FT Wealth Management  

Which cities are shaping the new world economic order?

The rise of professionalism and experience in cities outside of the top 20 traditional centres can only serve to boost confidence among the world's wealthy.

Why go outside of one's own country when there are highly qualified experts on your home turf, who understand and reflect your own values and visions? 

Article continues after advert

Continued innovation

But if both traditional and less traditional centres are to continue to thrive, then according to Said Ibrahimi, chief executive of the Casablanca Finance City Authority, the need to continue to innovate and collaborate is key.

In his foreword to the GFCI 35, he said: "As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global economy, it is imperative that financial centres embrace innovation, sustainability, and collaboration to unlock their full potential.

"By fostering partnerships, promoting transparency, and embracing technology, we can harness the power of financial services to drive inclusive growth, empower entrepreneurs, and create opportunities for all segments of society."

Standard Chartered Bank's Ang says one also has to consider where the world's wealthy are growing in number thanks to demographic change - particularly Asia and the Gulf region. 

He cites "growing numbers of affluent clients and billionaires" in these regions. Ang says: "Hong Kong, Singapore and the UAE are key connectors to facilitate the growing needs for cross-border wealth and international lifestyles of the wealthy.

"Hong Kong has been the preferred wealth hub for the Greater China region while Singapore, given its stable socio-political status, is of interest to clients across North, South and Southeast Asia.

"And we see the UAE as a growing wealth hub attracting global clients from across Europe, Middle East, Africa, India and increasingly also from the rest of Asia.”

Green concludes: "The race to attract the wealthy is more competitive than ever, and the winners will be those who can offer not just attractive tax conditions but also stability, security, and a supportive environment for global business and investment."