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The GFCI 40 results reflect the jurisdiction’s increasing global recognition and continued development as a specialised financial centre
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC) is currently ranked 44th out of 117 global financial centres in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 40). The jurisdiction has made further improvement in its global standing, moving ahead by 11 places.
The latest ranking reflects Labuan IBFC’s upward trajectory across three consecutive editions of the index, advancing from 60th to 55th and now 44th. The jurisdiction has also moved from the "International Contender" category to the "Specialised Centre" category, which leverages on its recognised competencies in captive insurance, Islamic finance, digital financial services and wealth management.
These developments come as Labuan IBFC continues to strengthen its role within Malaysia’s financial ecosystem, supported by its specialised financial offerings, robust regulatory framework and unique positioning as a jurisdiction for cross-border business and investment activities.
Labuan IBFC Inc. Sdn Bhd, the official marketing and promotional arm for the jurisdiction, has focused its international outreach on the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions, promoting its value propositions, strengthening industry ties and developing opportunities in these key markets. This supports the jurisdiction’s broader goal of raising its global profile and connectivity with financial markets.
Strengthened Position as a Specialised Financial Centre
The GFCI 40 results provide a valuable indicator of competitiveness for Labuan IBFC as it continues to enhance its capabilities and global connectivity. The index assesses the competitiveness of financial centres worldwide and outlines factors impacting the global financial services landscape.
Labuan IBFC’s progress comes amid continued growth of its overall ecosystem. According to the Labuan IBFC Market Report 2025, total industry assets increased by 13% to USD94 billion, while industry capitalisation rose by 32.3% to USD22.5 billion. 41 new licenses were approved during the year, with new company incorporations and registrations growing by 5.1%.
The figures were buoyed by steady performance across key sectors, including banking, insurance, capital markets, Islamic finance and wealth management. Together, these advances continue to support the jurisdiction’s progress as a specialised financial centre offering both conventional and Shariah-compliant solutions.
Building on Industry Growth and Regulatory Development
Labuan IBFC’s continued development is underpinned by ongoing enhancements to its regulatory framework, initiatives that promote industry innovation, and a strong commitment to global compliance standards.
The jurisdiction’s 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.
These capabilities serve to complement Malaysia’s broader financial services ecosystem while enabling businesses and investors to access opportunities both regionally and globally.
Looking Ahead
The GFCI 40 ranking provides a positive milestone as Labuan IBFC builds on its existing strengths and responds to evolving international market requirements. Moving forward, continued collaboration with industry participants and other stakeholders will remain important in supporting the jurisdiction’s competitiveness and long-term development.
For more information on Asia’s premier international financial hub, visit www.labuanibfc.com.
