In this webinar, we launch the eleventh edition of the Smart Centres Index (SCI 11). 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: This webinar explores the strategic collaboration between two key elements of civil society organisations in the UK: charities and trade unions. While historically marked by cooperation, conflict, and indifference, recent literature increasingly advocates for partnerships to address shared priorities such as inequality and community support, amid challenges like declining …

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Background: In our next Esop Sofa webinar, the Esop Centre’s panel of experts will look at AGM notices, which UK listed companies are publishing, to see what changes are coming through in remuneration policies and share plan design to reflect the recent updated guidance from institutional investors – and look …

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One thing that is still uncertain is AI's future impact on finance. The plurality of regulatory approaches around the world will lead to an asymmetric development of the technology. The AI Action Summit in Paris earlier this year, failed to find a resolution to this problem, without reaching consensus on …

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Background: More to follow.Speakers:Michael O’Sullivan is an author, economist and investor. He has twenty years’ experience in global financial markets, most recently as Chief Investment Officer in the International Wealth Management Division of Credit Suisse, where he worked for twelve years. He now advises a number of asset management and …

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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 38th edition of the index.Programme:09:00 Introduction & Welcome – TBC09:05 Opening Remarks - TBC09:15 GFCI 38 Results …

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Background: We'll be starting from near the Law courts and visiting pubs with legal, literary, and very many historic connections.The oldest pubs date back 500 years and have been visited by politicians, writers and key people in the history of London.Dr Johnson, Christopher Wren, George Orwell are amongst some of …

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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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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: This webinar aims to explore the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in shaping the future of Mauritius' economy, financial sector, and corporate landscape. As global investors and regulators increasingly prioritize sustainability, Mauritian businesses, financial institutions, and policymakers must align with international ESG standards to remain …

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The thirty-seventh edition of the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 37) was published on 20 March 2025. GFCI 37 provides evaluations of future competitiveness and rankings for 119 financial centres around the world. The GFCI serves as a valuable reference for policy and investment decision-makers.China Development Institute (CDI) in Shenzhen …

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 37 Report into Chinese.

The tenth edition of the Smart Centres Index was published on 26 November 2024. SCI 10 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 measures …

Focus On Gift City 2024 provides a short update on the progress being made in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). The aim of this update is to provide readers with news about the exciting progress being made by GIFT City.In April 2015, the Government of India took the initiative …

The fourteenth edition of the Global Green Finance Index (GGFI 14) was published on 24 October 2024. GGFI 14 evaluates green finance offerings from 97 major financial centres around the world. The GGFI serves as a valuable reference into the development of green finance for policy and investment decision-makers.There appears …

We invite young academics to submit papers or essays on the future of a sustainable and inclusive financial sector, addressing one of the following topics: We invite young academics to submit papers or essays addressing one of the following topics: The role of international financial centers in promoting collaboration and channeling climate change finance. How financial centers can support harmonizing and proliferating sustainable reporting standards. The role of IFCs in financing the circular economy. The role of the financial sector in fostering a sustainable blue (maritime) economy. The role of the financial sector in designing products/services and due diligence practices to specifically foster social enterprises. How financial centers can foster gender equity in the financial industry. The impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence on the financial sector. The impact of Quantum Computing on the financial sector. The role digital and tokenized assets will play in the coming

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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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Seoul Financial Hub, managed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, is currently inviting esteemed overseas financial institutions to join our global financial epicenter in Yeouido, Seoul. Benefit from exclusive office space, expert consultation on market entry, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Stay ahead with insights into the Korean Financial market. For further details about Seoul Financial Hub, click here.

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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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Mauritius has established itself as a premier destination for insurance and reinsurance business, distinguished by its strong adherence to international best practices and regulatory standards under the Financial Services Commission. Contributing 2% to the country’s GDP in 2023 [Statistics Mauritius - National Accounts - December 2024 Issue], the insurance sector benefits from a robust legislative framework, including the Insurance Act, the Captive Insurance Act and the Insurance (Structured Investment Linked Insurance Business) Rules 2022. Recent enhancements to the captive insurance framework, introducing diverse captive categories and permitting third-party risk exposures, demonstrate Mauritius' commitment to innovation and growth. The strategic use of Protected Cell Companies further enhances business structuring opportunities. With an insurance penetration rate of 4.3% in 2024 [Bank of Mauritius - Financial Stability Report December 2024], the sector shows resilience and attractiv

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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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The report explores important aspects of building a green economy, with a particular focus on Kazakhstan. International experience demonstrates that emissions trading systems in developed and industrially emerging countries operate on a model of the partial distribution of allowances through auctioning, which helps establish a market price for carbon. In Kazakhstan, the national Emissions Trading System was launched in 2013 and currently covers 47% of emissions, generated by 135 companies from the energy, mining and manufacturing sectors. Also the AIFC has established the Green Finance Centre to advance sustainable finance tools and encourage investment in environmental and social projects in Kazakhstan and Central Asian region”.

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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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The report and its key findings were unveiled at the Dubai World Insurance Congress (DWIC), which was attended by over 1,700 insurance and (re)insurance professionals from 82 countries. Informed by network-based research and candid discussions with business leaders, the report uncovers emerging opportunities within the sector, driven by climate change; transition to net-zero; evolving AI, Web3 and crypto asset landscape; the Middle East’s mega-projects; MGAs and more. Download your copy here.

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The Busan Metropolitan Government has announced its “2025 Fintech Industry Development Plan” as part of efforts to strengthen the city’s position as a global digital finance hub. The plan aims to attract capital, talent, and infrastructure to Busan, positioning it as a digital finance innovation center on par with Seoul. Four Strategic Pillars: Scaling High-Growth Fintech Firms & Expanding Investment Channels Busan will select 20 promising fintech firms over the next five years, offering increased incentives (from $7,100 to over $71,000) and dedicated incubator space at the upcoming BIFC D-Valley, scheduled to open in December 2025. Launching Busan-Specific Fintech Initiatives The city will prioritize insurtech, with plans to develop a digital cargo insurance platform and collaborate with domestic and international insurers to launch innovative services and expand into global markets. Enhancing the Busan Fintech Hub’s Operational Capacity By offering support measures like rent subsidi

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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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GFT is proud to be the headline sponsor of this year's British bank awards, run by Smart Money People! Excitement continues to build for the ceremony itself in London on 22 May 2025. Discover more and vote for you winners here. Salt Bank reaches half a million customers one year since launch: GFT joined Salt Bank in Bucharest, Romania to celebrate Salt Bank reaching half a million customers one year since launch! 500,000 customers have now joined the digital bank. Salt Bank’s total deposits exceed 1 billion Romanian Lei (RON). Salt Bank was publicly launched in April 2024 as Romania’s first digital bank, and was built by GFT in just 12 months on Engine by Starling core banking platform. Read more here. Watch our ‘transition to T+1’ event video: Anthony Kakoudakis (Sector Director, Capital Markets) speaks to Alice Gane (Senior Partnerships Manager) about the current challenges and trends within the …

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Wide Area Networks (WANs) suffer when they are impacted by latency and packet loss. Just about everyone has searched for something on Google and experienced the jitter caused by latency. This means that they don’t get the search results as quickly as they would otherwise if latency were minimised. It can also inhibit the downloading and uploading of voluminous amounts of data, which may be needed to back up or restore enterprise invaluable enterprise data, render big data analysis inaccurate or slow down common online applications, such as Microsoft Office 365 or any equivalent. In essence, latency and packet loss can cost both time and money. Latency and packet loss can also impact on bandwidth utilisation, making people think that the answer is to go and buy bigger ‘pipes’ – network connectivity with more bandwidth. The trouble is that this doesn’t mitigate the effects of latency, which can’t in reality …

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