World Alliance: Latest News - Our Members
Across regions and continents, members of the World Alliance of International Financial Centers continue to demonstrate leadership in shaping the future of finance. From major global events and regulatory innovation to ecosystem building and international cooperation, these recent updates highlight the strength, diversity, and momentum of the World Alliance community.
Abu Dhabi Global Market
A Record-Breaking Edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) delivered the largest edition of Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) to date—marking a major milestone for Abu Dhabi’s global financial ambitions.
This achievement reflects not only scale, but also the depth and cohesion of the ecosystem supporting the event. ADGM acknowledged the pivotal role of its Chairman, H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, whose vision and leadership continue to elevate Abu Dhabi’s position on the global financial stage.
The success of ADFW was made possible through the coordinated efforts of teams across protocol and government affairs, partnerships, editorial, events and community engagement, operations, communications, media, and marketing—demonstrating the power of institutional collaboration at scale.
Astana International Financial Centre
DigitalResident.kz: A Modernised Digital Gateway
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) announced the modernisation of the DigitalResident.kz portal by the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA).
The platform now serves as a single digital interface for company registration and ongoing servicing of AIFC participants, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and user experience. This upgrade reinforces AIFC’s commitment to digital-first regulation and ease of doing business.
Busan Finance Center
Strengthening Korea’s Maritime–Finance Nexus
The Busan Finance Center (BFC) highlighted a significant development in Busan’s maritime ambitions, as major shipping companies announced plans to relocate their headquarters to the city.
Combined with the planned relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, this move reinforces Busan’s role as Korea’s maritime capital—where shipping, policy, and finance converge. These developments strengthen the foundations for maritime finance, sustainable shipping, and global logistics innovation in Northeast Asia.
Casablanca Finance City
Advancing South–South Cooperation
The Casablanca Finance City (CFC) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the Agência de Promoção de Comércio e Investimento (APCI) of São Tomé and Príncipe.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in investment promotion and technical collaboration, supporting joint initiatives in sectors such as renewable energy, ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, and the blue economy—further strengthening South–South economic integration.
Dubai International Financial Centre
Derivatives Day Dubai Returns
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), in collaboration with CME Group, will host the sixth edition of Derivatives Day Dubai—a flagship thought leadership forum focused on listed derivatives in the MENA region and global market trends.
The event reflects the growing sophistication of regional capital markets and Dubai’s expanding role in the global derivatives ecosystem.
Economic Development Board Mauritius
Mauritius Returns to Europe
The Economic Development Board Mauritius (EDB) announced the 4th edition of its European Roadshow, taking place from 17 to 26 March 2026 across five strategic destinations: France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and the UK.
The initiative reinforces Mauritius’ international engagement and investment promotion efforts across Europe.
FinanceMalta
Malta as a Crypto Growth Hub
FinanceMalta highlighted how Malta has served as the foundation for Gate’s European growth since 2018. As one of the earliest crypto-friendly jurisdictions, Malta combined regulatory foresight with a strong ecosystem—now reinforced by the MiCA licence framework.
Financial Services Authority Oman
Strengthening Sharia Governance
Financial Services Authority Oman convened the second meeting of its Higher Sharia Supervisory Authority, focusing on insurance law and institutional governance—demonstrating Oman’s commitment to robust regulatory frameworks aligned with Sharia principles.
Frankfurt Main Finance
Deepening London–Frankfurt Cooperation
Frankfurt Main Finance highlighted ongoing cooperation between Frankfurt and London, underpinned by the 2025 Kensington Treaty. Despite Brexit, both centres continue to collaborate closely on sustainable finance, digital transformation, and future technologies.
Future Finance Poland
Digital Readiness and Economic Resilience
Future Finance Poland shared insights from the latest Mastercard Economic Outlook & Digital Readiness report, underlining how digitalisation and innovation are critical to resilience and long-term growth—particularly for SMEs navigating macroeconomic uncertainty.
Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council
A Roadmap for Capital Markets in the Digital Age
The Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) released a concept paper outlining a strategic roadmap for Hong Kong’s capital markets, structured around the “4I” framework: Issuers, Investors, Intermediaries, and Instruments.
The initiative aims to deepen liquidity, broaden participation, and future-proof Hong Kong’s global financial role.
A Global Network in Action
Together, these updates illustrate the collective strength of the World Alliance network, a global alliance where financial centres collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of finance through shared ambition, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation.