Seoul maintained a strong position in global finance, securing the 10th spot among 135 cities in the latest Global Financial Centres Index. The city overtook major competitors such as Beijing, Geneva, Paris, and Tokyo. Rankings reflect five key categories: human capital, business environment, financial sector development, infrastructure, and reputation. Moreover, industry surveys worldwide contribute to the city’s evaluation. Consequently, Seoul financial ranking highlights the city’s sustained international competitiveness.
In the index, Seoul ranked within the top 15 in four categories. It placed ninth in business environment and 11th in human capital. The city also achieved 11th in financial sector development and fifth in reputation. Seoul did not rank among the top 15 in infrastructure. Despite this, the city’s overall position reinforces its standing as a competitive global financial hub. The Seoul financial ranking remained steady at 10th for three consecutive years, demonstrating consistent performance.
New York retained the top global spot, followed by London and Hong Kong. While competition remains fierce, Seoul’s high ranking underscores the effectiveness of local policies. In particular, the city’s fintech sector continues to thrive, strengthening its global influence. Seoul ranked eighth globally for fintech offerings, up two spots from the previous year. This represents the city’s highest fintech placement to date, reflecting strategic investments and partnerships.
From April to September, Seoul pursued multiple key fintech initiatives. These included an agreement with Intuitive Surgical, a robotic surgery leader, for an additional 15 billion won investment and 100 new jobs. The city also partnered with Snowflake, a global data cloud company, to expand overseas and develop talent. Furthermore, Seoul aims to integrate financial technology with advanced industries, strengthening its status as a strategic innovation hub. These initiatives boost the Seoul financial ranking and solidify the city’s long-term growth trajectory.
City officials emphasized the importance of innovation-driven financial strategies. They said combining fintech with emerging industries positions Seoul as Asia’s leading hub. Consequently, the Seoul financial ranking highlights the city’s ability to attract talent, investments, and international recognition. Officials aim to maintain competitiveness through continuous development and global collaboration.
