Financial Center News #129

The World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) was pleased to have contributed to the Global Capacity Building Coalition (GCBC)'s latest paper, Building Capacity, Unlocking Finance for Climate, published this #COP30 Finance Day is a must-read for capacity-building funders, providers, and end-users working on sustainable finance in EMDEs. Drawing on global case studies — from green bond market development in Africa to SME climate finance in Latin America — it demonstrates how targeted capacity building can catalyze systemic change.

We particularly welcome its call to: ● Co-design programs with local end-users ● Diversify funding sources for long-term impact ● Champion capacity building as a core pillar of climate finance systems

📲Read the full paper: https://lnkd.in/eybCTiBw

At the recent event promoted by Bloomberg Businessweek Vietnam, our Managing Director of the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC), Jochen Biedermann, delivered an insightful message on what it truly takes to build a successful international financial center:

💡"The message for building an international financial center? First, you must build a strong domestic financial system." — Jochen Biedermann

✅This reminder resonates deeply with the work we continue to advance across our global network: strengthening local ecosystems, fostering economic resilience, and enabling international cooperation through robust financial infrastructure.

The Entrepreneurs' Roundtable (ERT), in collaboration with Partners Group and supported by ADGM, convened its Annual Summit in Abu Dhabi, bringing together over 45 senior European business leaders representing EUR 465 billion in assets, nearly one million employees, and more than EUR 155 billion in annual revenues.

As part of the programme, the delegation met with Abu Dhabi's senior leadership, including: • H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and ADGM • H.E. Mariam AlMheiri, CEO 2PointZero and Head of International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court • H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director General, Abu Dhabi Investment Office مكتب أبوظبي للاستثمار (ADIO) • Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO, ALDAR • Talal Al Kaissi, Acting Group Chief Global Affairs Officer, G42 & Chief Partnerships & Government Affairs Officer, Core42 • Board Members of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Through strategic dialogue sessions, participants explored shared priorities across technology, energy, next-generation manufacturing, digital services, and the broader pillars shaping Abu Dhabi's accelerated economic transformation.

The summit reinforced the emirate's position as a global centre of gravity for investment, innovation, and future-focused economic collaboration.

We are excited to announce the launch of AIFC Data Marketplace – a digital platform designed to connect data providers and users for secure exchange, monetisation and advanced analytics. In today's digital economy, data is the new currency – but its true value emerges only when it is shared safely, efficiently and purposefully. The AIFC Data Marketplace creates new opportunities for monetisation, insights and digital growth.

It enables a mutually beneficial ecosystem where: Data providers gain an additional revenue stream Data users access high-quality datasets for informed decisions, analytics and innovation

What the Marketplace offers: • Simple and secure data sharing between providers and users • Tools for fast search, discovery and transactions – find the datasets you need in minutes or send customised requests • Robust data governance and protection at every stage

The AIFC Data Marketplace is built with a regional vision yet global ambition – serving organisations in Central Asia and far beyond. Join the community shaping the future of the digital economy in Kazakhstan and the wider region.

📌 Register today and become part of a new era of trusted data exchange: https://lnkd.in/g9-rsCiK

BIFC turned into a mini #concert hall for 2 months straight 🎶

Every Thursday, we hit pause and turned on music mode with violin, viola, cello and more filling the lobby.

As seen in major global financial centres such as New York, London and Tokyo, cultural and arts programmes within financial districts can enhance a city's #competitiveness and brand value. In the same way, this #music series is expected to make BIFC's image more approachable by linking finance with the #arts.

We will keep exploring programmes that bring culture, community and finance together making #BIFC not only a place to work, but a place to belong.

🎤 Jonathan Le Henry is sharing why PwC chose Casablanca Finance City — and how, ten years later, the decision has paid off.

CFC has been a driving force in attracting top talent, enhancing global connectivity, and fostering valuable alliances within its community.

For PwC, this unique ecosystem has been a true success factor, making CFC much more than a location: a partner for long-term growth.

H.E. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, hosted a senior US delegation of CEOs, founders, and investors at #DIFC. Their visit was part of a high-level initiative aimed at exploring the UAE's innovation landscape and opportunities throughout the Emirates.

The delegation featured leaders from @Apollo, Menlo Ventures, Shine Capital, Susquehanna Growth Equity (SGE), Google Cloud, Salesforce, Warby Parker, and Harvard Management, who toured the DIFC Innovation Hub to see how the region is driving innovation, investment, and partnerships.

The visit underscores DIFC's position as a global hub for forward-thinking industries and collaborative impact.

The takeaway? Recapitalisation is a growth strategy. From Vietnam to Kenya, stronger banks are financing billion-dollar projects.

++FM 18th Annual Conference – Featured Speaker++

🎙️ Bernice Buttigieg— Chief Strategy Officer, FinanceMalta Set to speak at the 18th Annual FinanceMalta Conference.

Buy tickets 👉 https://lnkd.in/eKsEDY4G

FSA hosts a training programme on transaction monitoring, in cooperation with the International Compliance Association, to strengthen the capabilities of compliance employees in the capital market sector.

"It's time to act, it's time to reform"

How do we make Europe's – and especially Germany's – capital markets fit for the coming decades? This was one of the central questions on the opening day of the 28th Euro Finance Week in Frankfurt – Germany's most important meeting place for the financial sector.

Answers were provided, among other things, by the panel "The Investment Factor", at which FMF President Oliver Behrens together with Sonja Laud (Schemmann) (L&G – Asset Management ), Jose Minaya (BNY ) and Dr. Matthias Voelkel (Boerse Stuttgart Group ) discussed the positioning and further development of Europe and Germany as a financial centre under the moderation of Sarah Schmidtke (Bankenverband Mitte ).

The most important takeaways: 🔹 Europe needs more courage to innovate in order to remain globally competitive. 🔹 Complexity out, clarity in: Simplification is crucial; uniform regulation in the EU – not 27 special solutions. 🔹Mobilize private capital: Germany needs a modern, capital market-based pension system.

For one week, the international financial community here on the Main will discuss how we can shape Europe's economic future. As a network partner, Frankfurt Main Finance is of course right in the middle of it all and brings in the perspectives of the financial centre.

We look forward to continuing the exchange in the coming days and working together to position Frankfurt, Germany, and Europe as strong and future-oriented financial centres.

Is the EU Wallet an opportunity for payment services or just another compliance responsibility?

The European Digital Identity Wallet isn't just about compliance — it's a chance to reinvent how trust and innovation meet in digital finance.

We asked Tomasz Mielnicki, Board Member, IDentonic: Is the EU Wallet an opportunity for payment services or just another compliance responsibility?

"EU Wallets will bring enormous opportunities. With an open approach, allowing both public and private entities to issue and read attributes, we can enhance existing processes and create new, value-added services. The wallets will also provide qualified signatures, which means they can become a cornerstone for secure digital interactions — not only between citizens and institutions, but also across the business ecosystem."

For the market, this means: 🔹 New possibilities for innovation and service design 🔹 Broader use of verified attributes and trust services 🔹 A foundation for seamless, cross-sector digital interactions

EU Wallets — turning compliance into opportunity.

𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗴'𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

As part of the #FSDC's ongoing efforts to strengthen Hong Kong's status as a global financial hub and forge impactful connections, our Vice Chairman, Mr Daniel Fung, engaged with financial and legal experts in the UK to share his insights on how #Stablecoins are shaping the future of global finance and Hong Kong's pivotal role in these developments.

Mr Fung highlighted Hong Kong's forward looking regulatory framework, noting how the Stablecoins Ordinance, along with the Stablecoin Issuer Sandbox, position Hong Kong among the first jurisdictions globally to implement comprehensive stablecoin regulations. These initiatives reflect Hong Kong's ambition to lead in digital asset regulation and financial innovation.

We are honoured to be part of this meaningful event, co-organised by Hong Kong Association, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, and Invest Hong Kong, to foster impactful discussions on sustainability, legal governance, and fintech regulation.

From historic domes to vibrant streets, Istanbul reveals the harmony between heritage and modern life. Its spirit connects tradition with progress, creating a city where authenticity shapes both lifestyle and opportunity.

KIFC CEO Hortense Mudenge joined the Policymakers' Dialogue at #SFF2025 in #Singapore, where she highlighted Rwanda's digital finance transformation as a national priority.

The dialogue focused on how government leaders are reimagining inclusive finance for the digital era, drawing lessons from their diverse experiences, and identifying opportunities for collaboration.

That's a wrap on the Singapore FinTech Festival for 2025! Three days of panels, networking, business opportunities and more. The final day saw another stellar lineup at the Luxembourg booth: Florian Dumas Isadora PARDO Alex Panican Cindy Liu Julie Batsch Luc Maquil Luca Mancuso 🇱🇺 Aaron Xu Bertrand Géradin Hugo Coelho Chris Hollifield Amanda Yeung

Alongside the launch of The LHoFT - Luxembourg House of Financial Technology and ALFI - Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry's Catapult FundTech 360 programme, panels at the booth delved into the evolution of international payments, IT compliance, innovations reshaping payment systems, and broader reflections on the future of digital money.

A heartfelt thanks to the LHoFT (Nasir Zubairi, Alex Panican, Luca Mancuso 🇱🇺) and LFF (Simon Gorbutt Chris Hollifield Sara Pereira Matias N. Rubiolo Jonathan Westhead) teams for helping to make the Luxembourg pavilion such a success this year and to our entire Luxembourg delegation (tagged in the comments).

We also extend our sincere thanks to Banking Circle, Coinbase, and Ant International for their support this year.

The NIFC was honoured to host a high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia this week.

Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including potential areas of collaboration such as fintech innovation, the development of startups/entrepreneurship and sustainability. These sectors are central to driving inclusive growth and deepening the connection between our financial ecosystems.

This visit marks an important step toward strengthening the relationship between Kenya and Saudi Arabia. The NIFC is looking forward to exploring opportunities that support collaboration and the development of key sectors of growth for both markets.

QFC has introduced the Platinum Onboarding Service, a fast-track solution that enables one-hour incorporation for Qatar residents, alongside tailored guidance and a full concierge experience. 🤝

Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dAbUMJEp

This week, we led a delegation to Berlin for a series of high-level meetings reaffirming the strength of the UK–Germany bilateral relationship following the signing of the Kensington Treaty.

The visit included discussions with the British Embassy Berlin, Dr Günter Krings MdB, Deputy Chairman of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group in the German Bundestag and member of the German-British Parliamentary Friendship Group as well as with the Association for International Banks (VIB), Bankenverband (BdB) and the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP). We were also pleased to join the BVI's "Kleiner Kreis" event at the Bundestag, where Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Michael Schrodi, was the guest speaker. We also held our biannual Anglo-German Financial Services Dialogue, which brought together senior stakeholders from both countries to explore key issues shaping the industry. Topics included defence financing, pensions reform and best practice across Europe, the transposition of CRD VI and its implications for firms, and how the recently signed Kensington Treaty can be leveraged to strengthen collaboration. A huge thank you to all our hosts, speakers and participants for their insights and contributions. We look forward to continuing these important conversations.

We had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from the Saudi Ministry of Investment at TRIFIC SEZ.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity to explore potential areas of collaboration between Kenya and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with discussions centered on fostering trade, investment, and growth within our Special Economic Zone.

We appreciate the Ministry's interest in understanding TRIFIC's vision and value proposition as a gateway for global investment into Kenya and the wider region. We look forward to building on these conversations and strengthening ties for mutual growth.