Financial Center News #158

I am delighted to see Luxembourg for Finance's collaboration with the Kölner Journalistenschule (Cologne School of Journalism). Financial centers need to play an active role in explaining their impact and the critical role of financial services in supporting the economy. Inviting future journalists to a workshop and stakeholder meetings is an excellent way to equip them with the skills to understand how financial services work. I hope our other members will follow this example.

🤖📈 AI is no longer a future trend in finance. It is already reshaping the industry.

Do not miss the WAIFC AI Report 2026, a collaborative effort led by the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) and coordinated by ADGM.

🌍 Based on insights from 12 international financial centers across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, the report explores how AI is transforming financial services, regulatory frameworks, talent development, innovation ecosystems, and risk management.

Some key findings:

✅ AI adoption is now active across all surveyed financial centers.

✅ Compliance, fraud detection, portfolio management, and customer service are among the most advanced use cases.

✅ AI is creating new opportunities for efficiency, financial inclusion, and competitiveness.

✅ Talent shortages remain one of the biggest challenges, particularly for professionals combining financial expertise with AI capabilities.

✅ Responsible governance, transparency, and human oversight will be critical for sustainable AI adoption.

The report also highlights a strong consensus among financial centers worldwide: AI will transform jobs more than it will replace them, creating new roles in governance, ethics, risk management, and compliance.

A special thank you to ADGM for leading this important initiative and to all World Alliance members who contributed their expertise and insights: ADGM, Casablanca Finance City, DIFC, TheCityUK, Kigali International Financial Centre, Jersey Finance, Busan Finance Center, FinanceMalta,Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority, EnterpriseNGR, Financial Services Development Council, Future Finance Poland.

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

📖 The future of finance will be shaped by those who successfully combine innovation, governance, talent, and collaboration.

Blue Owl Capital decision to establish its regional headquarters in ADGM reflects the growing importance of Abu Dhabi as a destination for international capital, long-term partnerships and institutional growth.

As one of the world's leading alternative asset managers continues to expand its global footprint, the opening of its new office in ADGM marks another step in strengthening connections between regional and international markets. The move will support Blue Owl's growing client base across the Middle East while bringing its teams closer to the investors, institutions and opportunities driving the region's continued evolution.

This announcement highlights the increasing role of Abu Dhabi as a hub where global firms can establish relationships and access a sophisticated investment ecosystem supported by world-class infrastructure and a trusted regulatory environment.

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eTvMYyNb

Kazakhstani companies presented their projects to investors from mainland China and Hong Kong at AIFC-CICC Investors Day in Astana, organised by Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) and China International Capital Corp (CICC), one of China's leading investment banks.

The event brought together representatives of government institutions, development institutions, commercial banks, asset managers, investment organisations and leading companies from Kazakhstan and China.

Participants included the Ministry of Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, KAZAKH INVEST, the National Investment Corporation of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, the Eurasian Development Bank, KEGOC JSC, QazaqGaz, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, BI Group, Freedom Holding Corp., Bank CenterCredit, China International Capital Corporation (CICC), as well as around 20 banks, sovereign and private investment funds, and other leading financial institutions from China and Hong Kong.

During the event, Kazakhstani companies showcased their initiatives to international investors and discussed opportunities for raising capital and accessing global capital markets.

This is important for Kazakhstan's economy.

Access to new sources of financing helps businesses launch and scale projects, while the participation of international investors supports the development of the country's capital market.

China remains one of Kazakhstan's largest trade and investment partners. Today, more than 1,300 Chinese companies are registered within the AIFC ecosystem, making the Chinese business community one of the largest foreign groups operating through the Centre.

AIFC continues to strengthen connections between investors and companies across the region, creating opportunities to attract investment into Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Today, the Bahamas delegation participated in Invest Lagos 3.0, joining government officials, investors, and business leaders from around the world for discussions on investment, innovation, and economic growth.

The event provided a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives, build new connections, and engage in conversations shaping the future of international business and finance.

We look forward to continuing these discussions and strengthening relationships between The Bahamas and key stakeholders across Africa.

We are delighted to team up with the Capacity-building Alliance of Sustainable Investment (CASI) and Bank Of Africa on the upcoming CASI Sustainability Forum in Casablanca, June 29-30!

Since its official launch at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai back in December 2023, Casablanca Finance City is proudly supporting the flagship CASI initiative.

As Africa's leading financial center, driving sustainable growth and fostering green investment across the continent has always been at the core of our mission. This forum is a premier platform to accelerate that momentum, bringing together key stakeholders to drive impactful financial strategies for Africa's future.

Join us for this pivotal event to explore actionable insights, innovative green financing models, and collaborative solutions for a sustainable transition.

👉 Check out the full agenda and secure your spot here: https://lnkd.in/evswuv-9

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, visited DIFC, where he was briefed on the Centre's strategic priorities and innovation ambitions.

During the visit, His Highness reaffirmed the importance of accelerating innovation-led growth and strengthening Dubai's position as one of the world's leading global financial centres, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to further diversify the emirate's economy and position Dubai among the world's top three cities for business and investment.

At the Covenant University Career Fair 2026, our Head of Programmes, Stella Nwihim, joined industry leaders to engage students on what it truly takes to thrive in today's evolving workplace.

Speaking on career readiness, Stella emphasised that while technical expertise may open doors, it is soft skills, adaptability, leadership, communication, and continuous learning that sustain long-term success.

She encouraged students to embrace internships, volunteer opportunities, networking, and specialised learning experiences that build both competence and character, preparing them not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers.

At EnterpriseNGR, through the Youth of Enterprise (YOE) initiative, we remain committed to equipping young Nigerians with the exposure, skills development, and professional experiences needed to succeed in the world of work.

FinanceMalta was pleased to be represented at The 29th Family Office & Investment Forum, hosted by Campden Wealth in Switzerland on 2–3 June 2026.

The Forum focused on how family offices are reassessing investment strategy in a shifting global order and a tech-driven world — from resilience and stewardship to regulation, innovation and long-term value creation.

Joining the FinanceMalta delegation:

• Paul Rostkowski , FJVA

• Marc Ellazidi, Jesmond Mizzi Financial Advisors Ltd.

• Elena Grima Tortell, Deloitte

• Ramona Cassar Azzopardi, WH Partners

Insurance is a smart move for business sustainability.

Join us for a panel discussion on the role of insurance in protecting small and medium-sized enterprises and ensuring their continuity.

📅 June 10 | 🕤 9:30 AM

📍 Al-Arfan Hall – Financial Services Authority

To register for the session, click the link 👇🏼‏https://lnkd.in/dsn4riay

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝘂𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆’𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲?

Our Vice-Chairman, Ms Chen DING, recently joined Hong Kong Economic Journal and NOWTV for an exclusive interview to discuss Hong Kong's unique strengths as a long-standing and vital global capital nexus.

"As global investors seek safe and stable investment destinations, Hong Kong stands out as a top choice for asset diversification, supported by its well-developed capital markets, common law system, and its position at the heart of Asia's dynamic economy," said Ms Ding.

She highlighted that, while China and the United States lead the global AI race, Hong Kong has seen a growing number of emerging AI companies listing on its stock exchange over the past two years. Trends like these have further strengthened the city's appeal as an attractive and trusted hub for global investors.

Promoting Hong Kong's financial services capabilities and reinforcing its position as an international financial centre remain key priorities for the #FSDC. We look forward to sharing Hong Kong's financial story with audiences around the world.

The EU's new AML framework marks the most significant overhaul of the AML/CFT regime in decades, and firms are now entering a critical phase of preparation ahead of the 10 July 2027 go-live.

Together with AFME (Association for Financial Markets in Europe), Frankfurt Main Finance is pleased to invite you to the webinar "From Rulebook to Reality – Preparing for the EU AML Framework" on 17 June 2026, from 09:30–10:30 CEST.

The session will provide a practical overview of the new framework, covering the key changes under AMLR and AMLD6, the role of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA), emerging Level 2 measures and current regulatory consultations. Participants will gain insight into what is already defined, where uncertainty remains and how firms can begin preparing in a proportionate and risk-based way.

We are delighted to welcome Akash Jain (Deutsche Bank), Andreas Glänzel and Louise Rodger, who will share their perspectives on the key implementation challenges ahead and the priorities firms should focus on now.

We look forward to welcoming you.

👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/ehXJrfwC

🚨 We are delighted to announce that Grupa EFL (Europejski Fundusz Leasingowy SA) has officially signed an agreement to join the Future Finance Poland Foundation as an Observer.

Europejski Fundusz Leasingowy S.A. is one of the leading and longest‑standing financial institutions in Poland, providing flexible leasing, loan, and long‑term rental solutions for businesses to support their growth and competitiveness.

🗨️ Joining Future Finance Poland, is a natural step for us in co-creating innovation in the Polish financial sector. We believe that sharing expertise in such innovative environment will allow us to better address our customers' needs - said @Marek Kleczewski.

We warmly welcome Grupa EFL (Europejski Fundusz Leasingowy SA) to Future Finance Poland and see this as the first step toward a long-lasting and meaningful partnership, where together we can create an even greater impact in the finance and innovation landscape.

Pawel Widawski Piotr Brewiński Katarzyna Multan Anna Bogucka

Our President, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, attended the 3rd Global Islamic Economy Summit organized by AlBaraka Forum at the Istanbul Financial Center.

Held under the theme "Capital in Islamic Economics: Structuring Wealth for Sustainable Development," the Summit hosted significant discussions on the future of participatory finance, sustainable development, and financial innovation.

In his remarks, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of strengthening economic, commercial, and financial cooperation among the Islamic world, highlighting the strategic value of ethical, inclusive, and sustainable financial models for the future of the global economy.

The Istanbul Financial Center, under the leadership of the Turkey Wealth Fund, continues to develop by bringing together financial institutions, investors, technology companies, and public institutions within the same ecosystem, thereby contributing to Turkey's international financial vision.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Hong Kong SAR for yesterday's 'Private Wealth in Motion' event led by our CEO, Joe Moynihan.

The discussion explored the role of international finance centres in providing stability, certainty and trusted frameworks, and how wealth structures are adapting to changing generational priorities.

Special thanks to our moderator, Joanne (Jo) Murphy, Senior Consultant, and panellists, William Ma, CFA, CAIA, Global Chief Investment Officer at GROW Investment Group, Daniel P.M. Jim, Managing Director at Chartwell Capital and Navin Raj Jaidev, CFA, Senior Investment Director at Cambridge Associates.

It was a pleasure to bring together senior wealth advisers and industry experts to discuss Asia's growing role in global capital flows, allocator perspectives and structuring considerations for internationally mobile families.

"At a moment when Rwanda is steadily positioning itself as a trusted regional hub for financial services, investment, and sustainable finance, São Paulo offered a glimpse into Brazil's economic power and practical insights into market depth, institutional maturity, investor confidence, and the role of cities as engines of national transformation." Pacifique RURANGWA, Senior Strategy and Policy Analyst, KIFC.

Against the backdrop of Rwanda's rise in the Green Global Finance Index (GGFI), this piece examines how sustainable finance ecosystems can drive long-term economic transformation and translate into real opportunities on the ground.

Through the Kigali International Financial Centre, Rwanda continues to build a compliant and transparent jurisdiction that connects global capital with high-impact opportunities across Africa.

Read the full article below: https://lnkd.in/dp7VST3C

Journalists play a critical role in shaping how the public understands and perceives finance. Over the last two days, as part of our ongoing cooperation with the Kölner Journalistenschule, Ulric Papendick and students from the school visited the financial centre to meet and learn from people at the heart of financial services.

Dariush Yazdani from PwC Luxembourg walked them through Luxembourg's sustainable finance journey and why the country is at the heart of sustainable funds. Matthias Schmidt explained how the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) operates, what its role is, and how it engages at a European level. And Richard Willis from the European Investment Bank (EIB) covered the bank's investment mandate, key priorities, and how communications sits at the centre of engaging with journalists to highlight the work of the bank.

Tom Théobald, Simon Gorbutt, Lynn Robbroeckx, Marjolein Caroline Van Hoof, Jonathan Westhead

Really committed to sorting out the Startup ecosystem in its entirety. Very delirebate in partnering with Silicon Xchange to ensure Nairobi becomes the Home of Startups & Home of Tech in the Continent.. This we must do..and it shall be done! NIFC Africa #DeliveringThePlan Ashley Njoroge

Strengthening international partnerships remains an important part of fostering business and investment opportunities. 🤝

We were pleased to host His Excellency Farhad Khalif, Ambassador of the Republic of Tunisia to the State of Qatar, at QFC headquarters, where he met with QFC CEO Mansoor Al-Khater. 🇹🇳🇶🇦

The meeting explored opportunities to enhance economic cooperation between Qatar and Tunisia and discussed ways to support greater engagement between the business communities of both countries. We thank His Excellency for the valuable discussions and look forward to continued collaboration.

Our Chief Executive Officer, Miles Celic OBE, Managing Director, International, Nicola Watkinson (she/her) and a delegation from our US Market Advisory Group led by its Chair, Matthew Allen of Eversheds Sutherland, have been in Washington DC and New York this week, meeting with lawmakers, officials, businesses, trade bodies and think tanks to strengthen the world's leading financial services relationship.

This visit comes at a pivotal time, as the rise of digital assets creates new opportunities to transform how business is conducted, unlock growth and investment flows, and enhance financial inclusion.

The Transatlantic Taskforce on Markets of the Future is making strong progress and has the potential to further integrate our markets.

We and our industry remain committed to building on this momentum and working with US counterparts to capture and fully realise these opportunities.

From the launch of our public offer to its upcoming official listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), the TRIFIC Green USD I-REIT introduces a highly strategic, institutional-grade asset class designed for the modern portfolio. Here is why forward-thinking institutional, retail, and diaspora investors are positioning their capital this weekend:

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