Finance: GFCI 39 confirms the dominance of New York, London, Hong Kong and Singapore
The Global Financial Centres Index 39 confirms the supremacy of New York, London, Hong Kong and Singapore, while highlighting a gradual reshaping of the world’s financial landscape. By the editorial team
The Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) remains a key benchmark for assessing the competitiveness of international financial hubs. Edition 39, based on more than 34,000 assessments and nearly 150 indicators drawn from institutional sources such as the World Bank and the OECD, evaluates 120 financial centres worldwide.
New York retains the top spot
At the top, there are few surprises, but competition remains extremely intense. New York holds on to first place, ahead of London, Hong Kong and Singapore. The gap between these four centres is minimal, with just one point separating each of them, reflecting a growing rivalry among the world’s leading financial capitals.
Behind this leading group, the ranking is evolving. San Francisco and Shanghai maintain strong positions, while Dubai and Tokyo enter the top 10, illustrating the rise of regional hubs increasingly capable of attracting international capital flows. This trend unfolds in a global context marked by an average decline in scores of around 1.8%, reflecting ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Innovation capacity becomes a key driver of attractiveness
The index also highlights the growing importance of financial technologies. Hong Kong ranks first in the FinTech category, followed by Shenzhen, New York, Singapore and London, confirming that innovation capacity is becoming a critical driver of attractiveness for financial centres.
Beyond the rankings, the GFCI points to a broader trend: the concentration of financial activity in the most resilient and trusted hubs, while new centres continue to emerge. According to Michael Mainelli, Chairman of Z/Yen, this edition shows that “the concentration towards centres perceived as safe remains strong in times of uncertainty,” while also underlining intensifying global competition.
In Africa, Casablanca stands out as a leading financial hub
In this evolving landscape, several emerging market centres continue to gain ground. In Africa, Casablanca is establishing itself as one of the continent’s most prominent financial centres, supported by a strategy focused on internationalization and stronger integration into global investment flows.
Overall, the 39th edition of the GFCI highlights a dual dynamic: the continued dominance of established global hubs, alongside the gradual rise of regional centres that are reshaping the geography of global finance over the medium term.
