NYU Abu Dhabi Launches Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness

NYU Abu Dhabi Launches Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness

Announced on 8 October 2025, the Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi has created the Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness (IGFC) to analyse and rank international financial centres using rigorous, data-driven methods—reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a rising global finance hub.

Overview: NYU Abu Dhabi’s Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness

The IGFC will evaluate how international financial centres (IFCs) compete on innovation, talent, regulation, market depth and future readiness. Its inaugural Financial Centres Competitiveness Index (FCCI) is slated for Abu Dhabi Finance Week in December 2025. Backed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and advised by investor Ray Dalio, the institute adds fresh, Middle East–originated benchmarks to global discourse.

How global financial competitiveness research builds Abu Dhabi’s insight

Abu Dhabi’s vantage point—linking Asia, Africa and Europe—supports comparative research that is highly relevant to firms operating across the region. The institute’s work complements wider transformation agendas, including urban planning and mobility advances shaped by the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai Metro Red Line upgrades.

Benefits of Global Financial Competitiveness for UAE-Based Businesses

Expect stronger visibility for the UAE’s finance ecosystem, new collaboration channels with academia, and practical benchmarking data to guide expansion, hiring and product strategy. SMEs can strengthen their authority signals with a Free Business Listing and upgrade to Premium Visibility for richer profiles and featured placement.

Strategic significance of global financial competitiveness for the UAE

The FCCI aligns with the UAE’s economic diversification and the Emirate’s “Falcon Economy” narrative—attracting capital, talent and high-value firms. Findings are likely to inform policy design, market structure, and skills development, supporting long-term resilience across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other emirates.

Key Sectors Driving Global Financial Competitiveness in Abu Dhabi

• Fintech & digital finance: payments, open banking, digital assets
• ESG & sustainable finance: disclosure, ratings, transition planning
• Data & analytics: regtech, risk modelling, market intelligence

Leadership, collaboration and methodology

Led by Dean Rob Salomon at Stern (NYUAD) with institutional support from ADDED and advisory input from Ray Dalio, the institute convenes researchers, policymakers and industry leaders. Methodology will emphasise transparent indicators and reproducible analytics across human capital, regulation, innovation, sustainability and technology adoption.

How the FCCI compares with global indices

Unlike London’s GFCI or China’s Xinhua-IFZ index, the FCCI introduces a region-led measurement with greater weight on future readiness, digitalisation and Islamic finance. This perspective may better reflect the priorities of emerging markets and South-South trade corridors.

Future Outlook: Data Science and Global Financial Competitiveness Rankings

1. Methodology release: metrics and data sources for financial competitiveness
2. FCCI launch: unveiling at the Global Markets Summit during Abu Dhabi Finance Week (8–12 December 2025)
3. Engagement: dialogues with regulators, investors and firms to translate findings into action

UAEThrive context and next steps

For sector trends and practical guides, explore our AI search readiness tips, marketing playbooks and regional pages for Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. Businesses ready to scale can start with a Free Business Listing and move to Premium Visibility as traction builds.

Learn more

• Official WAM Article
• Zawya Press Release
• The National News Coverage
• Global Financial Centres Index 37