Labuan:Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC) has advanced 11 places to secure the 44th position out of 117 global financial centres in the most recent Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 40).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this marks Labuan IBFC's third consecutive rise in the index, having previously moved from the 60th to the 55th position before reaching its current ranking. The centre's classification has shifted from an 'International Contender' to a 'Specialised Centre', highlighting its strengths in areas such as captive insurance, Islamic finance, digital financial services, and wealth management.

Labuan IBFC's developments have reinforced its role within Malaysia's financial ecosystem by offering specialised financial services, a robust regulatory framework, and serving as a jurisdiction for cross-border business and investment. The index evaluates the competitiveness of financial centres worldwide, considering various factors that impact the global financial services landscape.

The centre's progress is supported by ongoing regulatory enhancements, initiatives to foster industry innovation, and a commitment to international compliance standards. Notably, its performance in 2025 coincided with Malaysia's favorable outcome in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation, where Labuan IBFC was acknowledged for its contributions to the country's assessment.

As businesses face complex cross-border requirements and evolving financial needs, Labuan IBFC continues to develop solutions across key sectors, complementing Malaysia's broader financial services ecosystem and enabling access to regional and global opportunities. The recent ranking is a significant milestone, building on existing strengths and responding to international market demands. Continued collaboration with industry participants and stakeholders remains crucial to sustaining the jurisdiction's competitiveness and supporting its long-term development.