Our global offer to business

Innovative ecosystem

The largest dimension in our analysis, with 30 metrics across tech and innovation and sustainable finance. Both areas are at the forefront of innovative thinking and recipients of high levels of investment.

The UK has an opportunity to further cement its position as the world’s leading sustainable finance centre and become a leader in tech with appropriate policy intervention. For example, by introducing cross-border sandboxes and implementing the recommendations of the Transition Finance Market Review (TFMR).

The UK is Europe’s largest tech ecosystem, second only to the US in global terms. Ensuring UK tech companies can secure the investment they need through private and public markets is key to generating economic growth

Download the report for fuller analysis of the UK's strong innovation offer.

Reach of financial activity

London and New York have a clear lead on the other GFCs in our financial activity analysis. Both are home to far larger capital markets than other GFCs and, between them, take the first and second places across all metrics in this dimension.

London ranks first or second in ten of the 13 metrics. The UK’s leading position in FS exports, international bonds, FX and derivatives, is supported by strength in investment management assets under management (AUM) and foreign companies listing and launching IPOs on UK equity markets.

Download the full report for more detail on the relative global reach of major financial hubs. 

Regulatory environment

The top three positions remain unchanged in this year’s regulatory environment analysis, with Singapore (first) and Hong Kong (third) improving their scores while London’s score dropped.

Singapore is renowned for its accommodative regulatory regime focused on economic growth and expansion of financial services. London scores well in metrics related to market access and ease of doing business but is weaker in tax metrics due to the UK’s high personal and corporate tax rates and additional levies on FS companies.

London has previously led the Most Favourable Regulatory Regime metric, which this year has been removed as it is no longer being updated.

Download the full report for more on the comparative regulatory environments of different financial centres. 

Access to talent and skills

International businesses often cite the UK’s highly skilled and experienced FS talent pool as a reason for expansion or relocation. The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities and business schools, producing future leaders in finance, professional services and tech.

The UK government has made considerable efforts to address inequality, and this is evident in our analysis. The UK is a leader in addressing the gender gap and the FS industry has implemented multiple programmes, such as Investment2020, the Women in Finance Charter and Progress Together, to improve diversity.

Download the full report for more on the talent and skills offering from leading centres. 

Resilient business infrastructure

Businesses in London benefit from high-quality office space, reliable technology and a world-class transport system.

The trend for hybrid working continues, but workers are now spending more time in the office than at home. Recent surveys show Londoners are in the office an average of three days a week and several high-profile companies in the US have announced a return to office five days a week. Businesses and landlords have responded to new working patterns with flexible working spaces and better amenities.

Retrofitted and renovated office buildings that meet energy efficiency targets are also attracting new tenants to the City.

Download the report for fuller analysis of the UK's resilient business infrastructure.