Financial Center News #95

🎙️ In our latest WAIFC newsletter, Thomas Krantz shares timely insights on the role of financial markets in tackling climate change. His focus? The game-changing impact of sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs). Unlike traditional green bonds, SLBs tie financial outcomes to sustainability performance — and impose penalties when goals aren't met. ⚠️

📌 Krantz spotlights Enel, which issued the world's first SLB in 2019, linking interest rates to renewable energy targets. By 2024, 84% of Enel's energy was greenhouse gas-free — a powerful example that decarbonization and business success can go hand in hand. ✅

💬 "Financial actors must take the lead," says Thomas Krantz, as WAIFC highlights ideas to accelerate the global climate transition.

#GreenFinance #SustainableFinance #SLB #ClimateAction #FinancialInnovation #WAIFC #FinanceForFuture

H.E. Nguyen Hoa Binh, the Permanent First Deputy Prime Minister of #Vietnam, visited Frankfurt earlier this week with a large delegation to discuss the government's plans to establish two financial centers in Vietnam, in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Hubertus Väth, our Vice Chair and Managing Director of our member Frankfurt Main Finance, and I spoke about our World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) ongoing initiatives, experiences in financial center development from our members, and how we can support this exciting project in Vietnam.

Furthermore, Sören Eversmeier highlighted the role of TechQuartier as #FinTech and #startup hub in Frankfurt, and Jörn Siegle from FrankfurtRheinMain GmbH International Marketing of the Region stressed the strong ties with Vietnam, including a representative office in #HCMC.

The delegation, comprising deputy ministers, governors, and chairpersons, went to London and Luxembourg before visiting our members, TheCityUK and Luxembourg for Finance. There are also in close contact with our #WAIFC members.

I want to thank Vu Quang Minh, Ambassador of Vietnam in Germany, and Luu Xuan Dong, the Consul General of Vietnam in Frankfurt, for all their support.

The Ramadan edition of LINK was a celebration of community and shared traditions. As ADGM's business community gathered for a special Suhoor, conversations flowed, new relationships were formed and the spirit of Ramadan brought people closer together with live entertainment and lasting memories captured.

The evening was the perfect platform for building meaningful connections—stay tuned for more opportunities to connect at future editions of LINK!

🔹 The Change Makers | ENGIE 🔹

To close this Change Makers series, we spotlight ENGIE Middle East's commitment to gender equality. With a goal of achieving a 50/50 gender balance by 2030, ENGIE is embedding inclusive policies that create real opportunities for all, moving beyond quotas to drive meaningful change.

In this episode, Loïc Jaegert-Huber, Regional Director of ENGIE North Africa, shares the concrete actions shaping gender equality and offers practical insights for companies striving to make a difference.

#TheChangeMakers #CFC #InternationalWomensDay #Diversity #Inclusion #Leadership #ENGIE

A new landmark is rising in #DIFC… The #DIFCHeightsTower is set to reshape urban living with a seamless blend of luxury residences, premium office spaces, and vibrant retail and dining.

Designed for modern lifestyles, this architectural statement is more than just a destination—it's a new way to live and work in the heart of #Dubai.

Live where it all happens. Coming Soon.

#DIFC2025 #DIFCRealEstate

On 17th March 2025, the Economic Development Board Mauritius (EDB), in collaboration with DHL and ITC SheTrades, launched the 'Trade Beyond Borders Training Program'. The event was graced by the Honorable Dhaneshwar Damry, Junior Minister of Finance, and H.E. Ms. Kate Chamley, Australian High Commissioner, alongside other esteemed dignitaries and stakeholders.

This comprehensive, four-month training program comprises eight targeted modules, equipping participants with critical skills in eCommerce, digital marketing, logistics, supply chain management, international trade, regulatory compliance, financial management, leadership, and customer experience.

By integrating both logistics and business strategies, the program ensures that women entrepreneurs are well-prepared to navigate global markets and expand their enterprises beyond borders.

With 223 registered members, the SheTrades Mauritius Hub continues to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 8.

Building Africa's Premier International Financial Centre – Update on the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC) Project

Yesterday marked a significant milestone in our journey to establish the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC) as I proudly witnessed the signing of an MOU between the LIFC Council and TheCityUK (TCUK).

The LIFC Council, chaired by His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and co-chaired by the Chairman of EnterpriseNGR Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, executed this MOU with TCUK, which is providing valuable technical assistance (funded by the UK Government) to support the design and implementation of what we believe will become Africa's premier financial center.

The LIFC Council, comprising senior executives from the Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR, is united in our commitment to building a world-class IFC that will drive capital inflows, deepen financial markets, support economic growth, and position Lagos as a key player in global finance.

We understand that we do not need to reinvent the wheel. Instead, we are learning from established international financial centers like London, Dubai, and Singapore with the intention of localizing global best practices to fit Nigeria's context and Africa's needs.

#LIFC #LagosInternationalFinancialCentre #EnterpriseNGR #TheCityUK #IFC #Nigeria #Lagos

🔊 New #FinTalks Episode! 🎙️

How is Malta enhancing its compliance capabilities through education? 🇲🇹📚

Join Vanessa Macdonald and Dr. Robert Suban, Head of Banking & Finance at FEMA, University of Malta, as they discuss the exponential growth of regulation since the financial crisis and why compliance is creating a surge in new job opportunities. They also delve into a recent course, organized by the University of Malta and the Malta Financial Services Authority, aimed at boosting the jurisdiction's skills in this evolving field.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how education is key to staying ahead in finance!

🚨 Administrative Penalty Against a financial officer of a Public Joint Stock Company for Insider Trading

We are excited to announce that Frankfurt Main Finance is partnering with the 8th annual edition of DACHsec Cyber Summit!

The acclaimed cyber security summit is returning to Frankfurt on 1st–2nd April to unite 100+ IT Security Leaders from across Germany, Austria and Switzerland to collaborate and share insights on how to build cyber resilience in a transformed world.

The stellar speaker line-up includes CISOs from major organizations such as SACA Germany, Universität Siegen, Allianz, Leonardo Hotels and Talanx.

Over 2 days, attendees will benefit from 20+ content-driven sessions addressing key challenges such as: 📣 Strategies for Resilience in a Complex Threat Landscape 📣 Navigating Cloud, IoT and AI Security Challenges 📣 Building a Skilled Cyber Security Workforce for Tomorrow 📣 Aligning Cyber Security with Executive Priorities

We are proud to announce the presence of a distinguished guest at our upcoming conference! This Friday, Dariusz Standerski, PhD, Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs, will officially open "Next-Gen Data & AI: Insights into Market Maturity"!

We sincerely thank the Deputy Minister for his engagement in this key event for the fintech community. During the conference, you'll have the opportunity to explore two insightful publications on market maturity in data analysis and AI adoption.

🌐 Join the discussion on the future of financial technology in Poland.

[24 Hours Left for Registration]

Join us in a #Zoom webinar on latest strategic insights on driving sustainable growth and #innovation to cement Hong Kong's status as a leading global #InsuranceHub!

Unlock the full potential of financial opportunities at Istanbul Financial Center: At IFC, we support international trade with real, workable tax incentives, helping businesses grow globally with more ease and less friction.

Join our team! We're looking for a part-time #Brand and #Communications Manager with an interest in #SustainableFinance and #Fintech to join our friendly team.

Can you plan, deliver and evaluate innovative integrated communications programs? Are you able to translate technical ideas into simple to understand messages? Do you have exceptional marketing, interpersonal and organizational skills, as well as an eye for detail?

If this sounds like you, then find out more and apply now: https://jsy.fi/3Rn6f0R

🚀 Now Streaming! The pilot episode of the Fired Up for Finance podcast is officially live! 🔥

🎧 Search "Fired Up for Finance" on Spotify & Apple Podcasts, follow and listen to gain insights into the evolving financial landscape.

#FiredUp4Finance

🚀 Luxembourg is stepping up as a leading innovation hub in Europe! Finance Minister, Gilles Roth, and Economy Minister, Lex Delles, just launched a 10-point action plan to support the startup and Fintech ecosystem, including:

✅ Tax incentives for startup investors and employees ✅ An AI Experience Center at LHoFT + an AI Factory to support deep tech innovation ✅ €300M in new funding via SNCI to boost startup growth ✅ Cross-sector events to connect Fintech with space, health, mobility & digital tech

With over 80 companies already hosted at the Luxembourg House of Financial Technology, this move puts Luxembourg on the fast track to becoming a European innovation powerhouse.

#Innovation #Startups #Fintech #AI #Luxembourg #LHoFT #Finance

On the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) will observe a holiday from Sunday, 30 March 2025 to Thursday, 3 April 2025. Our offices will reopen and resume regular operations on Sunday, 6 April 2025.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and blessed Eid. Eid Mubarak from all of us at QFCA! 🌙

We have published a new policy paper today – 'Unlocking the Potential of Nature Markets in the UK', which explores how nature markets—such as biodiversity credits and offsets—can help address biodiversity loss and climate change and key barriers to private sector participation in these markets.

To unlock the potential of nature markets in the UK, our policy recommendations call on the government to work with the private sector on:

🌱 Delivering policy and regulatory certainty: Developing market guidelines, investment standards, and clarity on tax treatment; providing further detail on the policy measures and tools to deliver the UK's biodiversity targets for 2030. 🌱 Developing blended finance models: De-risking nature related investments and crowding in private capital, including through the National Wealth Fund and the Nature Restoration Fund. 🌱 Building capacity: Enhancing understanding of nature markets in both public and private sectors to identify opportunities and assess biodiversity credit quality. 🌱 Integrating climate and nature policies: Embedding nature into national net zero frameworks and transition plans.

#TheCityUK #NatureMarkets #Sustainability

Today, as CEO of Two Rivers International Finance & Innovation Centre SEZ (TRIFIC) and Vice Chair of Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), I was pleased to be part of a critical consultative forum between Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, focused on the Finance Bill 2025.

This marks the beginning of a series of structured engagements aimed at strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors. Dialogue like this is essential—not only to ensure the creation of inclusive, business-friendly policies—but also to foster an environment that attracts and retains investment, drives sustainable growth, and supports economic transformation.

By listening to and working alongside each other, we can shape reforms that truly work for Kenyans and create a foundation for long-term prosperity.