on site.

Our CEO, Miles Celic OBE, led a delegation of members from the India-UK Financial Partnership (IUKFP) to Mumbai and Delhi last week. The visit focused on deepening financial cooperation and advancing key IUKFP priorities – particularly in capital market connectivity and FinTech collaboration.

The delegation held a number of open and constructive discussions with Indian regulators, officials and businesses on issues including dual listing, FinTech innovation, data localisation, the Bilateral Investment Treaty and arbitration reform. These conversations highlighted the importance of a strong UK-India relationship in financial and related professional services – with a focus on practical and mutually beneficial areas that can unlock growth and investment opportunities for both markets.

With many thanks to: Adrian Cartwright, Richard Kaye, Shefali Sehwani, Claire Suddens-Spiers, Dinesh Banani, Harjeet L., Biren Shah, Ranjan Bhattacharya, Raghav H., Monika Rawat, Nicola Watkinson (she/her), Zhouchen Mao, PhD, Qiuyu Chen, Hannan Suleiman, Kishore Jayaraman, OBE, Bahram Vakil, Lindy Cameron, Harjinder Kang, Kris Campoli, Sakshi P., Joshua Lidmila, Mark Birrell, Jay Shankar, PhD, UKIBC, British High Commission in India

Excited to share last month's edition of The TRIFIC Bulletin Newsletter to our wider network - a power-packed roundup of the trends, insights, and market shifts shaping business in Kenya and beyond. From CBK's 8th consecutive rate cut, to Kenya assuming the COMESA chairmanship, to the green light for KPC's IPO by March 2026 - this edition breaks down the developments every investor and business leader should have on their radar.

Stay ahead of the curve - subscribe to our email list to receive the newsletter before it hits LinkedIn!

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