Financial Center News #151

On Tuesday, we published our World Alliance report on AI in Finance, offering a snapshot of how our members are building vibrant AI ecosystems across their financial centers. A particular word of thanks goes to ADGM for coordinating this collective effort.

As we transition to our next project — examining the broader impact of financial centers — AI will remain firmly on the agenda. A sound AI ecosystem has become a critical competitive factor for financial centers worldwide, and that reality is only growing more pronounced.

A timely illustration comes from our member DIFC, which has announced its ambition to become the world's first AI-native financial center. The initiative is projected to generate 25,000 new jobs and contribute 3.5 billion USD to the UAE economy — figures that speak to the scale of transformation now underway.

I intend to explore this theme more fully in an upcoming paper, looking at how international financial centers are responding to the AI challenge. What we have seen so far is, I am convinced, only the beginning.

🤝 We are proud to announce the release of the 2026 AI Report by the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC), developed in collaboration with ADGM.

As highlighted by Lamia MERZOUKI, Chairwoman World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC):

“This report highlights that no financial center can navigate this shift alone. Through collaboration, international financial centers can harness AI’s full potential while ensuring it is deployed responsibly, ethically, and with lasting impact.”

💡 The report explores:

• The acceleration of AI adoption across financial institutions

• The emergence of autonomous systems and generative AI

• Governance, ethics, and regulatory challenges

• The strategic role of international financial centers

🤝 A strong collaboration with ADGM to drive global dialogue and actionable insights.

🌍 At the World Alliance, we continue to connect financial centers worldwide to shape the future of finance together.

📖 Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/eEEV2gPD

[ 🚨 NEW WORLD ALLIANCE REPORT ]

✅ AI is actively transforming financial services across the world’s leading International Financial Centres.

The World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) has released insights from its latest survey of 12 member jurisdictions, including ADGM.

The findings show widespread adoption of AI in compliance, fraud detection, customer service, and portfolio management, with Generative AI tools driving faster, more accurate, and cost-effective processes.

At the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC), we remain committed to responsible AI innovation through forward-looking regulation, ecosystem collaboration, and talent development initiatives.

📲Read the full WAIFC Report here: https://lnkd.in/eEEV2gPD

⏰Our latest Word Alliance Newsletter is out!

A new edition packed with insights, forward-looking perspectives, and exclusive voices shaping the future of global finance 🌍

🎙️ VOICES — Exclusive Interview with Ahmet İhsan Erdem, CEO Istanbul Financial Center 🇹🇷

In this edition, Ahmet İhsan Erdem shares a powerful vision of how financial centers are transforming into strategic platforms for sustainable finance.

💡 Key takeaways:

• Financial centers are no longer just marketplaces, they are bridges between policy, capital, and global cooperation

• The importance of regulatory clarity, ESG standards, and cross-border coordination

• The rise of the Istanbul Financial Center as a resilient gateway connecting Europe, MENA, and Central Asia

Positioned at the crossroads of continents, IFC is building an integrated ecosystem that aligns public institutions, private actors, and international partners — turning sustainability into real, investable opportunities.

🧠 OPINIONS — Insights from Thomas Krantz

A deep dive into research recognized at the 2025 WAIFC Annual Meeting on sustainable finance innovation 📊

🔎 Highlights include:

• Green bonds in emerging markets can command a higher “green premium”, unlocking climate adaptation funding

• New methods to detect greenwashing risks in corporate climate bonds

• The role of international financial centres in accelerating circular economy investments, particularly in BRICS economies

🌐 As global finance is reshaped by sustainability, digitalization, and geopolitics, this edition captures how international financial centres are stepping up to drive impact at scale.

📲 Read the full newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eUrjmNfV

Across the UAE, there is more to our surroundings than what we see day to day.

The mangroves, the desert and the life moving beneath waters.

The country is home to a wide and often overlooked natural landscape. And within it, countless species continue to exist, adapt and thrive.

It’s easy to take this for granted. But the reality is we only have one environment, and one opportunity to protect it.

Earth Day serves as a reminder that preserving these spaces is a shared responsibility, shaped by the choices we make and the value we place on what surrounds us.

On 23 April 2026, the AIFC Green Finance Centre will host the launch of the CASI Academy – an international academic platform and certification programme in sustainable finance and ESG investments.

The event will take place at the AIFC premises in Astana and will bring together representatives of financial institutions, international organisations, academia, and industry experts.

The launch is organised by the AIFC Green Finance Centre in partnership with the Green Investment Principles (GIP) and the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI).

The programme will introduce CASI Academy’s certification courses in sustainable finance, including modules on green financial instruments, ESG integration, climate risks, and carbon markets. The platform is designed to strengthen professional competencies and expand access to internationally recognised training in sustainable investment.

The event will also serve as a platform to:

• discuss the development of sustainable finance in Central Asia

• share practical approaches to ESG integration

• explore opportunities for collaboration between financial institutions and educational organisations

The launch of CASI Academy marks another step in building regional capacity and supporting the transition towards sustainable and climate-resilient financial systems.

📍 Date: 23 April 2026

🕘 Time: 09:30–12:00

📍 Venue: AIFC premises, Mangilik El 55/22, Building C4.3, 1st floor, Hall D, Astana

📩 To participate, please contact: greenfinance@aifc.kz

We are proud to announce Equity Bank Bahamas Limited as a Gold Partner for the upcoming Bahamas Global Wealth Summit! Their support is invaluable as we prepare for discussions on ‘Wealth Preservation Strategies in a Recalibrating World.’

We are particularly looking forward to insights from Ivylyn Cassar, from Equity Bank Bahamas Limited, who will be a featured speaker in Day 1, Session 4: "Durability by Design: A Framework for Evaluating Wealth Jurisdictions."

This session is crucial for understanding how to choose jurisdictions that will support long-term security:

▪️ Credibility

▪️ Legal continuity

▪️ Regulatory predictability, in today's dynamic global environment.

Thank you, Equity Bank Bahamas, for your commitment to advancing these critical conversations.

Secure your place at the Bahamas Global Wealth Summit 2026 today - registration link in the comments below.

The agenda is live! This year, the 9th edition of the Casablanca Arbitration Days organized with Casablanca International Mediation and Arbitration Centre (CIMAC) with the support of Région Casablanca - Settat marks a milestone: the 10th anniversary of CIMAC.

Join us to celebrate a decade of bridging legal excellence with investment security.

Agenda highlights:

Evolution: latest legislative and institutional developments in global ADR.

Safeguarding: the role of arbitration in securing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Strategy: positioning Casablanca as a premier international arbitral seat.

Modernization: defining the future of institutional practices.

Connect with legal experts shaping the future of arbitration in the region.

Availability is strictly limited. Secure your spot now to join this landmark anniversary edition. https://lnkd.in/ebwC8CXF

📍 Location: Royal Mansour, Casablanca

#DIFC will become the world’s first AI Native financial centre, embedding artificial intelligence across its legal frameworks, business environment, talent development, ecosystem infrastructure and physical urban fabric.

Moving beyond experimentation, DIFC is integrating AI into its core operating system to drive real impact, including a projected USD 3.5bn contribution to Dubai’s economy and the creation of 25,000 new jobs.

From AI governance and advanced financial services to robotics, autonomous mobility and intelligent infrastructure, DIFC is setting a new global benchmark for responsible innovation at scale.

Read more: https://lnkd.in/dbsRDNZN

In an increasingly complex global landscape, the Mauritius International Financial Centre (IFC) serves as a cornerstone of stability and institutional resilience. We provide a neutral, investment-grade platform (Baa3 by Moody’s) that allows international investors to diversify their jurisdictional risk. With a legal system anchored in the UK Privy Council, Mauritius offers the structural certainty required to safeguard long-term global interests. By positioning a portion of your portfolio in the Indian Ocean, you benefit from a time-zone-aligned hub that mirrors the operational hours of major Middle Eastern financial centres while providing a distinct, non-aligned geographical hedge. It is a strategic move toward ensuring total business continuity for the modern global investor.

👉https://lnkd.in/dWYQ7478

A thriving economy doesn't develop in a vacuum; it requires structural stability to scale. We must view a robust insurance sector not just as a financial necessity, but as a pillar of national infrastructure.

As we move from #DialogueToAction, the conviction remains resolute: "No nation can successfully transition to higher levels of growth without the resilience that a strong insurance sector provides." EnterpriseNGR is championing the transformation of this sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria's future prosperity.

📍 FinanceMalta will be taking part in IFGS 2026 with the session "Malta's VFA Pioneer Legacy: Architecting MiCA's Success".

📅 21 April 2026

🕓 16:20

📍 Guildhall, London

🎤 West Crypt Stage

The session will explore how Malta's early VFA framework positioned the jurisdiction for the practical implementation of MiCA.

Moderator:

Alex Azzopardi, KPMG Malta

Panellists:

Joseph Axisa, Axis Group

Simon Schembri, Ganado Advocates

Giles Swan, Blockchain.com Malta

More info: https://lnkd.in/eFG7TFbE

‏‏The #FSA‬ issues a tender for Classification and Management Consultancy Services, Data Governance and invites specialised companies to submit their proposals before the deadline.

𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗴: 𝗔 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗶𝗱 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴

#FSDC Chairman Mr Benjamin Hung, together with Board Members Ms Aveline San and Mr Ronald Chan, and Executive Director Dr Rocky Tung, engaged in open and candid discussions with international and local media at our recent media roundtable, on Hong Kong's strengths as a resilient hub for global investors seeking diversification amid an evolving environment.

"In this shifting landscape, a lot of investors are seeking where in the world they can find good and resilient growth," Mr Hung noted, adding that Hong Kong is well positioned to capture a share of these capital flows. Drawing on insights from the FSDC's recent US visit, he noted that investor sentiment toward allocating capital to Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland has become more open, with Hong Kong seen as a prime destination offering an open, highly connected platform for executing multi-hub global strategies.

Ms San highlighted Hong Kong's role as a neutral and trusted platform — a key consideration for overseas companies when planning regional operations, including treasury management and cross-border financing.

Mr Chan remarked that while Hong Kong's wealth and asset management sector is underpinned by strong fundamentals and global connectivity, there is now a greater emphasis on long‑term legacy stewardship, positioning the city as a premier base for families worldwide.

Through ongoing media engagement, the FSDC remains committed to communicating Hong Kong's value proposition to the global financial community and a wider audience.

Our region is taking off—literally ✈️

With the official opening of Terminal 3 at Frankfurt Airport, Fraport AG is sending a strong signal about the future of the location. Following yesterday’s ceremony with over 400 guests from politics, business, and aviation—including Frankfurt’s Mayor Mike Josef, Hesse’s Minister-President Boris Rhein, and Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder—the first aircraft arrived at the new terminal today at 5:25 a.m. China Southern Airlines flight CZ8021 from Shenyang marks the start of operations.

Where a U.S. military base once stood, one of Europe’s most modern terminals has been built: a high-tech hub with a capacity of up to 19 million passengers annually—and potentially even 25 million in the future.

For Frankfurt as a financial hub, this is more than just infrastructure: it is a clear commitment to internationality, growth, and global competitiveness. With state-of-the-art technology, short distances, and new services for passengers, Terminal 3 strengthens Frankfurt’s role as one of Europe’s most important hubs—and as a gateway to the world for business and investors. © Fraport AG

AI in Action: voicebots and chatbots. Join our special encore session! 🙌

Together with our knowledge partner Accenture Poland, we are excited to invite you to an additional meeting within the "AI in Action" series, where we will discuss voicebots and chatbots. 🤖

This is a second chance to see in practice how conversational technologies are supporting customer service and increasing operational efficiency.

🎤 During the session, Marcin Ledworowski (Accenture Poland) and Jędrek Śmigielski (ElevenLabs) will share a practical perspective on the use of voice technologies in the financial sector – from specific voicebot implementations to their real impact on business processes.

📅 April 28

🕛 12:00 PM

📍 Online

🇵🇱 Webinar will be held in Polish

Why join?

If you're responsible for innovation, strategy, or digital transformation in banking, insurance, or public administration or are simply interested in the topics discussed - this event will provide you with concrete inspiration and proven approaches ready for practical use.

📩Register now before it's full: kmultan@futurefinancepoland.com

Katarzyna Multan, Pawel Widawski, Piotr Brewiński, Anna Bogucka, Zuzanna Krauzowicz

The Istanbul Financial Center (IFC), winner of the "Best International Office Development" award, offers a modern financial hub environment. Explore office opportunities within a well-connected and reliable setting, supported by contemporary design and integrated infrastructure, enabling operational continuity and long-term growth.

Secure your place in Istanbul Financial Center: https://ifc.gov.tr

In our CEO's latest blog, he reflects on the enduring strengths that position Jersey as a trusted international finance centre - supporting resilience and growth in a changing world.

Discover more: https://lnkd.in/ee8YZBcX

We are pleased to announce an upcoming Digital Assets Workshop taking place in Zurich on Thursday, 21 May 🇨🇭.

Bringing together industry experts and peers, this exclusive event will feature a series of interactive roundtable discussions, followed by a networking reception, creating a valuable space to exchange insights and connect with key players in the ecosystem.

💡 Participants will have the opportunity to participate into three workshops about cash, securities and crypto.

This is an invitation-only event, with registrations subject to prior verification. However, we warmly encourage you to express your interest in attending.

👉 You can find the registration form and full agenda here: https://lff.social/bd7d79

Many thanks to our sponsors: Banking Circle & Elvinger Hoss Prussen

Chris Hollifield, Ashley Barnes, Lamine Brahimi, CFA, Peter Hubli, Hans Kuhn, Robert Oleschak, Björn Krog Andersen, Matthew Osborne, Karen O'Sullivan, Oliver Sigrist, Biba Homsy, Georges Bock, Paolo Brignardello, David Guerrero, Myles Harrison, Martin Watkins, Sorin Jitaru, Marco Kessler, Rafal Kwasny, Tobias Seidl, Claudio Tognella, Boika Deleva, Gerry Afentakis, Julie Bourgeois, Noman (Nomi) Goheer, JB Graftieaux, Rani Jabban, Fritz W Jost, Laurent Marochini, Denzel W., Tiago Nogueira

It was a pleasure to engage with KPMG East Africa yesterday in a timely and forward-looking conversation on a shared priority: building a stronger, more competitive environment for investment and business growth in Kenya.

Led by our CEO Daniel Mainda and Sandeep Main, Partner, Tax & Regulatory Services and Africa Head of Private Enterprise at KPMG Africa, the discussion focused on the policy and market enablers needed to accelerate capital mobilisation, fund domiciliation, and the growth of the start-up ecosystem.

These are critical building blocks in positioning Nairobi as a credible and globally competitive platform for fund managers, venture capital, private equity, and high-growth enterprises looking to invest, structure, and scale from Kenya.

We are also pleased to participate in the upcoming KPMG 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 scheduled for 18-22nd May 2026 at JW Marriott Hotel & Residences Nairobi. An important platform for convening investors, founders, and ecosystem leaders around the future of enterprise and innovation on the continent.

We look forward to continued collaboration on advancing a more competitive tax and policy landscape that attracts capital, enables enterprise growth, and strengthens Kenya's position as a leading destination for investment and innovation.

The World Meets Nairobi. Learn more about our work at www.nifca.go.ke

Jean Kambuni Rose Tinderet MCIM Nelly Wanjohi, ACIFA abdisalan muhumed Solomon Kîhang'a

QFC hosted the first of this year's QFC Partners Breakfast series, bringing together our partners for a morning of meaningful dialogue. 🗣️🤝

The session offered an opportunity to reconnect and exchange perspectives on the key developments shaping today's business and investment landscape, from evolving dynamics in the ecosystem, to capital flows, regulatory complexity, and broader market trends.

On April 15, we had the opportunity to attend a highly relevant in-depth session at the European Finance Forum focusing on the challenges facing the automotive supply industry.

The highlight was the presentation by Jumana Al-Sibai, who impressively demonstrated just how much pressure the industry is currently under and why it is therefore forced to evolve.

Key takeaways:

➡️ The “poly-crisis” is no longer an exceptional situation, but the new normal

➡️ Suppliers are caught between shrinking margins, intense pressure to transform, and rising investment requirements

➡️ Issues such as electrification, geopolitical risks, and OEM insourcing are fundamentally changing the rules of the game

➡️ Resilience, liquidity management, and a clear strategic focus are becoming critical success factors

💡 Particularly noteworthy: The clear call to view transformation and stabilization not as sequential processes, but as parallel ones.

A big thank you to our speaker and to all participants for the in-depth discussion and valuable networking!

Boerse Stuttgart Group M. Asim Soysal

The UK and India already share deep economic, historic connections, further reinforced by the recently concluded UK–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). As the UK deepens its engagement in the region, India is set to become an even more important partner across key areas, especially financial and related professional service.

We were therefore delighted to be in India last week to sign an MoU with the UK India Business Council (UKIBC) in Delhi last week. This partnership comes at a key moment and is focused on creating new opportunities to strengthen collaboration in financial and related professional services and supporting sustainable growth through increased two-way trade and investment.

Signed by our Managing Director, International, Nicola Watkinson (she/her) Watkinson and Group CEO UKIBC Kishore Jayaraman, OBE, our MoU sets the foundation for deeper cooperation and joint initiatives to advance our shared priorities in the UK–India corridor.

With thanks to: Richard Heald, OBE | Stephen Crisp | Pooja Jha