Stern School of Business Unveils Financial Center Competitiveness Index, Ranking Major Global Finance Hubs

Stern School of Business Launches Financial Center Competitiveness Index

On December 9, 2025, the Stern School of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi (commonly known as Stern at NYUAD) introduced its highly anticipated Financial Center Competitiveness Index (FCCI). This significant unveiling took place during the Global Markets Summit as part of Abu Dhabi Finance Week. The FCCI serves as a critical assessment tool for global financial hubs, and for its inaugural edition, it has identified New York, London, and Singapore as the leading financial centers worldwide.

The index doesn't merely rank these cities but also highlights the growing prominence of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region in global finance. Notably, Abu Dhabi and Dubai have found their places in the top 15, ranked 12th and 14th respectively, while Riyadh and Doha also made the list, securing the 26th and 29th positions. This reflects a broader shift in the financial landscape, which has traditionally been dominated by established centers such as New York and London.

Rob Salomon, the Dean of Stern at NYUAD, emphasized the importance of this new index, stating, "International financial centers are one of the clearest ways to observe how the global economy is shifting." He pointed out that the FCCI aims to transcend typical rankings by providing a more nuanced analysis of how cities strategize for financial competency and capacity building.

The FCCI's innovative approach is rooted in data science, blending empirical evidence with strategic analysis. The FCCI is organized into two main pillars: the Footprint pillar, which assesses the current scale and activity of financial centers, and the Dynamics pillar, which evaluates growth potential and readiness for the future, focusing particularly on technology and innovation.

Bruno Lanvin, the President of the Descartes Institute and a key figure behind the FCCI, stated, "In an environment of shifting growth engines, new technologies, and rising geopolitical risks, financial centers need tools that help them think in years, not quarters." With this perspective, the index provides actionable insights for cities, allowing them to understand their positions within an increasingly polycentric financial ecosystem.

Furthermore, the FCCI underscores the necessity of investing in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy, especially as AI and data-driven activities gain traction. Anisa Shyti, Clinical Associate Professor of Accounting at Stern and another principal investigator for the FCCI, noted, "The FCCI is built to be used, not just read," highlighting the index's interactive platform tailored for policymakers, financial center managers, and investors alike.

The rise of the GCC as a formidable player in the global finance arena stems from a combination of factors: fine-tuned regulatory frameworks, targeted innovations, and escalating financial activities within the region. As the report illustrates, these developmental strides signify a clear transformative trend in the global financial landscape.

The FCCI is not only the first major output from the newly established Institute for Global Financial Competitiveness, supported by leading investor Ray Dalio, but it also provides an essential framework for understanding the evolution and competitiveness of financial centers over time. With contributions from notable entities such as the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Dalio Philanthropies, the FCCI is set to guide future discussions and decisions in financial policy and investment strategies.

As the world continues to navigate an increasingly complex economic climate, tools like the FCCI are vital for stakeholders across the financial spectrum. The results from this inaugural index promise a fresh perspective on how cities can leverage their strengths and address challenges in the fast-evolving landscape of global finance.