World Alliance of International Financial Centers

[ 🏆 NEW CHAIR and VICE CHAIR ] We are thrilled to share that Lamia MERZOUKI has been appointed Chair of the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (@WAIFC_), with Hubertus Väth named Vice-Chair. ✅ Lamia MERZOUKI, Deputy General Manager at @CasaFinanceCity, has demonstrated leadership and vision that have consistently driven innovation and strengthened international collaboration. Her appointment is a significant step forward for WAIFC, reflecting the organization’s commitment to fostering global cooperation in finance. ✅ @HubertusVth, Managing Director at @FMFdigital, will be Vice Chair, formerly a co-founder and board member of WAIFC since its inception in 2018. 👏 Congratulations to Lamia MERZOUKI and Hubertus Väth on these well-deserved roles. We look forward to the exciting initiatives and milestones ahead under their guidance. 📲Read the press release: lnkd.in/eAFwFYAp #WAIFC #Leadership #GlobalFinance #Innovation #Collaboration

📸 World Alliance Family Picture 📸 The World Alliance AGM took place a few days ago in Frankfurt 🇩🇪, bringing together our members from across the globe to review progress and set the course ahead. 💡 We presented key advancements in our flagship initiatives, including the Women in Finance project and the WAIFC AI Project, both of which are driving meaningful impact in the financial industry. 🌟 The AGM also welcomed two new board members: • @HortenseMudenge, CEO of @Kigali_IFC, joined our Board. • Pawel Widawski, President of Future Finance Poland, shared his vision as part of our leadership team. 🇻🇳 A highlight of the day was the inspiring speech delivered by H.E. Nguyen Hoa Binh, First Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, who addressed a full room on the development of financial centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, while emphasizing Vietnam’s potential as a global investment hub. 🤝 This AGM once again demonstrated the strength of the WAIFC network, a unique alliance where international collaboration shapes the future of finance together. 📲More info: lnkd.in/eZ5vANP8

🎙️ WAIFC Panel Successfully Held at @Sibos 2025 in Frankfurt A few days ago, the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (#WAIFC) had the honor of hosting a high-level panel at Sibos 2025 on the theme: “How international financial centers combat financial crime, and why this matters.” The session shed light on the essential role of financial centers in protecting global markets, ensuring transparency, and promoting trust. Speakers explored how collaboration, regulation, and innovation — including RegTech, SupTech, stablecoins, and digital assets — are reshaping the fight against financial crime. We were proud to welcome an outstanding panel of leaders: • @jochenbiederm , Managing Director, WAIFC (Moderator) • @HubertusVth , Managing Director, @FMFdigital • Pawel Widawski, CEO, Future Finance Poland • Bernice Buttigieg, Chief Strategy Officer, @FinanceMalta ✅ World Alliance is delighted to have contributed to this crucial global conversation at Sibos 2025 and to showcase the collective leadership of international financial centers in strengthening financial integrity worldwide.

The ADGM FCCP hosted a full day AML/CFT and TFS Awareness Session at ADGM, featuring expert insights from the NAMLCFTC, the UAEFIU, and the EOCN and bringing together ADGM’s Relevant Persons, including FIs, VASPs and DNFBPs, to reinforce their understanding of key regulatory obligations and emerging financial crime risks. Discussions covered several topics such as supervisory insights, emerging terrorist-financing typologies, updates on the upcoming FATF UAE Mutual Evaluation and national preparedness efforts and findings from recent onsite and thematic reviews of regulated entities. Participants also received highlights from the revised AML/CFT National Risk Assessment 2024, targeted financial sanctions obligations, and key recommendations to enhance compliance effectiveness. Through such initiatives, ADGM continues to reinforce its commitment to promoting financial integrity, transparency and risk-based compliance culture while supporting regulated entities in strengthening their AML/CFT/TFS frameworks and contributing to a safe, transparent, and resilient financial ecosystem. #ADGM #FSRA #AML #CFT #TFS #Compliance #FinancialIntegrity #PathToForward

A Special Edition of the ADGM Think Podcast brings rare insights from @RayDalio – the legendary investor behind the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates – and Bill Winters – Group Chief Executive, @StanChart. Together they explore how data, AI, and judgment are reshaping the way finance makes decisions. See the full discussion via youtube.com/watch?v=nZHntw….

📈🤝 Rwanda Takes a Bold Step to Boost Global Investment through a New Tax Agreement! Today, Rwanda and Hong Kong signed a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), marking a new chapter in strengthening financial and investment ties between the two jurisdictions. This milestone expands Rwanda’s international treaty network and reinforces its role as a trusted gateway for global investment, creating a more favourable environment for international investors. Furthermore, Rwanda's expanding network of DTAAs enhances Kigali International Financial Centre's position as a premier hub for cross-border trade and investment, offering a competitive edge in the global market.

The @WAIFC_ August Newsletter recently featured KIFC CEO @HortenseMudenge, who outlined her vision for the Centre’s contribution to Rwanda and Africa’s financial future. "Our strategic priorities remain anchored in Rwanda’s national development goals and KIFC’s long-term vision: building a trusted, transparent, and inclusive financial centre that mobilises capital for long-term growth," she remarked. Read the full article 4wcic.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/mr/sh/6rqJ8…

We are delighted to announce that the Nairobi International Financial Centre has officially been elected a full member of the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (@WAIFC_ ) This major milestone strengthens the NIFC’s role on the global stage, connecting Nairobi to other leading financial hubs across the world and amplifying our mission to position Kenya as the preferred gateway to investment in Africa. The NIFC will also join the African Chapter of the WAIFC, underpinning our commitment to working with other African IFC’s to unlock Africa’s investment potential. The announcement comes as NIFC CEO Daniel Mainda attends the WAIFC Annual Meeting this week in Germany, which will bring international partners together to shape the future of finance and investment. #NIFCAfrica #WAIFC

📊 The Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) by – March 2025 edition has been published. We are pleased to highlight the #WAIFC members that recorded positive changes in their ranking: - @DIFC : +1 - @ADGlobalMarket : +10 - Stuttgart Financial: +9 - @EDBMauritius : +6 - @QFCAuthority: +11 - @Kigali_IFC : +7 - @FinanceMalta : +2 These results demonstrate the continuous progress of our members in strengthening their global standing. 📲 Read the full report: longfinance.net/media/document…

🎙️ The World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) is honored to host a panel at @Sibos 2025 in Frankfurt on the topic: “How international financial centers combat financial crime, and why this matters.” 📅 October 1, 2025 📍 Conference Stage 4, Sibos Frankfurt The session will address the critical role of international financial centers in safeguarding integrity, stability, and trust within global financial systems. Discussions will also cover best practices, regulatory cooperation, and the impact of innovation such as RegTech, SupTech, stablecoins, and digital assets. We are pleased to welcome the following distinguished speakers: - @jochenbiederm, Managing Director, WAIFC (Moderator) - @HortenseMudenge, CEO, @Kigali_IFC - @HubertusVth, Managing Director, @FMFdigital - Pawel Widawski, CEO, Future Finance Poland - @buttigbe, Head of Strategy & Business Development, @FinanceMalta WAIFC looks forward to contributing to this important global dialogue at Sibos 2025. #Sibos #WAIFC #Finance #AML #FinancialCrime #Frankfurt

Agna chose #DIFC to back audacious founders and drive #DeepTech innovations across the East-West corridor. Their presence strengthens the ecosystem by providing the capital, strategy, and network needed to scale globally. #WeChoseDIFC

🎙️ Our September Newsletter is out 📰 Exclusive Interview This edition features an inspiring conversation with @MarkFreedE2W , Managing Director of @MenForInclusion, on how companies can move from diversity policies to genuine inclusion. His perspective underlines why inclusive cultures drive innovation, performance, and long-term growth. 💡 Opinion We also share the views of Thomas Krantz, who warns against the rising risks of “fiscal dominance” and highlights why central bank independence remains critical to preserving monetary stability in today’s uncertain environment. 🤝 Masterclass with Men for Inclusion On October 21, we are hosting a Masterclass with Men for Inclusion, offering executives, HR leaders, and professionals practical strategies to foster inclusion in their organizations. 🌐 Member Highlights From Sibos 2025 discussions on fighting financial crime, to Jersey Finance’s NextGen initiatives, TheCityUK’s work on carbon markets, and EnterpriseNGR’s leadership in Africa, our members continue to push boundaries worldwide. 📲 Read the full newsletter: 4wcic.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/mr/sh/6rqJ8… #WAIFC #Finance #Inclusion #Innovation #Leadership

🤝 في الكلمة الختامية لمنتدى التمويل الإسلامي–IFN، أكد أحمد بن علي المعمري، نائب الرئيس التنفيذي لـ #هيئة_الخدمات_المالية: 🇲🇾🇴🇲 تعزيز التعاون بين سلطنة عُمان وماليزيا في التمويل الإسلامي، وتوقيع برنامج تعاون رقابي مع هيئة الأوراق المالية الماليزية، بما يفتح آفاقًا استثمارية واعدة وفق رؤية عُمان 2040 ومبادرة استثمر في عُمان. 🌍📈 — 🤝 In his closing remarks at the Islamic Finance Forum–IFN, Ahmed bin Ali Al-Mamari, Deputy CEO of #FSA, highlighted: 🇲🇾🇴🇲 Strengthening Oman–Malaysia Islamic finance ties, signing a cooperation program with the Securities Commission Malaysia, and unlocking new opportunities under Oman Vision 2040 & the Invest in Oman initiative. 🌍📈 @SecComMalaysia #IslamicFinance #IFN #InvestInOman #Oman

ADGM continues to lead as the region’s fastest-growing international financial centre.  H1 2025 marks record-breaking growth, strategic partnerships, and an expanding workforce, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position at the forefront of global finance. Read more here: adgm.com/media/announce… #ADGM #PathToForward #AbuDhabi #Finance #H12025 #GlobalFinance #FinancialLeadership 🧵1/2

Today, our CEO @HortenseMudenge joined the launch of @ApexGlobalGroup office in Rwanda. In her remarks, she noted Apex’s arrival is a testament to the growing confidence in Rwanda’s stable and progressive business environment. The new Rwanda office will provide clients with a comprehensive suite of innovative solutions, including Fund Administration, Corporate Services, Compliance Solutions, and ESG advisory services. By aligning with KIFC’s vision of fostering cross-border investment, innovation, and sustainable finance, Apex Group will contribute to Rwanda’s emergence as a trusted gateway for capital into Africa and beyond.

Our member @CasaFinanceCity is once again taking the lead in shaping the conversation on Africa’s economic future. In partnership with @FT Live and with the support of the Région Casablanca–Settat, CFC is organizing a high-level forum that will gather business leaders, policymakers, and international experts to explore how African companies can thrive in today’s rapidly evolving global environment. This year’s edition will address crucial topics, including the green transition, innovation, financing mechanisms, and the impact of geopolitical shocks on trade and investment in Africa. Join this full day of insightful dialogue and forward-looking perspectives. 📅 19 September 2025 | 📍 Four Seasons Casablanca 📲 Register here: lnkd.in/eGpkBjjv #WAIFC #CFC #CasablancaBusinessForum #FinancialTimes #AfricaEconomy #CasablancaSettat

🇰🇿 Astana Finance Days 2025 The 8th edition of Astana Finance Days, hosted by our membre @AIFC_KZ (Astana International Financial Centre), once again confirmed its status as the leading financial forum of the region. With 5,000+ participants from 80+ countries and $1.5 trillion AUM represented, the event showcased the role of capital in shaping the future economy. 💬 “Since its inception, the hashtag#AIFC has provided a unique institutional environment… strengthening the confidence of global investors. The total investment of AIFC companies in Kazakhstan has already exceeded $17 billion.” — Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy 💬 “When we say ‘capital,’ it has many dimensions — Astana itself, financial capital, human capital, and institutional capital. This is what builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any financial system.” — Renat Bekturov, @AIFC_KZ Governor Congratulations to AIFC for yet another successful edition of #AstanaFinanceDays ,building the future economy through capital, innovation, and trust. #WAIFC #Finance #Innovation #GlobalMarkets

#Newsletter 🌐 #SIBOS2025: Frankfurt will transform into the epicenter of global finance. 🏡 #3QuestionsTo: With Florian Rentsch, Chairman of the Association of Sparda Banks. 💡 #FoodforThought: With Shahanaz Müller, CAMS, Partner Deloitte Vienna. 👉 brnw.ch/21wVk0r

We are proud to feature Joe Moynihan, CEO of @jerseyfinance. 🌍✨ In his own words: 👉 “This new era has highlighted both the risks and the opportunities of engaging globally – underscoring the need for stable, trusted IFCs to help channel capital responsibly and support long-term sustainable planning. Capital protectionism can only distort investment dynamics and is not good at generating efficiencies and ensuring market transparency. IFCs can provide an antidote to that.” This insightful perspective is part of the latest World Alliance Newsletter 📰, where Joe Moynihan reflects on the role of IFCs in supporting global investment and transparency. 📲 Read the full interview here: lnkd.in/eGvQejXT #Leadership #Finance #WAIFC #FinancialCenters #GlobalMarkets #Sustainability

We are proud to feature Hortense Mudenge, the newly appointed CEO of the @Kigali_IFC In her own words: 👉 “It is a privilege to lead KIFC at such a pivotal moment for Rwanda and Africa’s financial ecosystem.” This inspiring interview is part of the latest World Alliance Newsletter 📰, where she shares her vision for advancing Rwanda’s financial ecosystem and positioning Africa on the global stage. 📲 Read the full interview here: 4wcic.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/mr/sh/6rqJ8… #Leadership #Finance #Rwanda #Africa #WAIFC #FinancialCenters