Financial Center News #134

As the year comes to a close, the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) would like to wish all our members, partners, and our global community a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. May this festive season be a moment of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness and may the year ahead mark the beginning of renewed collaboration, shared ambition, and stronger connections across our global financial ecosystem. Here's to unity, trust, and collective progress in the year to come.

ADFW delivered its most successful and far-reaching edition to date, convening 35,000+ leaders, policymakers, investors and executives from 175 countries, with over 30% international participation, across four days, 68 events and 394 sessions, supported by 819 speakers and 69 global and regional partners.

During the fourth and largest edition of ADFW, ADGM welcomed 11 global financial institutions representing more than USD 9 trillion in assets under management, while the total assets represented during the week surpassed USD 62 trillion, equivalent to 53% of global GDP, underscoring Abu Dhabi's ability to convene global capital at unprecedented scale. The week delivered landmark outcomes across regulation, markets and global development. Binance became the first crypto exchange globally to receive a global licence under ADGM's regulatory framework, setting a new benchmark for digital assets oversight.

82 Memorandums of Understanding were signed with leading global, regional and local entities including BlackRock, Franklin Templeton, Mubadala, Mastercard, Hanwha, Swiss Re and RIQ, translating dialogue into tangible cross-border partnerships. With a series of strategic regulatory advancements, continued ecosystem growth, and the next decade in focus, ADGM continues to reinforce Abu Dhabi's position as a magnet for investment, talent and innovation, a destination where global ambition meets local opportunity.

Platforms such as Abu Dhabi Finance Week continue to act as a catalyst, bringing the world's leading institutions, investors and decision-makers to the #CapitalOfCapital. Building on the momentum of #ADFW2025, Abu Dhabi Finance Week will return from 7–10 December 2026, reinforcing its role as the region's leading global financial gathering.

We present a new analytical report on the voluntary carbon market and its evolving dynamics.

The AIFC analytical report provides a structured overview of how the voluntary carbon market operates, explains the factors behind double-digit growth in carbon credit prices in recent years, and outlines which project types are increasingly valued by global buyers.

The report also examines the growing role of the aviation sector and the CORSIA program, which from 2027 is expected to generate additional international demand for high-quality carbon credits, including those originating from Kazakhstan.

In addition, the report highlights the opportunities created by the launch of the AIFC Carbon Platform, showing how projects can access global markets and what steps are required to move from a climate project concept to carbon credit trading.

For those looking to understand where the carbon market is heading, which projects will be in demand in the coming years, and how emerging market infrastructure supports this growth, we invite you to explore the full report.

Christmas at Busan Finance Center

We wrapped up the year at Busan Finance Center with a Christmas concert full of music, warm energy, and good company.

Colleagues from across BIFC, our tenant institutions, and members of the local community came together to pause, unwind, and enjoy the holiday spirit.

It was a simple moment, but a meaningful one, a reminder that a financial center is built not just on work, but on people and connection.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made it special. Wishing you a joyful holiday and a bright start to the year ahead.

A few highlights from our Christmas concert at BFC.

Casablanca Finance City Authority and Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) sign a partnership agreement.

As part of the Eswatini Economic Promotion Week in Morocco, Casablanca Finance City had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA).

This visit aimed at strengthening economic and institutional ties between Morocco and Eswatini, while fostering win-win partnerships between public and private sector stakeholders from both countries.

During their visit, the delegation was introduced to Casablanca Finance City's unique positioning as a leading financial and business hub and as a strategic gateway for international investors seeking to expand across Africa.

On this occasion, Casablanca Finance City Authority and EIPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a framework for cooperation. The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration on key areas including investment promotion and technical cooperation, supporting joint initiatives that contribute to sustainable growth and regional integration.

Through this partnership, Casablanca Finance City reaffirms its commitment to South-South cooperation and to supporting Eswatini operators in accessing opportunities in Morocco and across the African continent.

DIFC is pleased to welcome the expansion of Nomura International Wealth Management as the firm opens its new premises in the Centre.

Nomura's growing presence reflects its strong regional momentum since launching its Dubai office in 2023, supported by global expertise and a strengthened team of senior relationship managers. The firm is now broadening its focus to serve local high net worth clients, single family offices and external asset managers across the UAE and wider GCC.

This milestone reinforces DIFC's role as the leading global financial hub in the MEASA region and a preferred base for international institutions seeking long-term growth, access to new opportunities and a world-class regulatory environment.

It takes a village to train a talent, but it takes a visionary organisation to employ one.

As we celebrate the impact of the Youth of Enterprise (YOE) Internship Programme, we are turning the spotlight on our Partner Employers. To the organisations that didn't just open their doors but opened doors of opportunity, thank you.

Across 6 cohorts, you have provided more than just desks and tasks; you have provided the high-stakes environment where over 3,000 interns turned theory into practice. By integrating YOE interns into your teams, you are directly tackling youth unemployment and shaping the next generation of Nigerian industry leaders.

You aren't just hiring; you are building the infrastructure for Nigeria's economic future. We are honoured to bridge the gap between ambitious talent and your prestigious organisations. Thank you for leading with purpose.

Malta Stock Exchange plc values the FinanceMalta Conference for its ability to bring businesses together, foster collaboration, and encourage knowledge sharing. A stronger capital market starts with stronger connections.

The FSA took part in the 3rd Annual Algerian Financial Market Conference. This participation comes in line with the Authority's efforts to strengthen Arab cooperation and exchange expertise in the development of capital markets.

Newsletter | What's moving Frankfurt's financial centre in December?

Frankfurt is demonstrating its strength as a leading financial hub. Chancellor Friedrich Merz's recent visit showcased how policy initiatives and private capital intersect in the city to support investment, growth, and economic resilience.

At the same time, FMF represented the financial centre on the international stage. At a prestigious state reception in London's historic Guildhall, German-British partnership was celebrated, while the upcoming 2026 visit of the Lady Mayor of London to Frankfurt underlines the city's strategic role in Europe's financial network.

The latest CFS Index offers a quarterly snapshot of sentiment in Germany's financial sector. In Q3 2025, it rose 2.4 points to 108.4, reflecting stable confidence in the market. At the same time, experts remain cautious about the digital euro, signaling ongoing debates within the industry.

FMF Managing Director Hubertus Väth also contributed to the international dialogue during Foreign Minister Wadephul's visit to China, discussing on CGTN the importance of pragmatic, strong economic relations between Germany and China.

As we approach the end of a busy and transformative year, all of us at Future Finance Poland would like to extend our warmest holiday greetings to our partners, stakeholders, and the entire financial community.

Thank you for your continued trust and for joining us in our mission to shape the future of Poland's financial landscape. We wish you a peaceful, healthy holiday season and a New Year filled with inspiration, bold ideas, and continued success. Happy Holidays!

Season's Greetings!

As we approach the end of the year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued partners and friends for your collaboration and support.

May this festive season bring you joy, warmth, and cherished moments with loved ones. Here's to a healthy and rewarding New Year ahead!

Every moment moves with purpose. Istanbul Financial Center brings together ambition, vision, and a dynamic environment built for global success.

Begin your journey today.

AI has transitioned from experimentation to vital deployment, with 85% of financial services firms globally are now using it. Jersey's international finance centre (IFC) is embracing this shift, supported by initiatives such as the new Jersey AI Council and industry-wide skills development.

Our CEO, Joe Moynihan, shares his views on how Jersey's IFC is setting itself apart in digital finance.

We are seeking a qualified firm to identify, assess, and support high-potential local or aspiring fund managers in Rwanda through a structured and transparent selection and diagnostic process.

Interested firms are invited to submit their bids to procurement@rfl.rw by 15th January 2026.

As we come to the end of 2025, we would like to wish everyone a happy and successful 2026.

Thank you to all those who worked with us over the year to connect Luxembourg with the international financial community.

Merry Christmas from all of us at the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority. This Christmas, we reflect with gratitude on a year of meaningful partnerships and continued collaboration. Thank you for walking this journey with us. We wish you and your loved ones a Christmas filled with warmth, peace and renewed hope for the year ahead.

Our roundup of 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we look back on where our policy work has made an impact and where our engagement with members and policymakers in the UK and abroad has championed the industry. Highlights from the year include:

312 events and meetings 5,850+ event or meeting attendees 2,066 media mentions across print, online and broadcast 17% increase in website sessions year on year

These outcomes were delivered through focused action across our strategic priorities:

Long-term competitiveness – supporting reforms to strengthen UK capital markets, boost productivity and reinforce the UK's global competitiveness.

Trust and reputation – shaping policy debates on regulation, pensions and growth, while strengthening relationships with policymakers and regulators.

International engagement – deepening global partnerships, promoting UK expertise overseas and supporting trade and investment opportunities.

Regions and nations – championing regional growth, skills and infrastructure to ensure the benefits of financial and professional services are felt across the UK.

Green and sustainable finance – advancing sustainable finance, supporting the transition to net zero and helping scale sustainable investment.

Through policy engagement, research and collaboration with industry, we continue to support growth, investment and resilience across the UK economy.

Happy Holidays from TRIFIC SEZ!

As the year comes to a close, we extend our sincere appreciation to our partners, members, and community for the collaboration, trust, and momentum we've built together.

This year reaffirmed the power of innovation, shared purpose, and African-led growth. We look forward to deepening impact, unlocking opportunity, and shaping the future together in the year ahead.

Wishing you a restful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. — The TRIFIC SEZ Team