Financial Center News #165

Our World Alliance members NIFC and TRIFIC SEZ signed a framework agreement yesterday to strengthen Kenya's international financial ecosystem and enhance the country's competitiveness as a premier capital destination. Congratulations!

Earlier this week, in an interview with Tuoi Tre newspaper in Vietnam (👉 https://www.vietnam.vn/en/bao-chi-tai-chinh-chuyen-nghiep-la-mot-phan-ha-tang-cua-trung-tam-tai-chinh), I was asked about the role media and strategic communications can play in supporting growth ambitions and the development of the Vietnam International Financial Center in HCMC. An interesting question. I responded that professional financial journalism not only accompanies but is also part of the 'soft infrastructure' of financial centers, contributing to building trust and attracting global capital flows. The media can help people understand what a financial center actually does: that it is not just an area with skyscrapers, but a system of rules, institutions, and skills that empowers business and people. It is closely linked to daily life, from better access to capital for metro investment or small businesses in their energy transition. I encouraged Tuoi Tre to ask challenging questions and assess progress based on committed goals.

The World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) is proud to organize the World Alliance AGM Busan 2026, hosted by our member Busan Finance Center, bringing together leaders and innovators from financial centers across the world.

Join us as we connect, collaborate, and discuss the future of global finance, sustainable economic growth, and cross-border financial collaboration.

📍 Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026

📍 Time: 15:00 – 18:30 (KST)

⏳We look forward to welcoming our members m to Busan for this flagship World Alliance gathering.

✅With the participation of our members:

ADGM, AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre), Bahamas Financial Services Board, Casablanca Finance City, DIFC, EnterpriseNGR, FinanceMalta, Frankfurt Main Finance, Financial Services Authority, Financial Services Development Council, Future Finance Poland, Istanbul Financial Center, Jersey Finance, Kigali International Financial Centre Luxembourg for Finance, NIFC Africa, Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority, Stuttgart Financial, TheCityUK, and TRIFIC SEZ.

Another memorable evening of meaningful conversations, new connections and community building at the latest edition of ADGM's LINK Networking Series.

Held in partnership with Wio Bank at L'ETO Restaurant, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, the evening offered a space where professionals can connect and build relationships that contribute to a thriving business ecosystem.

Thank you to everyone who joined, we look forward to welcoming the community at the next one!

✈️ Travelling to Astana Finance Days 2026? Save up to 10% on your Air Astana flights!

🔥 Together with Air Astana, the Official Airline Partner of AFD 2026, we are offering special fares on selected international routes to help international participants plan their journey to Astana.

Booking period: until 9 September 2026

Travel period: 5-15 September 2026

Booking platform: only through this link https://lnkd.in/dYDdsFfg to TICKETS.KZ

The special fare applies to:

• one-way flights to Astana from eligible destinations

• return journeys between Astana and eligible destinations

Available routes include Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Urumqi, Tashkent, Baku, Antalya, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Seoul, Bishkek, Tbilisi, Delhi, Mumbai, London, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Dushanbe, Larnaca, Dubai and Bangkok.

No promotional code is required. The special fare is applied automatically and is already included in the ticket price displayed on TICKETS.KZ.

Connecting flights are also eligible, provided that all Air Astana flight segments are booked under a single reservation.

Example:

✔ Shanghai - Almaty - Astana - Almaty - Shanghai

The special fare applies when the entire journey is booked under one reservation.

✖ Shanghai - Almaty, followed by Almaty - Astana

The special fare does not apply when the flight segments are booked separately.

📌 Please note that the offer does not apply to one-way flights departing from Astana or to domestic flights within Kazakhstan.

Astana Finance Days 2026 will take place on 9-10 September in Astana, bringing together financial institutions, investors, international organisations, businesses and policymakers from across the world.

Plan your journey and join us at AFD 2026!

📲 For enquiries: afd@aifc.kz

The Bahamas Essentials

What draws a global fitness visionary and elite entrepreneur to anchor his most ambitious project in our jurisdiction?

As explored in the Global Wealth Journal article, 'Champion's Paradise,' the geography of wealth has undergone a quiet revolution, with modern investors seeking destinations that integrate lifestyle, robust infrastructure, and forward-looking opportunity.

The piece highlights the journey of Abdoulaye Fadiga, a former professional Thai boxer turned global entrepreneur, who chose New Providence for his $50 million, 20-acre health and performance village. He notes how "The Bahamas stood out. The tax system is favourable, the infrastructure is strong, and you're connected, you're not isolated like some remote islands. It's paradise, but with access."

By offering this rare combination of regulatory credibility, political stability, and an exceptional quality of life, The Bahamas continues to prove itself as more than just a financial hub, it is an ideal home for global talent and mobile capital.

Explore more by reading the full article in the Bahamas Global Wealth Journal:

Busan Finance Center is proud to host the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) AGM Busan 2026, bringing together leaders and innovators from financial centers across the world.

Join us as we connect, collaborate, and discuss the future of global finance, sustainable economic growth, and cross-border financial collaboration.

📍Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026

📍Time: 15:00 – 18:30 (KST)

📍Location: BNK Busan Bank, 23F Sky Hall

We look forward to welcoming members of the WAIFC and global financial partners to Busan

Special thanks to the WAIFC Secretariat 🤝

Jochen Biedermann Akshu S Campbell-Holt Badr Boussabat

And our partners 👍

Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), AIFC (Astana International Financial Centre), Bahamas Financial Services Board, Casablanca Finance City, DIFC, EnterpriseNGR, FinanceMalta, Frankfurt Main Finance, هيئة الخدمات المالية Oman, Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council, Future Finance Poland, Istanbul Financial Center, Jersey Finance, Kigali International Financial Centre, Luxembourg for Finance, NIFC Africa, Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority, Stuttgart Financial, TheCityUK, and TRIFIC SEZ ANBIMA

The Africa Tour is back for its 3rd edition!

Initiated by Casablanca Finance City, this year's flagship business mission will head to Cameroon and Gabon, two strategic hubs at the heart of Central Africa's economic momentum.

Designed to accelerate business development across the continent, the mission offers participants:

- Tailored B2B and B2G meetings with senior business leaders, government officials and key institutional stakeholders;

- Curated business opportunities and privileged access to high-potential markets;

- End-to-end logistical support, ensuring a seamless and premium experience;

- Enhanced visibility through dedicated institutional and regional communication channels.

Taking place in November 2026, the Africa Tour aims to strengthen South-South cooperation while fostering high-impact partnerships between the CFC community, prospective investors and leading economic players across the continent.

Participation is reserved for Casablanca Finance City members and a select number of prospective companies with ambitions to expand across Africa.

Interested in joining the delegation?

Please submit your participation request at africatour@cfca.ma

Global asset structuring is evolving beyond the choice of a legal vehicle. Today, confidence in the framework behind that structure has become just as important.

In this latest insights article, Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer at #DIFC Authority, explores why trust, governance and legal certainty are increasingly shaping where global businesses and families choose to structure their assets. He also explains how DIFC's enhanced SPV regime, known in as a Prescribed Company is broadening access to internationally recognised structuring solutions while maintaining robust governance.

Read why trust has become the defining factor in global asset structuring: https://lnkd.in/gv6vaMEz

Beyond the numbers: What does the State of Enterprise Report 2026 reveal about the resilience of Nigeria's Financial Services sector and its role in driving sustainable economic growth?

Join our Director, Policy and Public Affairs at EnterpriseNGR, Lami Adekola as he discusses key insights from the State of Enterprise Report 2026 on Economy & Politics WebTV Nigeria with host Ottoabasi Abasiekong.

📅 Monday, 3 August

🕙 10:00 AM (WAT)

📺 Economy & Politics WebTV

This conversation will unpack the data, trends and insights shaping the future of Nigeria's Financial Services sector and what they mean for businesses, investors and policymakers.

Tune in and join the conversation.

🎙️ Coming soon on FinTalks: Episode 135

TAX: A guide to the main schemes and changes

Taxation is a moving target, and the rules keep shifting both in Malta and abroad. In this episode, Rachel Zarb Cousin from the MALTA INSTITUTE OF TAXATION breaks down the main schemes currently in play and the changes worth watching out for.

A clear, comprehensive listen for anyone trying to stay ahead of the framework. Keep an eye out, dropping soon.

We often hear many investment claims, but the right decision starts with knowledge not rumors or promises.

Discover the facts and begin your journey toward smarter, more confident investing.‏

𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗴’𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

With AUM hitting a record HK$42 trillion last year, Hong Kong's wealth management industry has achieved remarkable growth. How can the city build on this momentum and further consolidate its global leadership?

In a recent interview with i-CABLE News Limited, #FSDC Board Member Mrs Amy Lo, JP underscored Hong Kong's enduring strengths:

"𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘒𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘭𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘐𝘗𝘖 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘮. 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺."

Mrs Lo also highlighted that a broader and more diversified financial ecosystem will enable Hong Kong to meet the evolving priorities of international investors, family offices and asset managers.

As investor needs progress, the FSDC remains committed to strengthening Hong Kong's position as a leading global wealth management hub.

📺 View the full interview in the comments.

Just how attractive is Frankfurt really in the competition for top international talent?

In our latest edition of "Three Questions for …," Dr. Rolf E. Stokburger, Managing Partner at Stokburger Executive Search, discusses the strengths of Frankfurt as a financial center, the international competition for professionals and executives, and the question of which framework conditions Germany still needs to improve.

His assessment: Frankfurt already meets many key requirements, but in the competition for international talent, career opportunities and quality of life are no longer the only deciding factors.

👉 Read the full interview now on our website: https://frankfurt-main-finance.com/en/3-questions-for-dr-rolf-e-stokburger-managing-partner-at-stokburger-executive-search/

🎉 We're thrilled to announce that BCCS Cluster has become an official partner of Warsaw Finance Week! 🤝

We're excited to build this event together with such an experienced partner, one that has long supported the growth of business and financial relationships.

What's more - BCCS will be hosting their own side event during Warsaw Finance Week called "Red Code"! 👀

Details are coming soon - but you can already join the waiting list to be among the first to receive updates and secure your spot. 📅

👉 Join the waiting list: https://lnkd.in/dataxWRp

Stay tuned for more information! 🔜

Pawel Widawski Piotr Brewiński Katarzyna Multan Anna Bogucka Paweł Bułgaryn Gabriela Mrozek FinTech Poland

Take your place in the ecosystem shaping the future of finance.

Discover the office and commercial space opportunities offered by the Istanbul Finance Center; strengthen your position in this premier hub, the meeting point of global finance.

To apply or for more information: https://ifm.gov.tr/basvur

Competitiveness, technology and talent have emerged as defining themes from our Future Leaders Forum discussions so far this year.

Bringing together emerging leaders from across Jersey's finance industry, the forum provides an opportunity for the next generation to share their perspectives on the issues shaping the Island's future.

Our latest article explores the key themes discussed and how the forum has developed since it was established in 2023.

Read the full article here: https://jsy.fi/4q0af8j

LuxXPrime, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange's fixed-income trading platform for retail-sized orders, has reached a new milestone: more than 3,000 securities are now available for trading, the highest number recorded on the platform to date.

This marks an important step in the continued development of more accessible and liquid bond markets.

By bringing together a broad range of fixed-income instruments and a strong network of liquidity providers, LuxXPrime supports investors looking to trade bonds in smaller denominations, while contributing to greater transparency and efficiency in secondary markets.

The milestone also reflects Luxembourg's long-standing expertise in capital markets infrastructure and its role in connecting international issuers, investors and market participants.

Today, the NIFC Africa and TRIFIC SEZ convened a high-level Breakfast Roundtable bringing together key stakeholders to examine the policy reforms, partnerships, and enabling conditions required to position Kenya as the Preferred Financial Gateway into Africa.

Speaking at the forum, NIFC Africa CEO, Daniel Mainda emphasized that successful international financial centres are built on more than infrastructure alone. They are anchored on strong institutions, strategic partnerships, predictable regulatory frameworks, and capital confidence.

As he noted, "Capital responds to confidence." Building and sustaining that confidence remains central to our mission of establishing Nairobi as a globally competitive financial hub and the preferred financial gateway into Africa.

A key milestone of the engagement was the signing of the Framework Agreement between the two entities, marking a significant step towards strengthening Kenya's international financial centre ecosystem and enhancing the country's competitiveness as a capital destination.

The Framework Agreement reflects a shared commitment to positioning Nairobi as Africa's Capital of Capital. Through this strategic collaboration, the two institutions will work together to promote investment, attract global financial institutions and businesses, strengthen financial services and innovation ecosystems, support fintech and emerging sectors, and advance knowledge sharing and capacity building.

This partnership underscores the power of collaboration in creating an enabling environment where investment thrives, innovation accelerates, and sustainable capital growth is unlocked.

The forum also marked the award of NIFC Africa Certification Certificates to Uhuru Heights and Mzizi Court Limited.

We are shaping a future where capital is structured, mobilized, and deployed for Africa's growth.

A warm congratulations to our CEO, Mansoor Rashid Al-Khater, on being featured among Forbes Middle East's Top 100 CEOs 2026 👏

Under his leadership, QFC continues to advance Qatar's economic diversification and strengthen its position on the global stage.

Read the full list here: https://lnkd.in/dK7UbWkq

From July 14 to 19, 2026, the Summer Festival of Cultures took place once again in Stuttgart, and this year we were once again a partner, providing a booth for JOBLINGE as part of our educational partnership.

The central booth on Rathausplatz provided the perfect setting for many engaging conversations with visitors. This allowed us to introduce numerous people to the work of JOBLINGE and inform them about the programs available for young people.

Since 2008, JOBLINGE has been inspiring young people to pursue apprenticeships, placing them in training programs, and supporting them until they successfully complete their training.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by, to Forum der Kulturen Stuttgart e. V., and to JOBLINGE for the great collaboration. We're already looking forward to the next time!

Fabian Graule Julian Feil

Financial and related professional services are a powerful engine for growth across the UK, supporting jobs, investment and prosperity in every nation and region.

It was great to discuss how we can build on that contribution in Leeds yesterday with the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Rt Hon Lucy Rigby KC MP, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin and industry leaders from across Yorkshire and beyond.

We have championed this agenda through our Regions and Nations Programme since 2017, and there was strong consensus around the importance of working together to unlock growth and strengthen the UK's international competitiveness.

Thanks to Yorkshire Building Society for hosting, particularly Richard Bowles and colleagues, and to everyone who helped make it such a valuable discussion.

Strengthening Kenya's Investment Climate Through Strategic Collaboration

TRIFIC SEZ was pleased to co-host the NIFC Africa × TRIFIC Breakfast Roundtable, bringing together senior leaders from government, the private sector, development partners, financial services, and industry to examine the policy reforms, partnerships, and enabling conditions required to position Kenya as a premier capital destination.

Held under the theme, "Enhancing Kenya's Investment Climate: Examining the Opportunities, Policy Reforms, and Enabling Conditions Needed to Position Kenya as a Premier Capital Destination," the forum featured insightful discussions led by Dr. David Ndii, Chair of the President's Council of Economic Advisors, alongside James Mworia (Group CEO, Centum Investment Company Plc. ), Daniel Mainda(CEO, NIFC), Brenda Mbathi (CEO of TRIFIC SEZ), Fola Fagbule (Director and Regional Head of Africa Finance Corporation), John Mwendwa, OGW (CEO of Kenya Investment Authority (InvestKenya), Carole Kariuki (CEO of Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and Paul Muthaura (CEO, American Chamber of Commerce, Kenya).

A key milestone of the engagement was the signing of a Framework Agreement between NIFCA and TRIFIC SEZ, marking a significant step towards strengthening Kenya's international financial ecosystem and enhancing the country's competitiveness as a premier capital destination.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to positioning Nairobi as Africa's preferred financial gateway by promoting investment, attracting global financial institutions and businesses, strengthening financial services and innovation ecosystems, supporting fintech and emerging sectors, and advancing knowledge sharing and capacity building.

At TRIFIC SEZ, we believe that meaningful collaboration between public and private sector institutions is fundamental to unlocking sustainable investment, innovation, and long-term economic growth.