London, New York and Hong Kong have solidified their positions as the world’s top three cities for banking and other financial services, with London retaining its slight lead over the other two cities, according to the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI).
The twice-yearly ranking of 75 world cities by Z/Yen group, the think-tank, is based on surveys of industry professionals and objective factors such as office rental rates, airport satisfaction and transport. Sponsored by the Qatar Financial Centre Authority, it is a closely watched barometer within the financial services sector.
London has led every survey, but New York and more recently Hong Kong have slowly closed the gap. In the ninth report, due to be released on Monday, London has 775 points to New York’s 769 and Hong Kong’s 759.