Labuan IBFC Climbs 11 Places To 44th In Global Financial Centres Index

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC) has climbed 11 places to rank 44th out of 117 global financial centres in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 40).

In a statement today, Labuan IBFC said the improvement marked its third consecutive rise in the index, advancing from 60th to 55th and now 44th.

“The latest ranking reflects Labuan IBFC’s upward trajectory across three consecutive editions of the index,” it said.

The jurisdiction has also moved from the “International Contender” category to the “Specialised Centre” category, reflecting its recognised strengths in captive insurance, Islamic finance, digital financial services and wealth management.

Labuan IBFC said the developments reinforced its role within Malaysia’s financial ecosystem, supported by its specialised financial offerings, robust regulatory framework and position as a jurisdiction for cross-border business and investment.

“The index assesses the competitiveness of financial centres worldwide and outlines factors impacting the global financial services landscape,” it said.

The jurisdiction’s development is underpinned by ongoing regulatory enhancements, initiatives to promote industry innovation and a commitment to international compliance standards.

Its performance in 2025 also coincided with Malaysia’s positive outcome in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation, in which Labuan IBFC was recognised for its contribution to the country’s overall assessment.

“As businesses increasingly navigate complex cross-border requirements and evolving financial needs, Labuan IBFC continues to strengthen and develop solutions across its key sectors,” it said.

These capabilities complement Malaysia’s broader financial services ecosystem while enabling businesses and investors to access opportunities regionally and globally.

Labuan IBFC said the latest ranking was a positive milestone as it built on its existing strengths and responded to evolving international market requirements.

It added that continued collaboration with industry participants and other stakeholders would remain important in sustaining the jurisdiction’s competitiveness and supporting its long-term development.

-- BERNAMA