Financial Center News #132

📣 We are pleased to share two new thought-leadership papers published by our members ADGM and Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority. Both analyses address major strategic themes shaping the evolution of global finance: responsible AI adoption and the rapid expansion of Islamic Fintech.

🤖 ADGM – "Navigating the AI Frontier: Ensuring Human-Centric Innovation in a Tech-Centric World"

ADGM has released a new article exploring how organizations can adopt artificial intelligence responsibly while safeguarding human agency, creativity, and critical thinking.

The paper highlights the risks of over-reliance on automation and stresses the importance of transparency, collaboration, and human oversight.

Authored by Dr. John George Hatzadony (ADGM) with contributions from senior AI leaders at Standard Chartered Corporate & Investment Banking, the article provides practical strategies to ensure AI enhances, rather than replaces: human capability, reinforcing trust, resilience, and long-term innovation.

Aligned with global frameworks such as the EU AI Act, Singapore's FEAT principles, and the UAE National AI Strategy 2031, the paper offers a clear path for responsible, human-centric AI integration.

📲 Link to the paper: https://lnkd.in/ddGpHUwz

📘 Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority – "Global Islamic Fintech Report 2024/25"

The Global Islamic Fintech Report 2024/25 builds on QFC's annual review of the rapidly expanding Islamic Fintech sector, now in its fourth edition.

Developed in collaboration with DinarStandard and Elipses, the report is a key reference for policymakers, Islamic Fintechs, and global investors.

Key insights include: 💰 Global Islamic Fintech transaction volume: USD 161B (2023/24) → USD 306B by 2028 (CAGR 13.6%), outpacing overall global Fintech (11.0%). 📊 Index based on 19 indicators across Talent, Regulation, Infrastructure, Market & Ecosystem, and Capital.

📲 Link to the paper: https://lnkd.in/dgBQ6uQt

Renat Bekturov, CFA, Governor of the AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre) 🇰🇿, opened the stage today at the AIFC Business Connect event in Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪.

He welcomed several distinguished leaders and set the tone with an inspiring speech focused on collaboration, cross-border growth, and stronger economic bridges across regions 🤝.

His opening remarks paved the way for a series of high-level panels that promise meaningful insights and concrete opportunities for partnership across the financial industry.

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, today witnessed the launch of the fourth edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week, organised by ADGM in collaboration with ADQ under the theme "Engineering the Capital Network".

During the tour, His Highness was briefed on the most prominent innovations and advanced solutions presented by the participating entities, as well as efforts to enhance the presence of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in the global financial sector. His Highness stressed that #ADFW2025 continues to consolidate its position as one of the most prominent global events specialised in anticipating future economic transformations, highlighting Abu Dhabi's leadership in developing capital systems based on innovation and advanced financial technologies.

Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/dgirnwy4

The Astana International Financial Centre, together with the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the United Arab Emirates and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Kazakhstan held the AIFC Connect: Abu Dhabi 2025 business event in Abu Dhabi.

Today, the UAE ranks among the top ten foreign investors in Kazakhstan's economy. Total investment from the UAE into Kazakhstan has exceeded 4.3 billion US dollars. There are 462 UAE companies operating in Kazakhstan. Several significant projects with Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), Presight, AD Ports Group, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, and others demonstrate the dynamic partnership.

The business event brought together around 150 representatives of investment banks, financial, technology, and consulting firms, stock exchanges, regulators, asset managers, and other organizations. The discussion was attended by representatives of companies and organizations such as AIFC, International Trading System (ITS), GWM Capital Ltd., Solana Foundation, Baiterek National Managing Holding, Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company), JSC NC KazMunayGas, Siguler Guff & Company, Forma, Binance, Taurus SA, BHM Capital, Freedom Finance Global, SAMRUK-KAZYNA SWF, and AIFC Green Finance Centre.

The AIFC Connect: Abu Dhabi 2025 aimed to strengthen investment cooperation between two countries, present Kazakhstan's high potential projects, and highlight the opportunities offered by Kazakhstan's financial market and the AIFC financial ecosystem for foreign companies.

The event was organized in partnership with GWM Capital Ltd. and ITS, and was timed to align with Abu Dhabi Finance Week, one of the region's key events focused on investment and finance in MENA. Discussions focused on promising investment areas and infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan, the AIFC's potential for integrating the capital markets of Central Asia and the Gulf region, as well as key trends in fintech, innovation, and digital assets.

Today, 49 companies from the UAE are operating successfully in our jurisdiction, carrying out projects in finance and insurance, information and communication technologies, trade, transport, industry, and more.

🌏 BFC on the Global Stage — IFCF 10th Edition

This year, the 10th International Financial Cooperation Forum convened in Busan for the first time, co-hosted by the Financial Services Commission and the Council on International Financial Cooperation (CIFC). The Forum brought together senior policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders to examine how cities and institutions can responsibly guide the next era of global finance reshaped by #digital transaction and #AI.

Busan Finance Center was honored to participate in this important gathering. Dr. Soongoo Ahn's presentation provided a clear account of Busan's strategic transition from a regional port city to a forward-looking global maritime financial hub 📊

That narrative of purposeful progress was echoed at the farewell dinner, where #MyongHo Rhee, President delivered a heartfelt toast. His remarks underscored a simple truth: enduring progress requires public stewardship, private sector innovation, and international cooperation. 🏙️

CFC is delighted to host, on 11 December 2025 at 10:00 AM, at the CFC Lounge, a key event bringing together the Moroccan and Polish fintech ecosystems.

Organized in collaboration with Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Rabat, the conference will feature Expert panels with leaders from Bank Al-Maghrib, FinTech Poland Foundation, Asseco Poland, Chari Super App and BaaS - YC S21, and more, a dedicated FinTech Pitch Session showcasing scalable Polish solutions designed for collaboration with Moroccan partners, followed by a Networking Cocktail Reception with industry peers.

📍 Casablanca Finance City – CFC FIRST LOUNGE 📅 11 December 2025 – 10:00 AM

We look forward to welcoming you!

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired the meeting of the DIFC Higher Board of Directors, commending the Centre's pivotal contributions to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

#DIFC continues to strengthen Dubai's position as a global economic capital, ranking 11th worldwide in the Global Financial Centres Index and top four globally for FinTech.

With a trusted legal and regulatory framework, unmatched growth and a dynamic innovation ecosystem, DIFC remains a key driver of Dubai's ambition to be one of the world's top four financial centres by 2033.

Read more: https://lnkd.in/dp5fVn_4

🌍 AUDENTIA CAPITAL Group, Malta's largest AFM third-party management company, proudly supports the FinanceMalta Conference. With a decade of growth in Malta, Audentia values the collaboration and industry support that FinanceMalta brings.

Job Offer

To apply for the job, scan the QR code or click on the link 👇🏼

https://lnkd.in/dfEKJwn8

Building Bridges in Challenging Times

At a time when China's trade surplus exceeded USD 1 trillion and China–Germany trade surpassed Germany–US trade, our Foreign Minister's visit to China could not come at a more crucial moment. I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on these developments in a discussion with CGTN, alongside Ulrich Brückner (Jean Monnet Professor for European Studies at Stanford University in Berlin), Jiang Feng (Professor of European Studies at Shanghai International Studies University) and Kevin J. Tu (Managing Director at Agora Energy China). A great conversation on why dialogue between our countries — two of the world's three most important economies — is more important than ever.

This visit is key, not least to prepare for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's trip next year. Germany, long regarded as the engine of the EU, and China having a pivotal relationship within the broader China–Europe landscape. Clear communication, risk management, and a stable framework are essential to keep bilateral relations pragmatic and prevent "de-risking" from becoming "decoupling."

Europe is under pressure, but stronger than it sometimes appears. In market size, it competes with China and the US, and together with China it is leading the global Net Zero transformation. Europe faces challenges in technology, competitiveness and AI, but its industrial, medical, and technological capabilities remain world-class. Adversity often brings out Europe's best: the most successful COVID-19 vaccine (BioNTech/Pfizer) was invented and largely produced in Germany. But yes, Europe faces a rough patch, not least because of the War in the Ukraine and the resulting spike in energy prices. China's leverage over Russia also underscores the importance of cooperation and mutual support.

As Foreign Minister Wadephul puts it: "This visit is about keeping the channel open with China. Germany comes to Beijing with a European voice — because these challenges are European challenges."

Quoting Confucius I concluded: "Three kinds of friends are beneficial: straightforward friends, sincere friends, and well-informed friends."

Watch the full discussion here: https://lnkd.in/eX_4mCan

New technologies in AML – opportunity or threat?

In the next article of our series "Financial Crime in Poland: Challenges, Trends, and Recommendations," we once again turn to Accenture Poland – substantive partner of the FinCrime Specialization at FFP.

🔹 Pawel Karp, AML Practice Lead, Accenture Sp. z o.o. 🔹 Bartosz Segit, AML Practice Lead, Accenture Sp. z o.o.

– explore the role of AI, blockchain, and Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs) in countering money laundering.

Among other insights, they address a key question: 💬 With EU initiatives imposing stricter compliance obligations, how can regulators strike the right balance between ensuring AML robustness and avoiding regulatory burdens that stifle innovation?

Their perspective: a risk-based approach is essential—focusing stricter rules on the highest-risk institutions, while allowing flexibility for smaller players. They also highlight the role of RegTech in reducing manual work, cutting costs, and fostering innovation without undermining compliance.

And another pressing challenge: 💬 Since technologies like AI and blockchain can be used by both regulators and criminals, how can AML frameworks evolve fast enough to counteract misuse?

Their answer: only through real-time public-private collaboration, investment in the same advanced technologies that criminals exploit, and promotion of PETs that enable secure data sharing without breaching privacy.

Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dmw66qi5

Forging Collaboration to Unlock Insurance Opportunities

How can the insurance industry navigate uncertainties amid trends like geoeconomic fragmentation, increased allocation to #PrivateAssets, and #ClimateChange?

At the Asian Insurance Forum organised by the Insurance Authority, #FSDC Chairman, Mr Benjamin Hung, moderated a dynamic panel on these issues with distinguished panellists, including Eng Bassam H Albader from هيئة التأمين | Insurance Authority, Mr Dieter Hendrickx from Nationale Bank van België (NBB), Ms Siham Ramli from Autorité de Contrôle des Assurances et de la Prévoyance Sociale (ACAPS) - MAROC, and Mr Debasish Panda, Former Chairperson of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Panel insights: As global risks – climate, geopolitics, financial volatility, demographics – intensify across nations, industries and markets, the insurance sector assumes vital roles as a: - Counter-cyclical shock absorber: diversifying global systemic risks - Pillar for financial stability: helping communities recover from catastrophic events - Long-term capital provider: supporting economic development, including infrastructure and sustainability projects

The international supervisory community is establishing agile regulatory frameworks to strengthen the industry and promote innovation and collaboration for a more resilient, safeguarded, and prosperous future.

As part of these efforts, the FSDC will continue fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and advancing Hong Kong's financial services industry.

Türkiye's Islamic finance landscape is entering a period of steady expansion. Sustainable sukuk reached nearly 16 billion dollars in the first nine months of the year and foreign currency sukuk issuance rose by 40 percent. These developments highlight Türkiye's growing capacity to support long term, value driven investments.

At #FINx2025, one message was clear: all change is digital change. AI, tokenisation and regtech are transforming global finance and Jersey's quick adoption is boosting our competitiveness. From compliance automation to new investment models, the opportunities are substantial. Momentum counts. Learn more about this topic in our CEO's latest blog: 'Tech Your Marks. Get Set…' https://jsy.fi/4pIAUVt

At ACCA Africa Members Convention in Mombasa, KIFC joined a powerful gathering dedicated to shaping the future of finance in Africa. The conversations on leadership, technology, and sustainable growth align with our mission to strengthen Rwanda's position as a trusted financial hub and support Africa's transformation. Together, we're driving innovation and resilience for Africa's accounting and finance profession.

A year after the Draghi report, the conversation on Europe's Savings and Investments Union remains a central topic for policymakers and market participants. Efforts to mobilise private savings, strengthen capital markets, and support long-term investment, continue to shape the debate across the EU.

Our upcoming livestream, Focus On Savings and Investments Union on January 28, will examine where Europe stands today and what still needs to be done. The session will open with a keynote speech by Nicolas Mackel, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the EU.

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4ocrgt7

Today at the Silicon Xchange x Africa event, NIFC CEO Daniel Mainda joined a panel alongside Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD of the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) and Enos Masinde Weswa from the British High Commission Nairobi to discuss the future of Kenya's innovation landscape and the crucial role that policy plays in unlocking it.

Daniel highlighted the Nairobi International Financial Centre's commitment to creating: - Enabling policy frameworks that reduce friction for investors and innovators - A supportive and predictable operating environment for emerging businesses - Robust funding mechanisms that attract fund domiciliation into Kenya

As Kenya continues to cement its position as one of primary Africa's innovation hubs, collaborative efforts like these ensure that our policies keep pace with the ambition and potential of our entrepreneurs.

QFC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Buenos Aires Ciudad, marking a new chapter in our collaboration shaped through the Qatar-Argentina Year of Culture. 🤝

The MoU strengthens bilateral investment channels and supports Argentinian and Qatari companies seeking opportunities across both markets. It also builds on growing commercial momentum driven by cultural exchange, innovation, and sector-focused engagement throughout the Year of Culture.

We look forward to enabling smoother market entry, creating new pathways for business growth, and deepening our shared commitment to long-term economic cooperation.

At our roundtable this morning, we published the 14th annual 'UK legal services 2025: Legal excellence, internationally renowned' report in partnership with Barclays Corporate Banking.

The report shows that UK-based legal services delivered a record £38bn contribution to the UK economy in 2024—up over 3% year on year—and achieved a trade surplus of £8.9bn, reinforcing their pivotal role in underpinning the economy. Sector revenue rose 11% to £52.3bn, with the top 100 UK law firms accounting for £37bn.

It also highlights how the international reputation of English law and the commercial expertise of UK legal professionals have helped the UK maintain its status as a global hub, remaining the largest legal services market in Europe and second globally only to the US.

Visit our website to access the full report, with analysis of the sector's national employment contribution, regional specialisms, global competitiveness and emerging areas of innovation.

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/ejedJH-7

I had the pleasure of representing TRIFIC SEZ at the BPOAK-Business Processes Outsourcing Association, Kenya Networking Breakfast held at Holiday Inn, Nairobi Two Rivers Mall. The forum brought together industry leaders, government representatives, and private sector partners working to strengthen Kenya's outsourcing and digital services landscape.

Our discussions highlighted the critical need to continue investing in Kenya's talent development, building a strong and future-ready workforce that can meet the evolving demands of the global market.

It was great engaging with: • Dr. Ehud Gachugu, PhD.,HSC of KEPSA KENYA • Gideon Kyengo (BPOAK-Business Processes Outsourcing Association, Kenya) • Mercy Mugure (BPOAK-Business Processes Outsourcing Association, Kenya) • Representatives from Kenya Investment Authority (InvestKenya)

I also welcome the strengthened collaboration between BPOAK-Business Processes Outsourcing Association, Kenya and Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), an encouraging step toward deeper coordination and sector-wide growth.

As CEO of TRIFIC SEZ, I remain committed to championing the infrastructure, talent pipeline, and partnerships needed to drive Kenya's digital services economy forward.