Astana rose 8 positions in the global GFCI ranking and retained its leadership in the region

In the 40th edition of the Global Financial Centres Index, the capital of Kazakhstan ranked 57th among 117 financial centers worldwide. Astana's rating score increased by 18 points, from 684 to 702.

Astana improved its position in the international ranking of financial centers, Global Financial Centres Index 40, GFCI 40, moving up eight positions — from 65th to 57th place. The city has maintained its leadership in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region for over three years.

In the regional ranking, following Astana were Cyprus, which took 72nd place globally, and Warsaw, which ranked 78th. The gap between Astana and its nearest regional competitor was 15 positions.

Astana's growth occurred against the backdrop of a 1.09% decline in the average rating score of financial centers in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. However, the index compilers noted that leading financial centers in the region continued to strengthen their positions.

Astana also entered the top ten financial centers that, according to survey participants, are expected to play a more significant role in the global financial system over the next two to three years. The capital of Kazakhstan ranked ninth in the corresponding list, receiving 45 mentions from respondents.

In a separate ranking on financial technology development, Astana rose four positions — from 55th to 51st place.

In GFCI 40, 139 financial centers were analyzed, of which 117 were included in the main index. The ranking is based on 144 quantitative indicators provided by international organizations, including the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the United Nations, as well as 39,531 assessments obtained from 6,147 financial sector professionals.

Survey respondents also identified priority areas where financial centers need to focus over the next five years. These include the development of digital infrastructure, including cloud technologies, data transmission, and cyber resilience. Attracting FinTech companies and businesses in the digital assets sector, strengthening anti-money laundering and financial crime prevention systems, and further deepening capital markets.

New York retained first place in the global ranking. It was followed by London, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The top ten also included Shanghai, Tokyo, Seoul, Shenzhen, Dubai, and Zurich.

The GFCI ranking is published twice a year and is one of the key international benchmarks for the competitiveness of financial centers. The study is conducted by the British think tank Z/Yen Group in collaboration with China Development Institute. When compiling the index, factors such as the business environment, financial sector development, infrastructure, human capital, and the reputation of financial centers are evaluated.

Astana first entered the GFCI ranking in March 2018, and in March 2023, it became the leader of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region. The International Financial Center "Astana" has made a significant contribution to strengthening the city's position by developing the legal and regulatory environment, financial infrastructure, capital markets, and digital assets, as well as expanding opportunities for international and regional investors.