Background: Africa’s economy is entering a decisive decade. With the world’s fastest-growing population, rapid urbanization, accelerating digital adoption, and vast untapped natural and human capital, the continent is increasingly central to global growth dynamics. Yet Africa remains underrepresented in international investment portfolios, often due to outdated perceptions and limited understanding …

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Background:In this webinar, the key findings from the research report "The Role Of Finance In Addressing Sustainable Development" will be presented, highlighting critical pathways for advancing transition finance. The session will also showcase Hong Kong’s ongoing achievements and innovative initiatives in green and sustainable finance to a global audience, reinforcing …

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Background: Modern banking is no longer a one-off transformation; it’s a continuous process of evolution.Financial institutions are modernising core platforms, adopting composable architectures, and embedding AI-driven capabilities, all while responding to regulatory change and rising customer expectations. The challenge is delivering change at speed with confidence.As programmes become more iterative, …

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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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Taking place on Friday 24th April at The London Stock Exchange, this event will focus on operational support for police as outlined in the recently published Police Reform White Paper, which highlighted the role of the private security sector in ‘complementary policing’ to help bridge gaps in frontline policing.Themes for …

The Centre is set to return to the Pomme d’Or in Jersey for its employee share plans and trustees conference on Friday, 22 May 2026. Held in conjunction with STEP Jersey, we look to emulate the success of the 2025 event, building on the achievements of this industry-leading networking and …

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We will walk through the hidden and secret gardens which tell the story of the City of London.Including:A herbal garden associated with the Barber SurgeonsA wild field beside the Roman WallA park in the centre of the City dedicated to everyday heroesFlowers and shrubs flourishing around a destroyed church and …

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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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Background: The eighteenth 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 fourteenth edition of the Smart Centres Index (SCI 14). 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: Taiwan is actively positioning itself as a premier Asian Asset Management Center (AAMC) through a series of strategic regulatory reforms and policy initiatives. These efforts are designed to enhance market openness, align with international standards, and bolster the overall capacity of its financial sector. Since the launch of the …

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We are pleased to present a short update on the progress being made in the Busan Finance Center (BFC). BFC is a member of Z/Yen’s Vantage Financial Centres network. The aim of this update is to provide readers with news about the progress being made by the city of Busan.Since …

The twelfth edition of the Smart Centres Index was published on 4 December 2025. SCI 12 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 …

All Eyes On Astana 2025 provides a short update on the progress being made in Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC). AIFC is a member of Z/Yen’s Vantage Financial Centres network. The aim of this update is to provide readers with news about the exciting progress being made by Astana in …

The sixteenth edition of the Global Green Finance Index (GGFI 16) was published on 30 October 2025. GGFI 16 evaluates green finance offerings from 94 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 …

The thirty-eighth edition of the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 38) was published on 25 September 2025. GFCI 38 provides evaluations of future competitiveness and rankings for 120 financial centres around the world. The GFCI serves as a valuable reference for policy and investment decision-makers.China Development Institute (CDI) in Shenzhen …

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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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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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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The Financial Services Development Council released a research report, “Hong Kong: Showcasing how Impact Capital Makes a Difference”, at the AVPN Global Conference 2025. Hong Kong’s impact investing ecosystem is steadily taking shape. Key stakeholders—including asset owners, managers, corporates, family offices, and capacity builders—are adopting innovative solutions such as blended finance and impact-focused funds to deploy capital for measurable social and environmental returns. The report highlights the city’s momentum through local case studies featuring legal innovation, funding gap solutions, and climate adaptation strategies. Hong Kong is turning ambition into action and positioning itself as a leader in social innovation and cross-sector collaboration.

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to be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, on 10–12 March 2026 at the Kigali Convention Centre. Following the successful second edition of the Forum held in Kigali in 2025, IFF 2026 anticipates hosting 3,000 delegates from Africa, Asia, Europe, and beyond, featuring world-class speakers, engaging discussions, and a high-level opening ceremony. On 09 October 2025, Rwanda and Hong Kong signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), marking a new chapter in strengthening financial and investment ties between the two jurisdictions. This milestone expands Rwanda’s treaty network and strengthens the Kigali International Financial Centre’s role as a trusted gateway for global investment and cross-border trade. On 15 October 2015, the #Rwanda Country Summit at AFSIC - Investing in Africa 2025 in London, co-hosted by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and the Kigali International Financial Centre, featured a high-level panel on “Capitalizing on Growth: Rwanda’s Role as Africa’s Rising Investment P

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to help prepare the industry for its future skills requirements. The update comes as rapid advances in emerging technologies and a competitive hiring landscape are reshaping the industry and seeks to highlight how best to prepare the workforce for an AI and data led world. Click here for more information.

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The Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) is proactively driving product internationalization to support Taiwan’s goal of becoming the Asian Asset Management Center. Chairman Sherman Lin led six Taiwanese asset managers to Japan to engage with the Tokyo Stock Exchange and local institutions, fostering deeper cross-border collaboration. The Taiwan Stock Exchange “Power Up Program” Gains Traction: Strong Uptake Signals Enhanced Governance and Long-Term Value Focus: The Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) Power Up Program continues to gain momentum, demonstrating broad market engagement and a clear commitment to long-term value creation. As of November 30, 2025, 311 listed companies—approximately 29% of the total market—have participated in the program and publicly disclosed related initiatives.

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Mauritius has built a strong reputation as a trusted jurisdiction for fund management, supported by a robust and internationally recognised regulatory framework aligned with the principles and standards of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). Funds domiciled in Mauritius benefit from a business-friendly environment, ideal time zone, cost competitiveness, experienced corporate service providers, and an extensive network of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements and Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements. As an innovative International Financial Centre, Mauritius offers a wide range of sophisticated fund structuring products, including Variable Capital Companies, which provides greater flexibility, operational efficiency and cost effectiveness, making the jurisdiction attractive to both traditional and alternative fund managers.

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The Korean government has designated the development of a “Maritime Capital” in the south-eastern region as a national policy priority. The aim is to build a new growth engine by concentrating maritime-related administrative and financial functions, as well as the wider maritime industry around Busan, home to the world’s second-largest transhipment port. As part of this, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) is relocating its headquarters to Busan. Against this backdrop, two major Korean bulk carriers ? H-Line Shipping and SK Shipping ? have now announced that they will move their corporate headquarters to Busan. The two companies have confirmed plans to amend their articles of association and complete the legal registration of their new head offices in January. The decision by the two companies to relocate their headquarters to Busan is expected to take Korea’s “Maritime Capital” initiative one step further, by creating additional opportunities for operational and …

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Report covers the practical steps for launching projects in Kazakhstan, from concept development to trading on the new AIFC Carbon Platform. Kazakhstan has all the opportunities to become a new hub for climate projects: vast natural territories and the capacity to implement both nature-based and technology-based projects. As the data on registered projects shows, international players are already expressing interest in developing carbon projects in Kazakhstan, and the market is ready for rapid growth and investment inflow. For more details please see the report.

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We were pleased to support the “Conglomerate Supervision and SupTech Support” program, which was organized by the Toronto Centre and the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), Taiwan. Over the course of the program, 32 participants from 13 jurisdictions explored key themes in conglomerate supervision through case studies, interactive discussions, and collaborative exercises. Topics included regulatory coordination, SupTech applications in supervision, and crisis preparedness, culminating in real-world case analysis and action planning. We extend our thanks to the FSC and Toronto Centre for leading this important initiative, and to all the speakers and participants who made the program a success. TABF is proud to contribute to these capacity-building efforts in order to strengthen cross-border financial resilience. Read more via TABF's LinkedIn.

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For National Apprenticeship Week 2026, Northeastern University London is bringing together forward-thinking employers who are adapting their talent strategies to align with the new apprenticeship funding landscape. This exclusive employer event will explore strategies for building stronger teams while navigating tighter budgets. What can you expect? ? Expert insights on maximising apprenticeship funding to achieve more for less ? Practical approaches to embedding apprenticeships within your ESG and social value strategy ? Interactive session with our apprentices sharing real experiences and insights

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Only a few days away now from New Year’s Day again, fireworks and all. Hopefully, it’ll be a happy and prosperous one for everyone. Unfortunately, cyber-attacks aren’t about fun, prosperity and good will. Of course cyber-criminals might celebrate the new year if their scams and attacks bear them financial rewards, then they really would have something to celebrate. However, most of us don’t wish them such luck; we need to ensure that our data and finances are secured. Amongst the many cyber-attacks that have occurred in 2025, one that stands out was cyber-attack on the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster City Council and the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. These London boroughs in England enacted emergency plans after they were hit by a cyber-attack on 26th November 2025. Read the full publication here.

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