Countries around the world with advanced market structures are seeing the Best Financial Infrastructure Hubs Emerging Outside the G7.
The new cities are adopting modern regulations and technology and are able to build and power ecosystems that attract the world’s major banking and cross border investment institutions.
The new city-ecosystems diverging influence power ecosystems that modern economies reorganize around and reflect the new diversified global financial leadership.
Key Point
| Financial Hub | Key Strengths |
|---|---|
| Singapore | Wealth management + fintech |
| Dubai (UAE) | Islamic finance + digital assets |
| Hong Kong (China) | Cross‑border finance |
| New York City, USA | State‑backed fintech |
| London, United Kingdom | Innovation + fintech |
| Mumbai (India) | Capital markets + fintech |
| São Paulo (Brazil) | Payments + equities |
| Mexico City (Mexico) | Regional fintech hub |
| Shanghai (China) | Africa’s finance gateway |
| Seoul (South Korea) | Mobile finance + remittances |
1. Singapore
In the last few decades, Singapore has become one of the most advanced and innovative financial centres globally. Major strengths include strong regulations, transparency, and deep liquidity in the market.
With a strong political standing in the country and advanced digital infrastructure, Singapore is a strategic entry and exit point for global trade and financing moving between the east and west.
Ranked as one of the Most Financially Flexible Hubs Emerging Outside the G7, Singapore is also a forerunner in green finance, digitalisation of payments, and innovation in cross-border settlement, making it the preferred choice for many multinationals and asset management and fintech companies.
Why it’s emerging as a global financial-infrastructure centre Singapore**
- To get worldwide banks and fintech companies, world-class regulations are necessary.
- Key link to East to West capital flows.
- Developed systems for digital payments and cross-border settlements.
- Wealth management and green finance, \& fintech innovation are in demand.
2. Dubai (UAE)
With the DIFC and progressive regulations, Dubai has rapidly become a leading Financial innovator globally. With world-class digital infrastructure, Dubai has also become a leading financial innovator.
With world-class digital infrastructure, Dubai has also become a leading financial innovator. With the world-class digital infrastructure, Dubai has also become a leading financial innovator.
Ranked among the Most Financially Flexible Hubs Outside the G7, Dubai has proven to be a leader in fintech, has a unique blockchain-based regulatory sandbox, and is rapidly growing in the asset management and private capital market. Dubai has also proven to be the financial heart of the Middle East.
Why it’s emerging as a global financial-infrastructure centre Dubai (UAE)**
- DIFC and ADGM offer regulations that are globally aligned and business friendly.
- Geographically located in a position that connects Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- There is a strong increase in innovation clusters and fintech for digital assets.
- Free zones and tax incentives are attracting foreign companies.
3. Hong Kong (China)
Protected by an extensive legal and regulatory framework, Hong Kong continues to be an outstanding Asian financial market with excellent market infrastructures, efficient and liquid capital markets, and accumulated linkages with mainland China via Stock and Bond Connects.
Hong Kong has earned the Emerging Hub Outside the G7 award for Cross-border Trade Finance, Asset Management, and IPO Facilities, and, against the current geopolitical backdrop, continues to be a major conduit for investment flows to and from China.
Hong Kong’s global preeminence is sustained and underpinned by its technologically advanced payment systems, its instantaneous clearing and settlement systems, and the comprehensive range of financial technologies in Hong Kong’s global market.
Why it’s emerging as a global financial-infrastructure centre Hong Kong (China)**
- There are strong IPOs and trading in the capital market.
- Platforms that link investors worldwide to China.
- Advanced systems for clearing and settlement and other financial activities.
- There are many global banks and assets.
4. New York City (USA)
New York City (NYC) is the world’s most preeminent financial center. It is home to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ) systems, as well as a large range of global financial institutions, including commercial and investment banks, hedge funds, and insurers. It actively and efficiently markets and trades equities, derivatives, fixed income, commodities, and digitally traded assets.
NY is recognized as a world leader for its high degree of market transparency, and efficient market liquidity, and cutting edge financial technologies. All of these qualities and attributes, among others, have earned New York the Emerging Hub Outside the G7 award.
It is a global market magnet for financial talent due to its sophisticated financial regulatory framework, and depth of capital markets, particularly for investment banking. As a result of New York’s integration of AI technologies in Finance and FinTech, its global market prominence and influence continues to thrive.
Why it’s emerging as a global financial-infrastructure centre New York City (USA)**
- There are world-class exchanges (NYSE, NASDAQ) and clearing systems.
- There is a lot of liquidity in all asset classes.
- There is a lot of developed fintech and AI-driven digital assets.
- There are many top global banks, hedge funds and regulatory bodies.
5. London (United Kingdom)
With a great reputation in banking and finance and a long history of exchange regulation and innovation, London is a global leader in banking, foreign exchange, and trading infrastructure.
With its global reach and access to a variety of industries, including investment management, fintech, and green finance, London has the world’s largest pool of talent.
With regards to the Best Financial Infrastructure Hubs Emerging Outside The G7 London is at the center of international capital movements because of her sophisticated legal system and financial services as well as her clearing houses.
London is still a global financial center after the Brexit reforms, digital asset regulations, and sustainable finance frameworks.
Why it’s emerging as a global financial-infrastructure centre London (United Kingdom)
- An international center FX, derivatives, and cross-border banking.
- Prestigious legal and regulatory systems in the world.
- Fintech, open banking, and sustainable finance from the front.
- Much available talent and international connections.
6. Mumbai (India)
India’s financial capital is Mumbai. The NSE, BSE major exchanges and Banks and rapidly growing fintech and digital payments systems are all in the city. Mumbai is the center of India’s corporate fundraising, derivatives trading and economic policy.
Among the Best Financial Infrastructure Hubs Emerging Outside the G7 and growing infrastructure and financial activities, Mumbai is also GIFT city’s (India’s international financial centre, supporting global banks, clearing systems, and offshore derivatives) growth.
Mumbai is a prospective financial superpower because of its enormous internal demand, the growing focus of regulators, and the country’s innovative tech systems.
Why it’s emerging as a global financial-infrastructure centre Mumbai (India)
- Host to NSE, BSE major exchanges, gaining international prominence.
- Tec payments and fintech sector expanding quickly.
- GIFT City is emerging as an international financial center.
- Robust domestic economic growth is attracting international investors.
7. São Paulo (Brazil)
B3, one of the biggest stock exchanges in the world, paired with Brazil’s growing economy, the advanced facilities, and strong integration with global capital, makes São Paulo one of the best places to invest in infrastructure among the countries with the world’s top 7 largest economies.
São Paulo’s financial ecosystem includes banks, asset managers, and fintech innovators, making the city a reginal powerhouse in finance.
São Paulo’s open banking, economic scale digital payments and innovative sustainable frameworks posit the city as a global finance center in the world.
Why it’s emerging as a global financial-infrastructure centre São Paulo (Brazil)
- Advanced B3 exchange that is liquid and in the world’s emerging markets.
- Fast digitization in banking and payments.
- Major banks, funds, and fintechs.
- Strong capital-market growth from expanding economic scale in Brazil.
8. Mexico City (Mexico)
Mexico City is Mexico’s financial center and since there are developing banking networks and regulations, and a growing fintech sector, there is the potential for the city to be the financial center of Latin America.
Mexico City has stock exchanges, border trade financing, and growing digital payment systems. Mexico City is one of the best places to invest in infrastructure among the top 7 economies in the world as it is close to the US with Mexico/North America trade.
For the region, Mexico City is becoming more and more competitive financially as its regulations, infrastructure, and fintech systems improve, and as digital payments systems expand.
Why it’s emerging as a global financial-infrastructure centre Mexico City (Mexico)
- Financial hub of North America–Latin America trade.
- Fintech sector growing under positive regulations.
- Updating banking and payments system.
- Global banks and insurers attracted because of large domestic market.
9. Shanghai (China)
One of the fastest growing global financial centres in the world, Shanghai is home to the Shanghai Stock Exchange and major markets in derivatives and bonds.
The city’s advanced digital infrastructure facilitates high frequency trading, financial technology (fintech) innovations, and trading across international borders.
Support from the governing bodies and corporates have helped Shanghai advance and gain international presence with its global trades and free trade zone.
On a yearly basis, Shanghai strengthens its global position as a leading financial centre for asset management, renewable finance, and internationalization of the Renminbi (RMB).
Why it’s emerging as a global financial-infrastructure centre Shanghai (China)
- SSE and major derivatives markets growing in global relevance.
- Financial regulatory reforms and free-trade zones initiated by the government.
- Innovative fintech, digital payments, and green finance.
- Important center for internationalization of the Renminbi.
10. Seoul (South Korea)
With an outstanding grasp on technology, Seoul has sophisticated ecosystems across banking, capital markets, and fintech. The city’s financial systems are supported with quick digital payment systems, rapid fintech innovations, and regulatory initiatives.
Like Shanghai, Seoul is listed as being among the Best Financial Infrastructure Hubs Emerging Outside the G7. The city is rapidly growing in global rankings as a result of the increase in asset management, investment in blockchain technology, and cross-border investment.
With rapid advancements in digital technology, online security, and consumer fintech, Seoul is well on its way to being a major financial centre of the world.
Why it’s emerging as a global financial-infrastructure centre Seoul (South Korea)
- Extremely developed fintech and digitized payments.
- Excellent regulation and investor protection.
- Growing significance in Capital markets and asset management.
- Pioneering in finance technology, blockchain, and cyber security.
Conclusion
The newly leading financial centres outside the G7 indicate the shifting of global economic power, the direction of investments, and the flow of technological advancements. These newly leading financial centres have most recently included Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, São Paulo, Mexico City, and shanghai, and Seoul.
These centres have constructed sophisticated financial market infrastructures, and regulatory frameworks, and have adopted digital finance. These leading centres of finance have become a by-product of the integrated the regional economies, the growth of the finance domestically and the need for diversified financial centres. These hubs will continue to finance market.
FAQ
What are financial infrastructure hubs?
Financial infrastructure hubs are cities with strong systems for banking, trading, payments, clearing, regulation, and fintech innovation. They support global capital flows, investment activity, and cross-border financial services.
Why focus on hubs outside the G7?
Non-G7 hubs are growing rapidly due to expanding economies, regulatory modernization, strong technology adoption, and rising foreign investment. They now play a major role in global finance.
Which cities are the leading emerging hubs?
Key emerging hubs include Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, Mumbai, São Paulo, Mexico City, Shanghai, and Seoul—each combining technology, market depth, and global connectivity.
How are these hubs different from G7 financial centres?
While cities like New York and London dominate legacy global markets, emerging hubs expand access to regions with fast economic growth, offer innovation-friendly regulations, and attract fintech and digital-asset development.
What factors help a city become a financial infrastructure hub?
Important factors include strong regulatory frameworks, deep capital markets, advanced digital payments, political stability, free-zone benefits, and strong global connectivity.
