The World Alliance of International Financial Centers has published a framework for assessing how financial centres contribute to their economies. Announced in Busan in September 2026, “The Impact of Financial Centers” examines economic activity alongside wider institutional and international effects.
The project was coordinated by Casablanca Finance City and developed with support from SouthBridge and Afi. It brings together 59 indicators across 24 thematic areas.
Across members for which data were available, the report identifies more than 4.2 million jobs and over USD 750 billion in value added supported by financial-centre activity. These figures describe the reporting group rather than every financial centre worldwide.
Different roles and a shared approach
The framework recognises that centres have different functions and stages of development. It identifies four broad models, from centres supporting their home economies to international gateways and specialised hubs. An individual centre may combine elements of several models.
The approach is intended to help centres track their contribution over time and support dialogue with policymakers and investors.
For Future Finance Poland, a WAIFC member, the publication offers a reference for discussion about the contribution of Poland’s financial sector. It broadens that discussion beyond ranking positions to include employment, investment, innovation and the development of skills.
