As uncertainty continues to dog Western markets, Asia-Pacific financial centres are seizing their opportunity and increasingly drawing business away from their more established rivals. Michelle Price reports.
Latest articles from Databank
Hong Kong benefits from China's dynamism
August 30, 2010As mainland China continues to develop its capital markets, Hong Kong is well placed to pick up new cross-border trade and help facilitate the internationalisation of the renminbi.
Low risk, highly attractive
August 30, 2010A combination of cautious conservatism and some innovative tax policies has created an opening through which Canada is pushing Toronto, its financial centre, onto the international stage. Karen E Thuermer reports.
Moscow maps route to leading IFC status
August 30, 2010Moscow is already the financial hub for the former Soviet territories, but formidable legislative and infrastructure hurdles stand in the way of its aspirations to become a global IFC. Now the city and the Russian state are striving very seriously to address these issues, says Yuri Roslyak.
Frankfurt: Regulatory centre of excellence
August 30, 2010Already home to many of the main European regulatory bodies, Frankfurt's financial centre offers the experience and stability to play a key role in helping Europe shape the future of its financial sector, says Dr Lutz Raettig.
The Banker's 2010 IFC Rankings
August 30, 2010The Banker's ranking of international financial centres is based not simply on the size of the financial services industry in each location, but focuses instead on the level of international business and the value offered to institutions seeking to expand their overseas operations.
Turbulent times
August 30, 2010As the fallout from the global financial crisis continues, competition between leading international financial centres has been given a new dimension by threats of tougher regulation in established markets and intense pressure from emerging centres striving hard to push their way into the top league. Writer Silvia Pavoni
UK offshore centres fight 'tax haven' label
July 28, 2010The UK's offshore financial centres do not deny that they have accommodating tax regimes, but they baulk at the label 'tax haven' and all the negative connotations that tag brings. Writer Charlie Corbett
Madrid Financial Centre: Safe and sound despite the crisis
October 5, 2009Madrid's robust financial business model has enabled the city to survive the global recession relatively unscathed. Now the Spanish capital is looking to leverage its world-class business environment and transport facilities to strengthen its presence in Latin America, says Isabel Martin Castellá.
London reasserts its leadership
October 5, 2009London's status as one of the leading financial centres in the world remains undiminished, with top global companies still flocking to the UK capital, says Sir Andrew Cahn, chief executive of UK Trade & Investment.