Financial Center News #47

The EU Roundtable of Financial Centers (EU-RFC) has announced its priorities for 2024, emphasizing the need to boost the competitiveness of EU financial markets. Amid changing global economic conditions, there is an urgent need for the EU to focus on enhancing its capital markets.

💡Recent statements from EU policymakers underscore a commitment to quickly and thoroughly improve competitiveness. Nonetheless, without immediate and decisive action, the EU risks lagging behind its global counterparts.

🔦The EU-RFC has issued a set of recommendations aimed at building a robust and competitive EU financial sector, ready to handle the demands of the digital and ecological transition. The guidance provided in the EU-RFC document covers various strategic topics essential for shaping future EU policies.

📲 More info: https://lnkd.in/ebPnrMnD

This initiative is supported by FinanceEstonia, FinanceMalta, Luxembourg for Finance, Paris Europlace, TheCityUK, Frankfurt Main Finance, Febelfin, FeBAF - Federazione Banche Assicurazioni e Finanza, Fin.Connect.NRW and the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC).

🎙️ Our Managing Director, Dr. Jochen Biedermann, will moderate a fireside chat with His Excellency Dr. György H. Matolcsy, the Governor of the Hungarian Central Bank (Magyar Nemzeti Bank), on "The Role of Central Banks in Digital and a Sustainable Economy" at the Dubai FinTech Summit organized by our member DIFC.

📅 6 May 2024 (Dubai), 10:40-11:00 📍Plenary 3 📲 Info: https://lnkd.in/da7GUJBE

#DubaiFintechSummit #SustainableEconomy #DigitalFinance

Talal Samad FCA (Head – Audit) and Ruqaya Salman (Head – Enforcement) on behalf of the ADGM Registration Authority recently attended the International Forum of Independent Audit Regulators (IFIAR) 2024 Plenary Meeting held in Osaka, warmly and kindly hosted by the Financial Services Agency, Japan (JFSA, 金融庁).   The three-day Plenary Meeting saw representatives from 48 IFIAR Member jurisdictions participate in discussions focusing on key developments and emerging trends in the audit industry. Important topics included audit firm governance, sustainability reporting and assurance, and the use of technology by audit firms.   In addition, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) Chair (Tom Seidenstein) and International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Chair (Gabriela Figueiredo Dias) provided updates and discussed the standard setting activities of their respective Boards. Further, the global CEOs of each of the Global Public Policy Committee (GPPC) networks were also invited to speak to IFIAR Members on a wide range of topics.    Please click below link to access the IFIAR stakeholder announcement: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gZ88ud6D   In January this year, the ADGM Registration Authority became the 56th member of IFIAR. The membership highlights ADGM’s commitment to maintaining a robust and well-functioning financial ecosystem that protects stakeholders including investors.

Access the full media release here: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dgkGgqdQ   Pictured below, ADGM Registration Authority staff with Mr. Takashi Nagaoka, IFIAR Chair.   #IFIAR #ADGM #audit #auditquality #corporatereporting #capitalmarkets #ADGMRA #investorprotection #sustainability #ethics #governance #technology #AI #auditfindings

International company Amicorp Group has announced the opening of an office within the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre, thereby becoming the first global company to provide fund administration services in the region. This strategic expansion will enable Amicorp to support Kazakhstani and international companies in creating and managing effective legal structures for cross-border activities.

Discover more about the new opportunities and administrative services provided by Amicorp in our latest interview with Sergio Gironella, TEP , Head of Sales for the Amicorp Group in CIS countries here: https://lnkd.in/ehQ7agGD

📢 Throwback to our insightful conference on "Africa's Development Dynamics." Dive into the best moments highlighting the urgent need for financing sustainable development in Africa.

The consensus? A united call for mobilization across States, international bodies, and the private sector to unlock Africa's vast development potential.

Watch the video to relive the key moments. Link to the report in first comment.

OECD - OCDE

#CFC #CasablancaFinanceCity #CFCInsights #Africa #SustainableDevelopment

Opening remarks by Alya Al Zarouni, Chief Operating Officer at #DIFC Authority, setting the stage for an insightful day ahead. Dubai World Insurance Congress [DWIC] #Reinsurance #DIFC #DWIC24

Mauritius, a destination of excellence for investors and expats from all over the world!

The Economic Development Board Mauritius is pleased to invite you to the 3rd edition of its tour of Europe, which will take place from 21 to 31 May 2024 in four countries: France (Nice and Paris), Belgium (Brussels), Switzerland (Geneva) and Great Britain (London).

⏳FREE registration: Book your privileged place now in the city of your choice: https://lnkd.in/dSanJYqk .

Ideally located at the crossroads of Asia, Europe and Africa, Mauritius is recognized as a reliable international financial centre, offering a high level of professionalism, security and compliance. The country offers a wide range of international financial products and services, as well as many attractive investment opportunities.

With a dynamic and diversified economy, a strong regulatory framework in line with international standards, principles of good governance, competent professionals in the fields of finance and law, quality infrastructure and an attractive business environment, Mauritius is a preferred destination for entrepreneurs, investors and international finance professionals. 🌐For more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/dzj-f8FN #Maurice #investissement #expatriation #tournéeEurope #financeinternationale #professionnalisme #opportunités #bienvenueMaurice #attractioninvestisseurs #découvrirMaurice

2Futures, Anahita Mauritius, Domaine d'Anbalaba - Mauritius, BTG Group, CIEL Group, Ceri Prodeveloper, Curzon Mauritius, Excellia Properties, Harmonie Golf & Beach Estate, Know House, Legis Consult, Medine , MJ Developpement, Mon Choisy La Reserve, Montana Oceano, Neker Finance, Pointe d'Esny Le Village, Heritage Villas Valriche

EnterpriseNGR Q1 2024 Newsletter: Celebrating Achievements and Embracing the Future

We are pleased to announce the publication of our Q1 2024 Newsletter. This edition highlights our achievements, newsworthy events, and upcoming initiatives as we join hands with industry stakeholders to advance the Nigerian Financial and Professional Services (FPS) sector.

In this issue, you'll find: • A message from the CEO, outlining EnterpriseNGR's strategic progress and commitment to fostering a stronger, more united FPS sector. • Details of our achievements in Q1 and earlier, including strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagements, the Youth of Enterprise (YOE) Cohort IV graduation ceremony, and other human capital development initiatives.

We encourage you to download the newsletter to learn more about how EnterpriseNGR is shaping the future of Nigeria's FPS sector and driving the transformation of Nigeria into Africa's Premier Financial Centre.

Download the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/dq83rcmT

#EnterpriseNGR #Nigeria #FinancialServices #FinancialCenter #ProfessionalServices #Newsletter #Q12024 #Leadership #Collaboration #Innovation #Growth

📸 Photo highlights from the event "Malta: Getting a MiCA-equivalent licence now – a Breakfast Meeting" hosted in London by FinanceMalta and with the participation of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA).

Delegates had the opportunity to network with industry experts, gaining insights on the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), and various initiatives that are being spearheaded by the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA). Attendees also received the latest updates on the Malta Financial Services Advisory Council (MFSAC)'s Strategy for Financial Services.

#FinancialServices #Fintech

FinCity.Tokyo (東京国際金融機構)'s support package worth about USD400K. Check this out https://lnkd.in/ggSnZw-e

Frankfurt Main Finance supports the 4th Annual Conference on European Financial Integration of the AFME (Association for Financial Markets in Europe) and OMFIF which will take place on 28 May 2024 in the financial metropolis of Frankfurt. AFME is committed to comprehensive and integrated European capital markets that meet the needs of companies and investors and promote economic growth. It sees itself as the mouthpiece of all European financial markets for corporate clients and offers expertise on a wide range of regulatory and capital market topics. The conference at the Frankfurt financial center will bring together leading policymakers and opinion leaders, as well as influential members of the regulatory and business worlds, for a day of stimulating content and discussion. Register now at https://brnw.ch/21wJjbA

#EFI2024 #europeanfinancialintegration

At Future Finance Poland, we know that the best solutions are created through cooperation and dialogue. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that the inaugural meeting of the FinCrime specialization took place at the headquarters of NatWest Group Poland on Thursday, April 25th this year as part of the Future Finance Poland initiative.

Participants discussed a range of topics related to technologies and strategies enabling effective action in the field of financial crime. The exchange of experiences and discussion initiated by the participants covered such issues as:

👉 building Poland's competitiveness on the international stage in the context of FinCrime,

👉 seeking solutions to create a comprehensive action model despite the multitude of legal norms,

👉 problems and limitations regarding the exchange of data and information between institutions, and detailed mapping of issues to facilitate response (e.g. to unexpected global occurrences) within the purview of FinCrime.

We thank you all for such a large turnout and engagement.

Next meeting in June. See you soon!

Pawel Widawski Piotr Brewiński Kasia Jedlińska Zuzanna Krauzowicz Aneta Girdwoyń (Kmoch) Katarzyna Multan Anna Malanowska Pawel Karp Bartosz Segit Maciej Szkopek Andrzej Pacek Aleksandra Brojek

🌟Exciting highlights from the recent S+ Summit and Expo! The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) 香港社會服務聯會 (社聯) and the Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) hosted our inaugural joint event. A policy dialogue and panel discussion on "Emerging Trends in Asian Philanthropy and Impact Investment: Opportunities and Challenges" were the highlights of the session.

The event marked a significant milestone, aiming to maximize the synergy between financial services and the social welfare sector, and contribute to social welfare through impact investing and social responsibility projects.

Prof Roger King, Board Member of The Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy (HKAWL), and Mr Bernard Charnwut Chan, Chairperson of HKCSS, enriched the Policy Dialogue with their insights on philanthropy and impact investing.

Ms Angel Chia, Executive Director of HKAWL, moderated an engaging panel with esteemed speakers: Mr Patrick Brothers, Mr Hong-bo Tan, Ir Prof Alan Lam林曉鋒, JP PhD, MHKIE, MIEEE, and Ms Donna Tang. They shared valuable perspectives on the landscape of philanthropy and impact investing in Asia.

A heartfelt thank you to all speakers and participants for making this event a success. We look forward to more such fruitful collaborations in the future! 🚀

#HKCSS #SplusSummitCumExpo #Splus #SDGs #SDG #philanthropy #impactinvestment #impactinvesting #FSDC #FSDCHK #FSDCHongKong Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB)

We know how important it is to nurture talent, foster connections and share your firms' values.

Life in Finance offers firms a chance to really connect with local students, who could potentially be future employees.

Our scheme offers you the opportunity to showcase your firm as a top desired workplace, share your opportunities and expertise with students, leaving a lasting impression. Sign up to our work placement scheme and ensure you are at the top of students lists when they are searching for their first job.

Find out more about how you can be a part of this scheme on our website: https://jsy.fi/3OH5pLG

#workexperience #lifeinfinance #careersinfinance

Following Rwanda’s Green Taxonomy showcase at COP28, the second phase of its development is now underway, with 4 new sectors included: Manufacturing, Water, Waste Management, and ICT.

The National Green Taxonomy will serve as a policy instrument that defines sustainability criteria, builds a common understanding, fosters trust and ensures alignment with international best practices and global sustainability goals.

Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dD6VHBBM

Special thanks to Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Climate Bonds Initiative, and Ambire Global for their continued support in driving this strategic initiative.

The dynamic landscape of the EU’s regulatory agenda is an intricate web of policies and directives governing financial services within the region.

Deputy Director General at DG Fisma, Alexandra Jour-Schroeder, is on hand at our Focus on EU Regulatory Agenda livestream to discuss the trajectory of the agenda set by the current European Commission and how the next will balance these ambitions with emerging short-term risks.

Register here: bit.ly/3Jx5ApX

#LuxFinance

Paris Europlace Crypto-Assets Working Group, chaired by Hubert de Vauplane, welcomes #ESMA consultations on reverse solicitation and on the qualification of #crypto-assets as financial instruments. We appreciate ESMA's approach in determining a broad concept of solicitation, as well as the means and persons involved in which a third-party firm could solicit EU clients, to protect investors and #MiCA-compliant crypto-asset service providers. This approach will help avoid differences in interpretation, ensuring a fair level of #competition between EU crypto-asset market participants. Regarding influencers -a concept that has no definition in European law-, such a concept could lead to large divergences of interpretation between Member States and run counter to the principle of predictability of law. Conversely, the use of general clauses or online pop-up “I agree” boxes, whereby clients state that any transaction is executed on the exclusive initiative of the client, is deemed to be reverse solicitation. Concerning the qualification of crypto-assets as financial instruments, regulation should offer an appropriate degree of legal #protection and facilitate the distinction between crypto-assets within the scope of MiCA and crypto-assets assimilated to financial instruments. Opting for a holistic approach is key, enabling Member States to move forward in an harmonised way on the assimilation of crypto-assets to financial instruments, without the criteria set in place being too strict to rapidly risk becoming obsolete. Many thanks to all contributors, especially Hubert de Vauplane Philippe Goutay Emilien Bernard-Alzias Myriam Dana -Thomä Matthieu Lucchesi Frederick Lacroix Hugo Bordet

Please read the document here: https://lnkd.in/eDMrNWNb

European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) – France

QFC proudly sponsored the annual conference of the Arab Federation of Capital Markets (AFCM), held on April 29-30, 2024. Yousuf Al-Jaida, CEO of QFC, participated in the first panel, which explored "The Role of Capital Markets in the Third Financial Sector Strategy." 📈

Hosted by Qatar Stock Exchange, the event successfully convened key financial industry stakeholders, including stock exchanges, clearing houses, brokerage and asset management firms, governmental institutions, and regulatory bodies.

Together, we addressed the challenges and explored opportunities in the Arab capital markets, fostering significant discussions and collaborations.

In her latest blog our Chief Economist and Head of Research, Anjalika Bardalai, looks at the relationship between the two largest financial exporters, the UK and the US, and how sub-sector trade patterns between the two countries have changed over time.

📖 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/edJCZ8bu

#TheCityUK #FinancialServices