Financial Center News #98

🎓✨ Calling all young researchers in finance & economics - Young Academic Award 2025

The WAIFC Young Academic Award 2025 is still open for submissions, but not for long. 🎓 Are you conducting research on the future of financial centers, sustainability, digital finance, or innovation in global finance? This is your chance to shine. 💡🏆

Each year, the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) honors outstanding academic work from students and early-career researchers whose ideas can shape tomorrow's financial world. 🌱📈

✅ Who can apply? Students (Bachelor, Master, PhD) and young researchers worldwide ✅ Topics? Financial centers, sustainable finance, digitalization, fintech, financial inclusion, and more ✅ Why apply? Gain global visibility, present your work to international financial leaders, and contribute to meaningful change in the industry 🚀🌐

📅 Applications to submit your paper or essay may be made no later than 30 April 2025 via our submission form. Your final paper or essay must be submitted no later than 30 May 2025.

#WAIFC #YoungAcademicAward #Finance #ResearchOpportunity #Innovation #FinancialCenters #Fintech #Sustainability #DigitalFinance #GlobalTalent #FutureOfFinance

💼 Sustainability: A WAIFC Priority

Sustainability is a long-term commitment at the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC). 🌱 ♻️📈 WAIFC members are working actively to support the green transition. Today, we are proud to highlight the efforts of three of our members who are contributing to this transformation through insightful reports and strategic action. 📝🌐

🔹 AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre) 📘 State of Sustainable Finance in Central Asia This report provides a comprehensive overview of the sustainable finance landscape in Central Asia. From green bond initiatives to the development of ESG frameworks and cross-border cooperation, AIFC showcases how regional markets are aligning with global sustainability standards.

🔹 Busan Finance Center 📘 Driving Korea's Green Finance Agenda BFC highlights Korea's strategic path toward a low-carbon economy. From climate finance to green tech innovation and ESG investments, the center is fostering financial infrastructure that aligns with the country's sustainability goals.

🔹 Financial Services Development Council Hong Kong 📘 Navigating the Evolving Sustainable Landscape FSDC explores Hong Kong's critical role in financing Asia's transition to sustainability. The report focuses on regulatory development, human capital for green finance, and the importance of international collaboration to achieve net-zero ambitions.

#SustainableFinance #GreenEconomy #ESG #ClimateFinance #WAIFC #FutureOfFinance #FinancialCenters #TransitionFinance #Innovation #SustainabilityMatters 🌍💹🌿

Our member TheCityUK is organizing an exciting event that's not to be missed. TheCityUK International Conference 2025 will take place in London and online on Thursday, April 24, 2025. 🚀

This flagship event will bring together top leaders from financial and professional services, along with policymakers and regulators, to discuss the future of the global financial landscape. Key themes include:

• Reimagining trade relationships in an increasingly protectionist world • Embracing innovation and collaboration to adapt to shifting dynamics • Supporting high-growth trade corridors (China–Saudi Arabia, India–Africa, ASEAN…)

📅 April 24, 2025 🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM BST 🌐 Hybrid (London & online)

Join the conversation and get key insights into how the UK can stay competitive and lead globally.

#Finance #Trade #Innovation #UKFinance #TheCityUK #GlobalLeadership #FinancialServices

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Dubai AI Festival taking place on 23 - 24 2025 at the Madinat Jumeirah will be held under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense, UAE.

The festival is an important part of Dubai AI Week, a global AI event to highlight innovation and public-private collaboration. Dubai AI Festival is organized by the Dubai AI Campus and co-hosted by Dubai Future Foundation, in partnership with DIFC and the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy & Remote Work.

As the Association Partner, we are excited to participate in this gathering that promises to be a game-changer in the international AI gathering — an event you won't want to miss!

Why attend Dubai AI Festival 2025? • Connect with over 8,000 C-suite leaders eager to expand their networks. • Explore the latest trends and challenges in the global AI landscape through a two-day agenda featuring insights from 100+ AI experts, and regulators. • Discover innovative solutions and products from 100+ industry disruptors and emerging startups across various verticals. • Engage with over 500+ investors and seize opportunities for securing investments and partnerships. • Build associations with global AI influencers and thought leaders.

Al Reem Island, a key part of the ADGM District, is home to a mix of residential, commercial, and leisure spaces. With its waterfront, modern infrastructure, thriving work atmosphere, and a community that is as lively as it is sophisticated, the island offers a setting for those who seek both opportunity and quality of life.

💐The AIFC Expat Centre invites you to a special celebration marking the opening of the Expat Loyalty Club Community and the joyous occasion of Nauryz.

⏰Date and Time: Friday, April 18, 2025, at 13:00 📍55/19 Mangilik Yel Ave., Block C3.4, Trading Hall.

Celebration is open for all international exprets residing in Kazakhstan

🔗To join, please, RSVP: https://lnkd.in/dSHfpb6E

Come join us for a celebration as we mark this new chapter together.

Kick-off of the CFC Insights Conference with the support of Région Casablanca - Settat

The CFC Insights Conference officially opened this morning with the presence of distinguished speakers, marking the start of a high-level dialogue on Africa's development dynamics

🔹 Mr. Abdelatif Mazouz, President of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council 🔹 Mr. Said Ibrahimi, CEO of Casablanca Finance City Authority 🔹 Mr. Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water 🔹 Ms. Ragnheidur Elin Arnadottir, Director of the OECD Development Centre.

This opening session set the tone for a rich exchange around the themes of skills, employment, and productivity in Africa, with a focus on strategic sectors shaping the continent's future.

#CFC #CasablancaFinanceCity #CFCInsights #Africa #EconomicGrowth #DevelopmentReport

Are you looking to protect your assets, structure investments, or plan for the future? Discover why #DIFC is the region's preferred destination for Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) – offering legal certainty, tax efficiency, and full privacy protection.

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#DIFC #SPV #WealthPlanning #AssetProtection #DIFC2025

The promotion of a stronger alliance between Mauritius and the European Union (EU) for sustaining the country's developmental progress was at the fore of discussions held on Friday 11 April 2025 during a meeting between the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, and the EU delegation, at the Treasury Building in Port-Louis.

The Ambassador of the EU to the Republic of Mauritius, Mr Oskar Benedikt, was also part of the delegation. The delegation comprising Ambassadors of other Member States is on a visit to Mauritius in the context of the first Mauritius–European Union Partnership Dialogue held yesterday with the aim to address contemporary global issues and establish a cohesive collaboration.

Last month, a series of high-level consultations took place between the Lagos State Government, LIFC Council Members, Representatives of TheCityUK, and key stakeholders.

These consultation sessions were aimed at shaping a robust framework to position Lagos as Africa's premier international financial hub. The sessions were convened to share insights, explore strategic opportunities, and collaboratively define the next steps towards establishing the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC).

The meetings marked a critical milestone in the journey to foster financial services innovation and attract global investment to Lagos.

#EnterpriseNGR #FPSsector #LIFC #Nigeria #Policy

Episode 120 of the #FinTalks podcast is now live! 🎙️

Technology is by no means the only disruptor changing the corporate landscape. However, while we often look at its impact on operations, it also poses challenges for leaders. Alter Domus Malta CEO Przemyslaw Koger (PK) explains how good leadership skills need to evolve to ensure automation does not have a negative impact on employees' motivation and empowerment, while also understanding the changing expectations of clients.

Another tip: surround yourself with smart individuals – a great leader needs a great team.

Stream the #podcast now 👉 https://lnkd.in/euJG7gwV

🔹The CMA received a delegation from the Stock Exchange Regulation and Control Committee of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria

🎯The purpose of the visit was: 🔹Exchange of experiences on topics of common interest 🔹Benefiting from the Authority's experience in the field of combating money laundering and terrorist financing

🚀 Becoming a nation of the future with the capital market – What Germany can learn from Sweden!

Did you know that Sweden has produced more than 500 listed companies since 2016 – far more than Germany, France or Italy? 🇸🇪💡

What makes the Scandinavian model so special? And how could Germany also benefit from a more active investor culture, a more flexible legal framework and a functioning SME growth market?

In our current article, a study by the Deutsches Aktieninstitut in cooperation with the Boerse Stuttgart Group, we take a look at the most important success factors of the Swedish capital market and show what impulses they have for politics and market players in Germany and Europe.

#CapitalMarket #ShareCulture #Europe #RetirementProvision #Sweden #SME #DAI

Single Market for Open Finance: Integration and Vision for the EU

On Tuesday, April 9th, we hosted an expert roundtable at the Warsaw Stock Exchange, organized in collaboration with FinTech Poland, focused on the future of Open Finance in Europe.

The event brought together key stakeholders from across the Polish financial sector—including banking, payments, insurance, and capital markets—as well as representatives of international public administrations and non-governmental organizations.

We explored questions such as: 💬 Does the Polish financial sector see real, scalable business cases in Open Finance? Do they present a viable path to profitability? 💬 Does the current shape of the FIDA regulation help bring those business models to life—or does it present more of a challenge? 💬 How do consumer needs in Poland differ from those in the Nordics, and how should Open Finance functionalities reflect that? 💬 Can Open Finance serve as a foundational infrastructure for the emerging Savings and Investments Union? 💬 And is data standardization a prerequisite for the practical success of Open Finance across the EU?

We ran out of time before we could cover everything, but that just means there's appetite for more. So… stay tuned.

A big thank-you to all participants for the active and thoughtful contributions.

Our Board Member, Mr Damien Green, and our Director and Head of Policy Research, Dr Rocky Tung, joined an engaging Sunday morning session that brought wellness and meaningful dialogue together organized by the The Chinese Financial Association of Hong Kong (HCFA).

Damien and Rocky took part in a panel discussion, sharing insights on the importance of the insurance sector and the imperative to strengthen it as a key pillar for both the financial services industry and the real economy—a topic recently explored in an FSDC policy research publication.

The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchanging ideas and exploring how innovation and collaboration can drive lasting impact.

#FinanceServices #InsurTech #FSDC #HCFA #Manulife #ThoughtLeadership #SundayWellness

Unlock the full potential of financial opportunities at Istanbul Financial Center: With the freedom to choose the governing law, IFC empowers participants to tailor legal frameworks to their needs, enhancing cross-border cooperation.

New Podcast Episode

What's on the horizon for regulation and transparency in financial services? Tune in to our latest podcast episode, Regulation and Transparency 2025 Insights, to hear Karolina Pilcher and Peggy Gielen chat about this year's hottest topics in regulation, transparency and the major collaborative projects shaping Jersey's forward-thinking international finance center.

Listen now: https://jsy.fi/3RnghiH

📢 Call for Applications: Young Professionals Program in Finance!

Are you a qualified Rwandan accountant looking for international experience? Rwanda Finance Limited, in partnership with Jersey Finance, is offering a unique opportunity to work with leading financial services firms in Jersey for a period of 2–3 years.

Who can apply? ✔️ Rwandan professionals with ACCA, CPA, or other internationally recognized qualifications.

What's in it for you? 🔹 International work experience 🔹 Free training and professional certifications 🔹 Career growth and networking opportunities

📅 Application Deadline: 9th May 2025 📧 To apply or request more information, please contact us at: skills@rfl.rw

In our latest Portfolio article, Laurent Marochini, CEO of Standard Chartered Luxembourg, said the fund tokenization wave is reaching Europe, with early adopters set to benefit most. He highlighted Luxembourg's strong legal framework as a competitive edge.

"The legislative arsenal put in place by Luxembourg ensures a true competitive advantage. Now we must transform theoretical advantages into real benefits."

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/43H8XpD

#tokenisation #funds #finance #blockchain #Luxembourg #financialservices

QFC was pleased to welcome a delegation from Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co., Ltd. (SPD Bank), one of the largest commercial banks in China, for a productive meeting focused on strengthening ties and exploring avenues for collaboration. 🇨🇳🏦

Headquartered in Shanghai and owned by the Shanghai Municipal Government, SPD Bank operates a network of 41 branches and over 1,700 banking outlets globally, and is actively planning its expansion into the Middle East.

We look forward to building on this dialogue and exploring synergies that support mutual growth and innovation in the financial sector.

We are delighted to announce Matthew Allen, Global Head of Financial Services at Eversheds Sutherland, as Chair Elect of our US Market Advisory Group (US MAG).

Matthew takes over as Chair of the US MAG at an important time for UK-US trade and investment relations. Working with a senior team of representatives from across the industry he will focus on deepening engagement with regulators and government agencies in the UK and the US, enhancing transatlantic regulatory co-operation and coherence, and identifying growth and investment opportunities in financial and related professional services on both sides of the Atlantic.

Nicola Watkinson (she/her), Managing Director, International at TheCityUK comments "Matthew is a long standing member of the US MAG and is highly respected in the financial services industry on both sides of the Atlantic. As Chair he will bring tremendous energy and experience to the role at a key moment in UK-US trade relations."

#TheCityUK #financialservices #regulation

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