Financial Center News #170

First, I’d like to congratulate our member AIFC on once again organizing an outstanding “Astana Finance Days” conference.

I’d also like to congratulate TheCityUK on bringing Marcus Scott back on board and appointing him COO/CFO. I heard someone compare TheCityUK to “Hotel California,” which certainly isn’t entirely off the mark when I think of Wayne and Steve, for instance.

Wayne, if you read this, I love your “Retired – well almost …” tagline on LinkedIn 😊

Now I need to continue preparing for my trip to Korea, where our Annual General Meeting will take place next week in beautiful Busan.

As ADGM continues to grow, so does Abu Dhabi’s role in shaping the future of global finance.

From capital and institutions to businesses, talent and opportunity, the continued expansion of ADGM reflects growing international confidence in Abu Dhabi as a stable, trusted and globally connected financial hub.

🏆 The announcement of the AIFC Awards 2026 winners marked the conclusion of the Forum’s first day.

The Awards recognize companies and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the development, strengthening and international promotion of the AIFC ecosystem.

The winners in the following categories are:

• Leading Asset Management Company — OQAM Finance Ltd

• Financial Market Development Leader — International Trading System Limited

• Achievement in Islamic Finance — MIZAN Islamic Finance Ltd.

• Contribution to Business Establishment and Development at the AIFC — Consult Engineering Group Limited

• Leadership in Sustainable Finance and ESG — Global ESG Partnership NPIO

• Best Digital Customer Experience — ailat AI Ltd.

• Best International Promotion of the AIFC Ecosystem — Fonte Capital Ltd

• Best Promotion of the AIFC Ecosystem in Kazakhstan — Abylai Global Solutions.

⚖️ As part of the AIFC Legal Award 2026, Sayat Zholshy Law Firm Limited was named Law Firm of the Year, while Maksim Burak was recognised as Lawyer of the Year.

🌍 Special AIFC Awards for contributions to the development of international cooperation were presented to GulfLink Ltd., China International Capital Corp (CICC), Shanghai Stock Exchange and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The Bahamas Essentials 🇧🇸

The Global Wealth Journal article, 'Bridging the Gap Between Tradition and Innovation,' highlights that the most resilient jurisdictions are those that actively synthesize decades of wealth-management expertise with forward-thinking technological initiatives.

We had the distinct privilege of featuring insights from Sen. Hon. Michael Halkitis, CFA, CAMS the recently appointed Minister of Finance. Reflecting on our jurisdiction's commitment to modernization and streamlining regulatory processes, he notes: "Digitization is the key to speed of service delivery. It’s a work in progress and it’s a vexing issue for sure, but we’re making strides."

By seamlessly marrying a historic foundation of stability with an active transition to digitized e-governance, The Bahamas offers global enterprises and private clients a progressive financial ecosystem designed to reduce operational friction and secure wealth for generations to come.

Explore more by reading the full article in the Bahamas Global Wealth Journal: https://lnkd.in/erS_FPpg

EVENT REMINDER

🔗 Connecting Capital with Opportunity: TIFC & Enterprise Uzbekistan

🤝 Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Enterprise Uzbekistan

Busan Finance Center is proud to co-host an exclusive business forum on the sidelines of the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) AGM in

#Busan. Explore high-growth investment opportunities in Central Asia's dynamic market.

✅ Join us on September 16, 2026, from 09:00 to 10:20 at BIFC (52F) for key presentations on the Tashkent International Financial Centre (TIFC) and Enterprise Uzbekistan.

☑️ Experience authentic Uzbekistan gastronomy networking over local refreshments and coffee

contact Euna Kim Alena Dolgova Alisher Ubaydulloev

The development of modern infrastructure, combined with efficient logistics and digital connectivity, is the cornerstone of sustainable growth and regional integration across the continent.

At the second edition of the Casablanca Business Forum, this panel will explore the critical levers to accelerate infrastructure financing and deployment from public-private partnerships and capital allocation to regional logistics hubs and cross-border connectivity.

To discuss these strategic issues, we are pleased to welcome:

* Corinne Amori Brunet, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Benin

* Mehdi Tazi Riffi, CEO, Tanger Med

* Valahu Philippe, CEO, The Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG)

* Alain Ebobissé, CEO, Africa50

The discussion will be moderated by Arnaud Le Gal, Economic Journalist at Les Echos.

While attendance in Casablanca is by invitation only, we invite our global community to register for the exclusive online livestream. https://lnkd.in/eFW_TJ9k

In this episode of Leaders on the Move, Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, Middle East and Pakistan at Standard Chartered, reflects on the growing connections between markets, capital and opportunity, and the role DIFC and Dubai play in enabling international connectivity across regions. The conversation explores how this position continues to shape the way global institutions connect, operate and grow.

Highlights from a defining moment for the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC).

What began as a bold ambition by the Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR is now gathering national momentum.

With the inauguration of the National Steering Committee, the Federal Government has stepped firmly into the journey, bringing the coordination, institutional support and national reach required to move the LIFC from vision to execution.

For EnterpriseNGR, this is what progress looks like: government at every level working alongside the private sector around a shared ambition to position Nigeria as a competitive destination for capital, enterprise and financial services.

One ambition. One direction. And a growing sense that the next chapter has begun.

We are pleased to share the Malta–Hungary Investment Forum from the Malta Asset Servicing Association (MASA): Malta: An Alternative European Fund Jurisdiction for Private Capital.

📍 Matild Palace, Budapest | 23 September 2026 | 14:00

The forum brings together members of the Maltese and Hungarian investment communities for an afternoon of discussion, practical insight and networking, exploring the evolving Hungarian and wider CEE private capital landscape alongside Malta's offering as a European hub for private equity, venture capital and other private asset strategies.

The program concludes with networking drinks. Registration is now open: https://lnkd.in/eVnFhZJt

𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝟮.𝟬: 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 #𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘂𝘀

How can Hong Kong build on its strengths as an #InternationalFinancialCentre amid accelerating digitalisation, transformative innovation, and heightened competition?

In #FSDC’s latest report “Hong Kong’s Capital Market Leadership 2.0: A Shared Action Agenda for Building Hong Kong’s Global Capital Nexus”, we set out a comprehensive roadmap of actionable recommendations to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as the go-to capital-formation hub for the Asian time zone.

Key strategic priorities include:

✅ Reasserting Hong Kong’s international proposition and expanding its role as a full-lifecycle capital formation centre

✅ Strengthening the multi-asset ecosystem through enhanced benchmarking frameworks and more event-responsive index reviews

✅ Advancing digitalisation and integrating digital instruments into mainstream market workflows

As our Chairman Mr Benjamin Hung noted, “Hong Kong must strengthen the ‘I’ in our International Financial Centre status, sharpen our rules and be more proactive in attracting talent.” By doing so, Hong Kong will unlock new opportunities and solidify its role as the indispensable nexus global capital.

📄Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gYSqYaW6

📄Read the key highlights here: https://lnkd.in/gnZN3g4H

#CapitalMarket #CapitalFormation #Index #DigitalFinance Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB)

🌐 FOOD for THOUGHT – Online Event

Frankfurt Main Finance and the VIB - Association of International Banks in Germany are delighted to invite you to the next edition of FOOD for THOUGHT.

📌 Wednesday, 16 September 2026 | 09:00 – 10:00 (Frankfurt time) | Online

We are pleased to welcome Marti Riba, Partner at McKinsey & Company, who is leading McKinsey’s AI work for retail banking globally. Under the title “Consumer AI adoption in Banking”, he will explore how AI is changing the way consumers search for financial information, compare products, and make financial decisions, and why this could weaken banks’ traditional control over the customer interface. It will also examine how banks can respond by redesigning customer engagement, distribution, and product propositions for an increasingly AI-mediated journey.

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

(The event will be held in English.)

💥 Submissions are now open for the inaugural Future of Finance Awards 2026!

For the first time, Future Finance Poland and FinTech Poland are joining forces to recognize financial sector companies that are making the greatest contributions to the industry's dynamic growth, innovation, and strong international standing.

Do you want your team's achievements to be recognized by industry leaders?

We have launched an open call for the "Future Finance Company of the Year" category! This award honors entities that set new standards, implement groundbreaking solutions, and drive the entire ecosystem forward.

Why apply?

🔹 Showcase your successes to a distinguished Jury and the entire industry.

🔹 Strengthen your company’s position as a key player shaping the future of finance.

🔹 Join the ranks of winners at the awards gala, taking place on November 5th during Warsaw Finance Week.

⏰ Submission deadline: September 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

📝 Fill out the application form now: https://lnkd.in/d92mzXcs

Don't wait until the last minute—compete with the best and show how your company is shaping the future of the financial market!

Piotr Brewiński, Pawel Widawski, Adam S. Lukas, Anna Bogucka, Katarzyna Multan, Gabriela Mrozek

Türkiye’s strategic market access positions the Istanbul Financial Center as a hub for businesses operating across Europe, regional trade markets, and global economies. With access to a market of more than 1 billion consumers, the IFC combines an integrated financial ecosystem, strong institutional capabilities, and international connectivity.

What makes legal certainty such an important consideration when choosing an international finance centre?

For investors, businesses, asset managers, families and advisers operating across borders, confidence depends on predictable laws, experienced courts and consistent legal interpretation.

In his latest blog, our Chief Executive Officer, Joe Moynihan, considers how Jersey’s longstanding commitment to legal certainty and institutional integrity has become one of the Island’s key competitive strengths– qualities that are increasingly important in today’s complex global landscape.

Read the full blog to explore the legal backbone to Jersey’s success as an international finance centre: https://jsy.fi/4zIXCD1

🚨 Big News for Kigali: The Region’s Private Capital Community Is Coming to Rwanda! 🇷🇼

Kigali will host the EAVCA Annual Private Capital Conference on 1–2 September 2027, bringing together investors, fund managers, financial institutions and industry leaders from across the region.

Rwanda is ready to welcome the private capital community and showcase Kigali as a springboard for investment, innovation and Africa’s next generation of opportunities.

Save the date: 1–2 September 2027 | Kigali, Rwanda!

East Africa Private Capital Association (EAPCA)

Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning

Capital Markets Authority Rwanda

The Luxembourg Pavilion is open at Global Fintech Fest 2026 in Mumbai! 🇱🇺🇮🇳

Luxembourg for Finance is here together with the The LHoFT - Luxembourg House of Financial Technology for three days at one of the world’s largest fintech gatherings, with more than 100,000 participants from over 80 countries.

Looking forward to meeting Indian and international financial firms, contributing to the conference program, and showcasing what Luxembourg has to offer as a leading cross-border financial center and gateway to Europe.

A great opportunity to further strengthen the growing financial ties between India and Luxembourg.

Two important updates from the Nairobi International Financial Centre (NIFC Africa) at the inaugural Africa Capital Week taking place in Nairobi.

The CEO, Daniel Mainda, says that:

· The Centre has submitted a proposal to the National Treasury for inclusion of the 'Nairobi International Financial Centre Income Tax Schedule' to the country's Income Tax Act & the goal here is to anchor predictability onto the tax sweeteners that investors coming into the center tap into

· So the ping pong from one Finance Bill granting tax incentives to the next one repealing the same just 12 months later should be a thing of the past

· They want the Nairobi International Financial Centre Tribunal elevated to specialized court status (the International Financial Services Court) similar to the Environmental & Land Courts

· He says the goal here is speedy resolution of emerging disputes where matters can be resolved within 90 to 100 days

QFC strengthened its engagement with Nigeria’s business and investment community through a series of high-level engagements in Lagos. During the visit, Mohammed AlSharam, Vice President, Africa - Professional Services Sector at QFC, attended GITEX NIGERIA - The Largest Tech & Startup Event in West Africa 2026⁠, connecting with stakeholders from across the technology, investment and business ecosystem. 🇳🇬🇶🇦

The visit also included two engagements under “The Qatar Advantage”: Global Access Through the Qatar Financial Centre, a private executive forum, and the Banking, Finance & Investment Roundtable, which brought together asset managers, fund managers and representatives from financial institutions.

Speaking across both sessions, we highlighted Qatar’s growing financial ecosystem, QFC’s business platform and the opportunities available to Nigerian and African firms looking to establish and expand their presence in Qatar and access wider regional and global markets.

These engagements reflect QFC’s continued commitment to strengthening connections with key African markets and positioning Qatar as a strategic destination for international business and investment.

Together with our cooperation partners, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and the Reinhold-Maier-Stiftung, we would like to invite you to the following free webinar:

💻 Bitcoin, Ethereum & Co.: Are cryptocurrencies revolutionizing our financial system?

🗓️ Wednesday, September 16, 2026

🕕 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

📍 Virtual

ℹ️ Cryptocurrencies have long since moved beyond being a niche topic. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the like are changing the way we think about money, financial markets, and the future of our financial system.

But where is this heading?

➡️ Are cryptocurrencies the start of a lasting transformation of our financial system, or are we witnessing yet another hype cycle?

➡️ What opportunities and risks arise for investors, companies, and policymakers?

➡️ And what role will digital currencies play in our everyday lives in the future?

Featuring:

Dr. Jonas Gross: Co-Founder & Advisor, Digital Euro Association

Evelyn Brock: Founder of "Madame Bitcoin" and Board Member of the Bitcoin Bundesverband (Federal Bitcoin Association)

Frank Schäffler: Former Member of the German Bundestag and financial expert

The discussion will be moderated by financial journalist Sabine Roessing.

👉 Register for free now: https://lnkd.in/eunQntmf

Yesterday, our Managing Director, Public Affairs, Policy and Research, John Godfrey gave evidence to the House of Commons Business and Trade Committee as part of its inquiry into the Government's Industrial Strategy.

Alongside Nathan Mathiot of ADS Group and Mike Tinmouth, CEO of ACUA Ocean, John contributed to discussions on the UK's Defence Investment Plan, access to finance for defence businesses, and the role private capital can play in supporting growth, innovation and resilience across the UK's defence industrial base.

The discussion highlighted the opportunity to harness the UK's world-leading financial and related professional services sector to help innovative defence and dual-use businesses start, scale and succeed. Ensuring companies can access the capital they need will be critical to strengthening the UK's defence capabilities, boosting productivity and supporting growth across the country.

Thank you to the Committee for the opportunity to contribute to this important debate. The discussion highlighted the opportunity to harness the UK's world-leading financial and related professional services sector to help innovative defence and dual-use businesses start, scale and succeed. Ensuring companies can access the capital they need will be critical to strengthening the UK's defence capabilities, boosting productivity and supporting growth across the country.

Read our recent paper on strengthening defence finance and investment in the UK: https://lnkd.in/d2RmJMSM

Trade, investment and the future of doing business in Africa.

These are the conversations shaping the American Chamber of Commerce, Kenya Business Summit 2026, bringing together senior government officials, global institutions and business leaders from Kenya, the United States and across the region.

The high-level discussions featured:

• H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, CGH, President, Republic of Kenya

• Frank Garcia, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs

• Susan M. Burns, Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Kenya

• Lee Kinyanjui, C.S., Ministry of Investments,Trade and Industry

• Angela Ng’ang’a, Board President, American Chamber of Commerce Kenya

• Azzam Alameddin, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs and Policy, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard

The calibre of the participants reflects the importance of the opportunity in front of Kenya and the wider continent.

Kenya offers businesses access to markets of up to 1.4 billion people through the EAC, COMESA and AfCFTA, within an African continental marketplace valued at approximately USD 3.4 trillion.

Coupled with USD 3.2 billion in FDI inflows in 2025, the opportunity is increasingly about how Kenya can serve as a platform for international and African businesses to establish, operate and scale.

For the business-services sector, this presents a particularly significant opportunity.

Financial services. Technology. Professional services. Shared services. Digital operations. Knowledge-intensive businesses.

These are sectors that can leverage Kenya’s talent, infrastructure and regional connectivity while delivering services across borders.

This is the space TRIFIC is focused on.

As a business-services focused SEZ, we are committed to creating an environment where businesses can establish in Kenya and use Nairobi as a gateway to the wider African market.

The opportunity is not simply to attract businesses to Kenya.

It is to enable them to grow from Kenya.