Background: Who would be an expert in a world where expertise is under siege? Hard-won know-how and experience seem to count for nothing in the eyes of everyone from high-profile business leaders to populist politicians. In my research over the last twenty years I have proven time and again that …

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Background:To drive sustained growth in Taiwan’s financial and economic sectors, the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) introduced in September 2024 two core strategies: “Retaining Capital and Attracting Investment” and “Investing in Taiwan to Support Industrial Development.” Supported by five major initiatives and 16 strategic actions, the plan aims to ease regulatory …

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Background: The sixteenth edition of the Global Green Finance Index provides the world’s most authoritative measure of the performance of financial centres in delivering green finance services.The report, assembled by combining the views of financial professionals from around the world, with quantitative data commissioned and curated from over 130 sources, …

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Background:Quantum computing has seen record levels of investment from both the public and private sectors in the last two years, with the UK government alone committing $3.5 billion since 2023. As momentum builds, quantum is moving from theory to practice and finance stands to be one of the sectors most …

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Background: Busan Finance Center (BFC), in collaboration with the Korea Housing Finance Corporation (KHFC) and the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), is hosting an event in London to highlight developments and new policy initiatives in Busan, including investment opportunities. Hear from Dr Soongoo Ahn as he discusses BFC’s developments in maritime …

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In this webinar, we launch the twelfth edition of the Smart Centres Index (SCI 12). The SCI is designed to track the development of technology and financial centres across the world in their support for and readiness for new technology applications.Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, media, academics, governments, and regulators can attune …

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Background:Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the workplace, with applications ranging from automating routine tasks to augmenting complex decision-making. As AI technologies proliferate across industries, employers, employees, and policymakers face pressing questions about the future of human work. The integration of advanced AI tools presents new possibilities for collaboration, upskilling, …

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The Global Financial Centres Index has been tracking the development of the world’s financial centres since 2007 and is the authoritative guide to financial centre success.In this webinar, Z/Yen will formally launch the 39th edition of the index.Programme:09:00 Introduction & Welcome – TBC09:05 Opening Remarks - TBC09:15 GFCI 39 Results …

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Background: The seventeenth edition of the Global Green Finance Index provides the world’s most authoritative measure of the performance of financial centres in delivering green finance services.The report, assembled by combining the views of financial professionals from around the world, with quantitative data commissioned and curated from over 130 sources, …

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In this webinar, we launch the thirteenth edition of the Smart Centres Index (SCI 13). The SCI is designed to track the development of technology and financial centres across the world in their support for and readiness for new technology applications.Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, media, academics, governments, and regulators can attune …

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The Global Financial Centres Index is produced in partnership with the China Development Institute. We are very grateful to our colleagues at the Institute for their support and their assistance in translation of the GFCI 38 Report into Chinese.

Focus On AI & Fintech In Seoul 2025 provides an update on the progress being made in Seoul in its development as a financial centre and in particular its focus on AI and FinTech. Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) is a member of Z/Yen’s Vantage Financial Centres network. The aim of …

The China Financial Center Index (CFCI) has established a competitiveness evaluation system adapted to the development characteristics of Chinese financial centers. The system aims to track and study the development status of Chinese financial centers, in a bid to provide a basis for policy optimization for relevant decision-makers, and offer …

Employees Share Ownership (ESO) contributes to the economy, to social mobility, to levelling up, and to localism. These issues, rather than simply taxation, should also be front and centre in decision-makers’ minds when considering ESO. ESO began as a USA and UK movement in the 1970s and has since spread …

The eleventh edition of the Smart Centres Index was published on 28 May 2025. SCI 11 rates the innovation and technology offerings of leading commercial centres, tracking their ability to create, develop, and deploy technology. The SCI is a factor assessment index, combining a number of instrumental factors - data …

On December 27, 2024, Busan became the first metropolitan city in South Korea to be designated as an "Opportunity Development Zone" for the second time. Following its initial financial-focused designation in June 2024, the newly designated zone covers 57.5 million square meters and targets advanced industries such as power semiconductors, rechargeable batteries/secondary cells, and auto parts. More than 40 companies have already plan to invest approximately USD 4.79 billion in this zone. The "Opportunity Development Zones" provide substantial tax incentives, cash subsidies, and regulatory exemptions to attract investment. With two such zones in place, Busan is positioned as a prime destination for competitive businesses, expected to create new jobs and improve the local living conditions. The synergy between high-tech industries and the financial sector is expected to strengthen Busan’s standing as a global financial hub, driving economic growth and enhancing its competitiveness on the

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On March 5, the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance (TABF), in partnership with the Securities and Futures Institute (SFI) and the Taiwan Insurance Institute (TII), successfully hosted the 2nd Sustainable Finance Evaluation Awards Ceremony. The event highlighted Taiwan’s advanced evaluation framework, designed to accelerate financial institutions’ sustainability transformation. Dr. Jin-Lung Peng, Chairman of the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), underscored the financial sector’s pivotal role in driving sustainable finance and the net-zero transition. TABF President Dr. Yi-Cheng Kao recognized top-performing institutions for their leadership in ESG, climate governance, and financial innovation. With participation from 79 financial institutions, the awards celebrated excellence in green finance, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainable investment strategies. Stay connected with TABF for more insights

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Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) has unveiled a draft Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Act, setting clear rules for the issuance and trading of stablecoins. Only domestic banks will be allowed to issue stablecoins, and they must be backed by fiat currencies (e.g., TWD, USD). Foreign stablecoins (like USDT) will be treated as commodities and must gain FSC approval before being listed on local exchanges. Existing VASPs must register by the end of March or cease operations. The draft law is expected to be submitted to the Executive Yuan by the end of June. Taiwan is moving toward a new era of regulated, innovative digital finance! Follow us on LinkedIn for more details.

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In early May 2025, the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance (TABF) signed Memorandums of Understanding with both the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and the Chartered Banker Institute (CBI), expanding its global network of collaboration. These strategic partnerships reflect a shared commitment to advancing sustainable finance education, ethical banking, and financial resilience in response to global ESG priorities. The signing of both MoUs marks an important step in TABF’s ongoing efforts to enhance international engagement and reinforce Taiwan’s role in the global sustainable finance community. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay informed about our latest global partnerships and initiatives.

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Northeastern University London's master's degree apprenticeships for Artificial Intelligence Data Specialists, and Digital and Technology Solutions Specialists equip you and your team with the technical proficiencies required to stand out and progress. Fully funded places are available via the apprenticeship levy and government co-investment for those in suitable job roles, aligned to the apprenticeship. To apply for NU London's July intake for these masters degree apprenticeships, register your interest by 14th June. Find out more about these programmes at the link.

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Titled “Emerging Technologies and Finance: AI’s transformative impact on finance and innovation”. Produced in partnership with Asia House, the report explores how AI, blockchain, cloud computing and digital solutions are driving innovation, operational and cost efficiencies, financial inclusion, and sustainable growth for the global financial services industry. Informed by network-based research and candid discussions with industry leaders, this report uncovers how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are rewriting the playbook for the global financial services industry. Download your copy here.

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Eighty years on from V.E Day is a time to commemorate those who fought and died for our freedom. For Bridgeworks, a couple of weeks after this year’s commemorations, it’s also a poignant moment to visit the home of modern British computing at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire – the historic place where visitors can learn about how WWII’s codebreakers helped to secure victory over Nazi Germany by breaking the Enigma code. Around 35 delegates attended the exclusive partner event, that was also supported by Nuvola Distribution, on 22nd May 2025. Jamie Eykyn, Chairman of Lymington-based Bridgeworks, gave the introduction and comments: “It was delightful to be talking at such an historic venue as Bletchley, which to us is poignant because today we still rely on cryptography to secure data transmissions over Wide Area Networks, and the work of?Alan Turing?led to modern computing.” Eykyn served as an Officer in the Grenadier …

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... with flexible options to suit your business needs. Now is the time to register your interest to secure your co-op placement student for 25-26. With flexible options available all year round and typically lasting from 4-6 months, a strategically aligned placement could bring the skills and extra support you are looking for. For your organisation, an immersive co-op placement means bringing in talent from diverse backgrounds and with outstanding skillsets, to support your organisation's growth and development. Benefits to employers: - Flexible resource for your organisation’s needs - A sustainable recruitment pathway - A dedicated team providing tailored recruitment support. To find out more, register your interest with our partnerships team today by clicking here.

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GFT is delighted to have been a key sponsor of the recent Amazon Web Services (AWS) Financial Services Symposium 2025 in London – an incredible event that underscores the strength of our strategic partnership and the shared vision we have for driving innovation in financial services. It was a packed day of inspiring discussion and presentations from key clients, partners and colleagues, presenting transformative solutions across banking, payments, capital markets and insurance. We were inspired to hear how AI is helping to transform the future of financial services, including GFT’s new offering known as Wynxx, which is driving efficiency and accelerating the entire software development lifecycle. Latest press releases: GFT Acquires SAP Specialist Megawork to Accelerate Strategic Growth: GFT has agreed to acquire 100 percent of Megawork Consultoria e Sistemas Ltda. (Megawork), a leading Brazilian SAP consultancy, in a strategic move that aligns directly with GFT’s five-year strategy. Th

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... to advance its role as Asia’s asset management center: Taiwan will host its inaugural "Taiwan Weeks" from October 15 to 23, aiming to establish itself as a leading asset management hub in Asia. Organized by the Financial Supervisory Commission, the event features collaborations with key institutions such as the Taiwan Stock Exchange, Taipei Exchange, Taiwan Futures Exchange, and Taiwan Depository & Clearing Corporation. The initiative will showcase Taiwan's asset management policies, focusing on innovation, ESG sustainability, and cross-border investment. Keynote speeches and panels will discuss market dynamics, corporate governance, and strategies for inclusive growth. Taiwan Weeks is set to foster international partnerships and position Taiwan as a resilient financial ecosystem for global investors. Follow TWSE on LinkedIn to stay informed https://www.linkedin.com/company/taiwan-stock-exchange-corporation/

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A Trusted Hub for Dispute Resolution: Mauritius has steadily positioned itself as a credible and neutral jurisdiction for alternative dispute resolution (ADR), reinforcing its standing as a well-regulated International Financial Centre (IFC) in the southern hemisphere. Its unique hybrid legal system, blending civil and common law traditions, offers legal certainty and predictability for cross-border investors seeking effective dispute resolution mechanisms. Mauritius’s ADR framework has enabled the administration of cases under modern, internationally aligned arbitration rules and offers bilingual proceedings in English and French. Mauritius is party to the New York Convention and benefits from a pro-arbitration judiciary that ensures the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards. Its strategic location, robust legal infrastructure, and deep-rooted commitment to the rule of law position Mauritius as an increasingly attractive seat for international arbitration, particularly as inv

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South Korea’s shipbuilding industry featured prominently in the recent trade deal with the United States, which concluded with tariffs reduced from 25% to 15%. At the heart of the talks was the “Make America Shipbuilding Great Again” (MASGA) initiative—an adaptation of the U.S. “Make America Great Again” agenda reframed through shipbuilding. Of Korea’s overall commitment to invest USD 350 billion in the United States, USD 150 billion will be allocated to a comprehensive shipbuilding cooperation initiative. This initiative is designed to fund the targeted projects such as U.S. shipyard acquisitions and expansions, workforce training, and MRO operations which are designed to support Korean shipbuilders’ needs while contributing to the development of the U.S. shipbuilding ecosystem. Because Busan and its surrounding provinces host the largest concentration of Korea’s shipbuilding industry and related supply chains, these developments are expected to bring direct benefits to the city. Bus

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... taking place from October 15 to 23 — a flagship event spotlighting Taiwan’s emergence as a competitive asset management hub in Asia. Guided by the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), TABF will host the Fintech Taipei International Forum 2025 and a focused webinar on October 22–23, highlighting Taiwan’s dynamic business and investment opportunities in the asset management market. These events will deliver valuable insights, foster cross-sector collaboration, and connect global investors with Taiwan’s innovative financial ecosystem. Stay tuned for more event updates — we warmly invite your participation and feedback as we join forces to shape the future of finance in Asia!

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This review explores the key trends shaping the commercial real estate market in Kazakhstan and internationally and provides an in-depth analysis of the development prospects for REIT funds. Commercial real estate is currently one of the key drivers of economic growth and investment appeal. Kazakhstan possesses significant potential for expansion and for strengthening its position in the commercial real estate sector. The introduction of modern investment instruments will unlock new opportunities for market participants. The AIFC is actively fostering the development of the commercial real estate market by providing a favourable environment for property owners, investors, and financial institutions. For more details please see the report.

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is a global networking platform aimed at exploring major issues and innovative technologies in the finance and fintech industries, as well as promoting the sustainable development of the fintech industry. This year, under the theme 'The Future of Fintech Innovation led by AI' the event will feature a variety of activities including Seoul Fintech Week 2025 Conference including Global Fintech Insight, Finovation Challenge Awards, the 2nd Seoul Fintech Lab Demo Day with NAVER Cloud, 2025 Seoul Fintech Week Demo Day with IBK Industrial Bank, Startup – Investor Matching Networking, OPEN TALK - Fintech Talk with Influencer and Seoul Future Forum on Digital Finance. The event, 'Seoul Fintech Week 2025,' is being held to enhance Seoul's competitiveness as a digital financial city and to foster innovation and growth in the fintech industry. We look forward to your great interest and participation. Click here for more details.

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