As of September 2024, New York ranked as the world's most attractive financial center, earning a score of *** on a comprehensive financial center rating index that considers multiple factors. London followed closely in second place with a rating of ***. What are financial centers? A financial center is a city or region that serves as a strategic hub for the financial industry, bringing together banks, trading firms, stock exchanges, and other financial institutions. These hubs are typically distinguished by strong infrastructure, a stable regulatory and political environment, favorable taxation policies, and ample opportunities for business and trade growth. According to a 2024 survey of financial services professionals, the key factors influencing a financial center's competitiveness were the business environment, human capital, and infrastructure. Financial centers by region According to the Global Financial Centers Index, the most attractive financial hubs in North America are New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. In Latin America and the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Sao Paulo received the highest scores. When financial sector professionals were asked which financial centers were likely to become more significant in the next years, they pointed to Seoul, Singapore, Dubai.

London was the most attractive financial center in Western Europe as of September 2024. According to five broad areas of competitiveness that the ranking was built on (business environment, human capital, infrastructure, financial sector development, and reputation), London received *** points. Frankfurt ranked second, with a rating of ***. According to the Global Power City Index (GPCI), London was also the most attractive city worldwide for its economy, research and development, cultural interaction, livability, environment, and accessibility. Financial employment in the UK In 2022, the value added in the finance and insurance services sector in the United Kingdom as a percentage of total GDP was one of the largest in Europe. However, total employment in the financial services sector overall decreased since 2008. The mean weekly wage of full-time employees in the financial and insurance sector also dropped and never recovered from a sharp decrease in 2018. Largest European financial institutions In 2023, HSBC topped the list of the largest European banks in terms of total assets. With more than *** trillion U.S. dollars, the UK-based giant ranked before BNP Paribas, the largest banking institution in France.

Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, was rated the most attractive financial center among the presented cities in Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, and Central Asia in 2024, with a rating of ***. It was followed by Almaty and Tallinn. To compare, Moscow had a Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI) rating of 590. The rating is based on an index incorporating numerous factors, including business environment, human capital, taxation, and infrastructure, among others. The global financial center ranking is led by New York.

According to a survey carried out in 2024, Sao Paolo was the most attractive financial center in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024, with a score of ***. The Cayman Islands and Bermuda followed, with *** and *** points, respectively. The ranking is based on an index where a multitude of factors are integrated. Important areas of competitiveness are, among others, business environment, human capital, taxation and infrastructure.

Pretax-Margin Time Series for Segro Plc. SEGRO is a UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), listed on the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Paris, and is a leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses and industrial property. It owns or manages 10.3 million square metres of space (111 million square feet) valued at £20.3 billion serving customers from a wide range of industry sectors. Its properties are located in and around major cities and at key transportation hubs in the UK and in seven other European countries. For over 100 years SEGRO has been creating the space that enables extraordinary things to happen. From modern big box warehouses, used primarily for regional, national and international distribution hubs, to urban warehousing located close to major population centres and business districts, it provides high-quality assets that allow its customers to thrive. A commitment to be a force for societal and environmental good is integral to SEGRO's purpose and strategy. Its Responsible SEGRO framework focuses on three long-term priorities where the company believes it can make the greatest impact: Championing low-carbon growth, Investing in local communities and environments and Nurturing talent.

In 2023, the best city for startups in Nigeria was Lagos, with a total score of ****, according to data provided by StartupBlink. Lagos ranked first in Africa and **** worldwide. Lagos is the largest city in Africa and represents an important financial hub for Nigeria as well as for the whole continent. Abuja and Ibadan were other ranking Nigerian cities.

As of 2024, Mumbai had a gross domestic product of *** billion U.S. dollars, the highest among other major cities in India. It was followed by Delhi with a GDP of around *** billion U.S. dollars. India’s megacities also boast the highest GDP among other cities in the country. What drives the GDP of India’s megacities? Mumbai is the financial capital of the country, and its GDP growth is primarily fueled by the financial services sector, port-based trade, and the Hindi film industry or Bollywood. Delhi in addition to being the political hub hosts a significant services sector. The satellite cities of Noida and Gurugram amplify the city's economic status. The southern cities of Bengaluru and Chennai have emerged as IT and manufacturing hubs respectively. Hyderabad is a significant player in the pharma and IT industries. Lastly, the western city of Ahmedabad, in addition to its strategic location and ports, is powered by the textile, chemicals, and machinery sectors. Does GDP equal to quality of life? Cities propelling economic growth and generating a major share of GDP is a global phenomenon, as in the case of Tokyo, Shanghai, New York, and others. However, the GDP, which measures the market value of all final goods and services produced in a region, does not always translate to a rise in quality of life. Five of India’s megacities featured in the Global Livability Index, with low ranks among global peers. The Index was based on indicators such as healthcare, political stability, environment and culture, infrastructure, and others.

As of September 2025, Mumbai had the highest cost of living among other cities in the country, with an index value of ****. Gurgaon, a satellite city of Delhi and part of the National Capital Region (NCR) followed it with an index value of ****.  What is cost of living? The cost of living varies depending on geographical regions and factors that affect the cost of living in an area include housing, food, utilities, clothing, childcare, and fuel among others. The cost of living is calculated based on different measures such as the consumer price index (CPI), living cost indexes, and wage price index. CPI refers to the change in the value of consumer goods and services. The wage price index, on the other hand, measures the change in labor services prices due to market pressures. Lastly, the living cost indexes calculate the impact of changing costs on different households. The relationship between wages and costs determines affordability and shifts in the cost of living. Mumbai tops the list Mumbai usually tops the list of most expensive cities in India. As the financial and entertainment hub of the country, Mumbai offers wide opportunities and attracts talent from all over the country. It is the second-largest city in India and has one of the most expensive real estates in the world.