Asia-Pacific home to more than a third of world’s top finance centres: Colliers

The centre of gravity is shifting east in the financial services world, but New York remains the global benchmark, says Colliers report

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Singapore ranked third in a Colliers report on the world's leading financial centres, behind New York and London. Photo: AFP

Published: 7:31pm, 10 Jun 2026

Asia-Pacific cities account for 39 per cent of the top global financial services companies and about 36 per cent of the world’s leading financial centres, Colliers said. Supported by strong labour markets and venture capital activity, cities such as Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong ranked among the region’s top talent hubs.

However, New York emerged as the clear leader in the property consultant’s report, scoring 4.6 out of a possible 5, followed by London with a mark of 3.9 and Singapore at 3.6. The overall rankings covered more than 200 global markets and gauged the depth of talent, investment activity and long-term growth prospects.

“Boasting the highest concentration of financial services headquarters in the world, it is perhaps not surprising that New York City ranks first in our analysis of top financial services talent centres,” the report said.

“The city achieved leading scores in labour index and VC [venture capital] funding, helping elevate the city to the top of the charts globally,” it added. “New York City is where the world’s top financial services talent wants to live, work and play.”

In the second part of its talent report series released on Wednesday, Colliers said that the financial services industry was nevertheless being drawn towards the Asia-Pacific region and the wide array of cities with offerings in the sector.

“The centre of gravity for financial services capability is shifting east and organisations – both from within the Asia-Pacific region and around the world – want to be where the talent is,” said Mike Davis, Colliers’ managing director for occupier services in Asia-Pacific. “Asia-Pacific talent markets are on the ascent.”

Shanghai placed fifth in the global rankings, followed by Beijing and Hong Kong respectively, the report showed.

Asia-Pacific home to more than a third of world’s top finance centres: Colliers

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The centre of gravity is shifting east in the financial services world, but New York remains the global benchmark, says Colliers report

The centre of gravity is shifting east in the financial services world, but New York remains the global benchmark, says Colliers report