Financial Center News #77

🚀 Explore our #WAIFC Opinions section #2 📰✨

We invite our audience to dive into insightful perspectives from representatives of our members on a variety of topics related to finance and international financial centers. 💡

Today, we are sharing an article by Hubertus Väth, WAIFC board member and Managing Director of the Frankfurt Main Finance, where he reflects on the key benefits of an international financial center. 💼📈

📝 Why do Financial Centers Matter?

📲 Don’t miss the opportunity to read it here: https://lnkd.in/dhF4BYQ

📲 Read our WAIFC opinions: https://lnkd.in/eAHzGwS8

WAIFC at the 17th Annual FinanceMalta Conference 🌟

We are delighted to have participated in the 17th Annual Conference organized by our esteemed member, FinanceMalta.

🎙️The conference’s first panel session delved into Malta’s strategic position as a financial center and its pivotal role in driving economic growth. Discussions covered innovative strategies, regulatory advancements, and the services that solidify Malta’s reputation as a leading international business hub.

The panel featured distinguished experts: 🗣️ Eva Szalay, Independent Financial Journalist 🗣️ Kotaro Ishi, Mission Chief, International Monetary Fund 🗣️ Carmine Di Noia, Carmine Di Noia, Director, OECD - OCDE 🗣️ Stephanie Vella, Director, E-Cubed Consultants 🗣️ Emmanuel Daniel, Author and Futurist 🗣️ Jochen Biedermann, Managing Director, WAIFC

WAIFC is proud to support its members and foster collaboration and innovation across international financial centers.

#WAIFC #FinanceMalta #FM17AC #FinancialServices #GlobalFinance

A fantastic day for our ADGM community!

The ADGM Community Padel Tournament brought our team members together for a day full of competition, excitement and fun.

Congratulations to our champions for their impressive performance and thank you to everyone who joined us and made the event a success!

🚀 Wrap-up 2024 with the AIFC Community! On November 28, join the AIFC Community event to engage with representatives from AFSA, AIX, and industry leaders. Reflect on 2024 achievements, gain valuable insights into key regulatory updates and year-end reporting, and explore inspiring success stories in asset management.

🌟If you’re an AIFC Participant and haven’t registered yet, don’t wait! Check out the full programme and secure your spot today: https://lnkd.in/eyTyrnFu

🔥 The evening concludes with informal networking, sponsored by Amicorp Group (Amicorp Kazakhstan Limited), offering the perfect chance to build connections and close out the year on a high note.

We can’t wait to see you there!

#GrowwithAIFC #IamAIFCCommunity #AIFCParticipants #AIFC #Business

Casablanca Finance City invites the Moroccan community in the United Arab Emirates to an exclusive gathering in Dubai. Join us for an evening dedicated to networking, sharing insights, and discovering new business opportunities. This event aims to promote collaboration, inspire innovation, and forge valuable connections.

Gate Avenue at #DIFC has entered into a strategic partnership with Emirates Skywards, enabling visitors to earn Skywards Miles for every AED 3 spent across over 100 retail and dining outlets.

This collaboration enhances Gate Avenue’s position as a leading lifestyle destination, offering exclusive rewards to its customers.

Read more: https://lnkd.in/dwq67V6z

In order to better understand the business environment, market prospects, distribution networks of products and services, the EDB in partnership with Business France invites you to a webinar on business opportunities in South Africa and Southern Africa.

👉 Follow this link for more information and to register: https://lnkd.in/gEnGba74

Today marks my first work anniversary with FinanceMalta and what an incredible journey it has been!

I am deeply grateful to our Chairman, the Board of Governors, and the entire FinanceMalta team for their unwavering support and collaboration throughout this year. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to our stakeholders and esteemed members, whose trust and commitment drive our mission forward.

Reflecting on the past year, I cherish the privilege of participating in local and international events, moderating and speaking in prestigious panels, and representing FinanceMalta's vision globally. These moments have not only been professionally rewarding but have also been an opportunity to showcase Malta's thriving financial services industry.

As we count down to next Friday's Annual Conference, I am filled with pride and excitement. This milestone event is the culmination of tireless preparation and dedication, and I can’t wait to see it come to life.

Thank you to everyone who has made this journey truly remarkable. Here’s to many more milestones together!

#WorkAnniversary #Gratitude #FinancialServices #FMC17

"FINOPITCH 2025” is open for entry!" The deadline for applications is January 5th, 2025 The 5th Future Frontier Fes by FINOLAB (4F) will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025. As part of the event, FINOLAB will be hosting one of the main programs, the pitch contest “FINOPITCH.” FINOPITCH (formerly known as FIBC) has been held since 2012 to showcase the technological innovations and business models of FinTech startups and to expand opportunities for international and domestic collaboration, contributing to the creation of Japan’s financial innovation history.

◆ Application Process Application Deadline : Jan. 5th, 2025 (Sun) Finalist Announcement : Feb. 5th, 2025 (Wed) FINOPITCH / Award Ceremony : Mar. 6th, 2025 (Thu) ※ Meeting with supporting companies will be scheduled for the finalists from March 5 to 7 in 2025. ※ The event organizer will contact you if an online interview is required.

◆ Eligibility Requirements ・Must be a FinTech startup. ・Must have a product/service available for demonstration. ・Must agree to the contents of the entry form. Company Establishment/Service Launch ・Japan companies: Established within the past 5 years and service launched within the past 2 years. ・Overseas companies: Established within the past 7 years and service launched within the past 3 years (considering entering the Japanese market).

Makoto Shibata Takeshi Kito Pieter Franken Chie Ito

#FinCityTokyo #investtokyo

https://lnkd.in/gPZR6da4

Navigating Geopolitical Risks: Strengthening German-Japanese Economic Partnerships 🇩🇪🤝🇯🇵

On November 21, 2024, an exclusive dinner was held in Tokyo, co-hosted by Her Excellency Ambassador Sigmund and FMF. Hubertus Väth, Managing Director of Frankfurt Main Finance, delivered a keynote highlighting supply chain resilience, the net-zero transition, and financing opportunities tied to energy infrastructure modernization.

The discussions underscored the vital role of German-Japanese collaboration in building a sustainable and resilient future.

📣 We would like to remind you about the opportunity to register for the upcoming workshop on the Digital Euro Regulatory Package, taking place on December 5, 2024 in Warsaw Spire. The workshop will be conducted by Krzysztof Korus, PhD from DLK Legal, an expert in financial sector regulations.

🗓️ Date: December 5, 2024 🕓 Time: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM 📍 Venue: Warsaw Spire ➡️ Registration: Send an email to kmultan@futurefinancepoland.com 🏢 Format: Hybrid

🇪🇺 The workshop aims to highlight the key aspects of the Digital Euro regulatory package and discuss its significance for the Polish financial market. It will also provide an opportunity for Q&A and expert discussions.

The event will be held in a hybrid format. Please confirm your participation by November 29, indicating your preferred participation mode, via email at kmultan@futurefinancepoland.com. On-site attendance is limited.

🔴 Agenda: 🔹 Current status of the Digital Euro regulatory package. 🔹Accessibility of Digital Euro for Polish residents. 🔹Technical and functional architecture of the Digital Euro. 🔹Relationship between Digital Euro, competing payment methods, and crypto-assets. 🔹Q&A session.

🙌 We look forward to your participation! 🙌

Pawel Widawski, Piotr Brewiński, Katarzyna Multan, Kasia Jedlińska, Aneta Girdwoyń (Kmoch), Anna Malanowska

Congratulations to Andrew Weir, Vice Chairman of the Financial Services Development Council, on receiving the Bronze Bauhinia Star from the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR!

Andrew Weir’s professionalism, integrity, and global outlook have been instrumental in bridging #hongkong with the rest of the world, including the UK, APEC countries, and the Middle East. His dedication to Hong Kong and his efforts in strengthening our connections globally are truly commendable.

His dedication to advancing Hong Kong’s global standing and fostering international partnerships is truly inspiring. Thank you, Andrew, for your significant contributions to Hong Kong, our financial and professional services industries, our talent pool, and the #FSDC. Your leadership and vision are shaping a brighter future for us all!

#HongKong #FinancialServices #ProfessionalServices #FSDC

Travel, trade, and taste! Istanbul Airport links you to 309 destinations, opens doors to $7 trillion in trade, and offers 117 dining options featuring world-class flavors. It’s more than an airport; it’s the heart of global travel.

iGA Istanbul Airport

Last week marked the end of our popular #Saudi event series focussed on family enterprises in the Kingdom.

On Monday, we were in #Riyadh where we co-hosted an evening event with Stephenson Harwood LLP on the recent trends in structuring for GCC families.

Led by Jersey Finance’s Faizal Bhana, Director – Middle East, Africa and India, and Alastair Glover, Partner, Stephenson Harwood LLP, our guests heard from a line-up of expert speakers and panellists, listed below. They discussed their perspectives on the current state of #familyenterprises and the future priorities, exploring key trends that are emerging and reshaping this exclusive sector. Abdulaziz Alrashid, Manager ADR, National Center for Family Businesses, KSA Ismael Hajjar, Partner, PwC Middle East Edward Devenport, Partner, Mourant Ozannes (Jersey) LLP James Ramsden, Executive Director, Trident Trust Manal Salman, Attorney, Head of Sports & Entertainment Department & Sports Investment, Garoub & Associates

On Wednesday, we were in #Jeddah to co-host an event with Alzawawi Law Firm focussed on family businesses in conflict.

Again, led by Jersey Finance’s Faizal Bhana, but this time with Hassan Zawawi, Partner, Alzawawi Law Firm, our guests heard from family enterprise experts from Jeddah, the wider Gulf region and further afield – see the list below. They discussed the practices, solutions and strategies used when advising family businesses in conflict. SOHALE ALTAMIMI, Ph.D, CFA Altamimi, Deputy CEO, The National Centre for Family Business Walid S. Chiniara, Advisor to Business Families Stephen Baker, Baker & Partners Debbie Lumsden, VG Yasmine Omari, EY Basma Alzamil, LGA Global Rozana ALTayyar, Managing Director, Taswea

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us in Riyadh and Jeddah, to all of our expert speakers and to our joint hosts, Stephenson Harwood LLP in Riyadh and Alzawawi Law Firm in Jeddah.

🚀Join us as we step into the next chapter of Rwanda's digital journey. Rwanda’s Fintech Strategy (2024-2029) is here!

💡This fintech strategy is set to unleash a bold vision for our nation, driving financial inclusion, attracting impactful investments, and positioning Rwanda as a premier Fintech hub in Africa.

Together, let's embrace innovation and propel our economy forward! 🇷🇼

RwandaICT | Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning | Access to Finance Rwanda | National Bank of Rwanda (NBR) | Capital Market Authority Rwanda

Last week, LFF attended FinTech Recruits 2024, an event organized by The LHoFT - Luxembourg House of Financial Technology, to connect with students eager to grow their career in finance and tech in Luxembourg 🇱🇺

Our Secretary General, Lynn Robbroeckx, shared how Luxembourg's financial center can be a great launchpad for an international career in finance 🚀

She highlighted a key trend: financial centers worldwide are seeing strong employment growth, especially in tech-driven roles. Luxembourg reflects this momentum, with expanding opportunities in sectors such as banking, funds, and professional services, all embracing technology and innovation.

Today, the Grand-Duchy’s commitment to learning, with countless opportunities to upskill, and its great quality of life, makes it the ideal place to invest in yourself and your future.

➡️ To those we met: thank you for the great conversations! Curious about Luxembourg? Visit MoveToLux.com.

#FinTechRecruit2024 #MoveToLux #LuxembourgForFinance #FinTechCareers

Morocco's participation in the inaugural day of Paris Infraweek 2024 with the organization of a session "Decarbonization Infrastructure: What New Partnerships between France and Morocco" moderated by Karim ZINE-EDDINE. It was an opportunity to review the agreements and partnerships signed during the State visit of the President of the Republic to Morocco, "Enhanced Exceptional Partnership". Mr. Mohamed Benchaâboun, CEO of the Mohammed VI Fund for Investment, stressed that we are facing a paradigm shift in Morocco, which translates into the need to massively mobilize private, domestic and international financing. Mr. Ali Seddiki, CEO of the Agence Marocaine de Développement des Investissements et des Exportations - AMDIE reviewed the pipeline of infrastructure projects in Morocco and the financial and industrial partnerships that could develop between Morocco and France, in the various fields of tomorrow's infrastructure, renewable energy, mobility and transport in its various verticals, digital in connection with the Morocco 2030 digital strategy, etc. A round table moderated by Hind Chawki, Standard Chartered Bank with Ali SEDDIKI, Hind Lfal, Orange Maroc, Amir Sharifi, Ardian & Hy24, Pierre Tardiveau, Stoa , and Othman Tlemcani, INNOVX. 🎥 Don't miss the replay 👉 https://lnkd.in/eKqYb9nQ Christophe Lecourtier I Service Économique Régional de Rabat I Ministères Économiques et Financiers I Vincent Toussaint I Direction générale du Trésor (French Treasury) I Jean BENSAID I FIN INFRA I Olivier GINEPRO I Nadine Huynh I Robin Louvet

QFC participated in the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council x German Mittelstand Joint Event, hosted by QRDI in collaboration with The German Mittelstand GCC Office, a QFC-licensed entity. 🤝

The event welcomed a delegation of German businesses from sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. During the panel discussion, “Why Companies are Choosing Doha,” our own Abby C. shared insights on Qatar’s strategic location, business-friendly time zone, advanced infrastructure, and institutional support - key factors attracting international businesses to the region. 🇩🇪

QFC is proud to support initiatives that showcase Qatar’s growing role as a global business hub.

#QFC #QRDI #BusinessInQatar #qatar #businessowner #Germany

We were delighted to support the Indonesia Investment Forum, as part of our continued commitment to bolster collaboration between Indonesia and the UK. A key outcome of the recent state visit is the new Strategic Partnership agreed between UK and Indonesia, highlighting a shared commitment to economic growth and cooperation. Our MD, International, Nicola Watkinson (she/her) moderated a panel featuring Farida Nuraini Beru Peranginangin, Aries Arifien, CFA, FRM, Russ Shaw CBE, David T Santoso, and Ian Leonard Betts. The discussion highlighted significant investment opportunities in Indonesia’s priority sectors:

📌 Digital Economy: Exploring fintech and digital infrastructure to improve financial inclusion, with 50% of Indonesians still unbanked, positioning Indonesia as a tech hub in Southeast Asia.

📌 Education Partnerships: Collaborating with UK institutions, such as the Singhasari Special Economic Zone and King’s College London, to address skills shortages and enhance workforce development.

📌 Digital Banking: Empowering entrepreneurship and transforming smartphones into essential tools for modern work and economic activity.

Alongside the forum, we were also honoured to co-host H.E. Rosan Perkasa Roeslani, Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industry / Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), as the keynote speaker for an exclusive working lunch with members of ASEAN Market Advisory Group, UK-ASEAN Business Council (UKABC) and BritCham Indonesia, chaired by Cora McLaren. Senior representatives from both governments, including H.E. Dominic Jermey CVO, OBE,UK Ambassador to Indonesia participated in discussions that reinforced Indonesia’s commitment to creating a more attractive, inclusive investment environment and facilitated an open exchange on the ease of doing business.

A huge thank you to our panellists, members, partners UKABC, BritCham, Standard Chartered and our excellent chair Cora McLaren for their invaluable contributions and support in organising this event.

#TheCityUK #IndonesiaInvestmentForum #FDI #DigitalEconomy #Collaboration

1 Day to Go! TRIFIC SEZ at India Global Forum: Middle East & Africa 2024

The wait is almost over! Tomorrow, our COO, Justus Kariuki, will join top global leaders at the India Global Forum in Dubai to share his expertise in "Driving Growth in Africa."

Get ready for a deep dive into strategies and insights for navigating Africa’s complex yet rewarding markets. With East Africa emerging as a global investment hub, this session will showcase why Africa is the future of growth.

Reach out to Justus directly: j.kariuki@trific.co.ke

#AfricasGatewayToTheWorld #TRIFICSEZ #IGF24