Are you a young academic with groundbreaking ideas for the future of finance? The World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) invites you to compete for the 2025 WAIFC Young Academic Award, offering a €3,000 prize and a global platform to showcase your research. Building on Nigeria’s recent success, where Adebodun Adebayo secured the first runner-up position in the 2024 Young Academic Award, EnterpriseNGR—a proud member of WAIFC- in line with its pursuit of empowering young Nigerian talents, invites entries from across the country. We strongly believe this is an opportunity to showcase Nigeria in a positive light while highlighting the potential for global change within the country. Prize Details Winner: €3,000 2nd Place: €2,000 3rd Place: €1,000 All finalists will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to present their work at the WAIFC Annual General Meeting in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in October 2025. Why Participate? This global competition seeks innovative research addressing critical challenges and opportunities in finance. WAIFC, a network of 28 leading international financial centers, aims to foster collaboration and share best practices worldwide. Your ideas could shape policies, drive sustainability, and influence the future of financial ecosystems. Key Themes for 2025 Submissions should explore topics such as: Climate Finance: Role of financial centers in mobilizing climate investments. Sustainable Reporting: Harmonizing global ESG standards. Circular Economy Financing: Scaling circular business models. Blue Economy: Financing sustainable maritime initiatives. Gender Equity: Promoting diversity in financial leadership. Emerging Tech: Impact of AI, quantum computing, and digital assets. Consumer Protection: Combating fraud and enhancing trust. Talent Development: Reskilling for sustainability and fintech. Intergenerational Wealth: Facilitating wealth transfer strategies. Papers on other topics relevant to international financial centers (IFCs) are also welcome. Eligibility Open to students, Ph.D. candidates, post-docs, and junior researchers under 35 years (as of 30 May 2025). Submissions from all academic fields are encouraged, provided they relate to finance. Collaborative work is allowed, but at least one author must meet the age criteria. Papers must be unpublished or published after 2023 (English translations required if applicable). Selection Criteria Submissions will be evaluated on: Novelty Topical relevance Innovative thinking Scientific rigor Impact on financial centers Practical applicability How to Apply Intent to Submit: Register by 30 April 2025 via the WAIFC Submission Form. Final Deadline: Submit papers by 30 May 2025. Resources Download the Award Handbook for detailed guidelines. Access the Call-for-Papers for theme insights. Questions? Contact the WAIFC team at award@waifc.finance. About WAIFC WAIFC is a global nonprofit representing 28 leading financial centers. We promote sustainable finance, share best practices, and connect policymakers, academia, and industry leaders to drive inclusive growth. Seize this opportunity to advance your career, gain international recognition, and contribute to a resilient financial future. Submit your research today!
Tag: WAIFC
EnterpriseNGR, Lagos State, Progress in Establishing Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC): Building Africa’s Premier Financial Centre
A well-developed and efficient capital market is fundamental to the success of any International Financial Centre (IFC). It serves as the backbone for economic growth, attracting investments, enhancing liquidity, and fostering financial innovation. Recognizing this, EnterpriseNGR, in partnership with the Lagos State Government, convened a high-level engagement with the Chief Executive Officers of Nigeria’s licensed exchanges—Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), FMDQ Group, Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE), AFEX, and NASD PLC. This strategic session, which was held this week, was hosted by His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and provided a platform to discuss critical challenges affecting Nigeria’s financial markets, including regulatory inefficiencies, infrastructure gaps, and the need for greater technological integration The discussions, led by Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of EnterpriseNGR and Co-Chair of the LIFC Council, and enriched by insights from PwC Nigeria, explored practical solutions to strengthen the financial ecosystem and position Lagos as a globally competitive IFC. EnterpriseNGR and the Lagos State Government extend their appreciation to all participants for their invaluable contributions. As work progresses, further strategic engagements will be convened with other key stakeholders in the Financial and Professional Services (FPS) sector to ensure a holistic approach to developing the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC). With the LIFC, Nigeria is not just participating in the global financial arena—it is setting the stage for Africa’s next financial powerhouse. The journey has begun, and the world would do well to pay attention.
Showcasing the Immense Potential of Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services Sector at WAIFC AGM in Tokyo
Showcasing the Immense Potential of Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services Sector at WAIFC AGM in Tokyo In line with our commitment to champion collective advocacy for the development of Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services (FPS) sector, EnterpriseNGR‘s CEO, Obi Ibekwe, played prominent roles at the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC) Annual General Meeting held last week in Tokyo, Japan. Obi, a WAIFC Board Member, delivered two impactful presentations highlighting Nigeria’s growing FPS landscape and the opportunities for investment in the country at adjoining events of the AGM. In her first presentation, titled “Unlocking Opportunities in Africa’s Most Populous Economy”, she highlighted key investment opportunities in Nigeria, promoting our agenda to position Nigeria as the premier financial services centre in Africa. Her second presentation titled “Art and Finance: The Nigerian Perspective”, showcased the intersection between Art and Finance and how Financial Institutions and government collaboratively support the growth of the creative sector in Nigeria. EnterpriseNGR is dedicated to leveraging international collaboration and innovation to promote Nigeria’s FPS sector. The Sector comprises Banking, Insurance, Capital Markets, Asset Management, Pensions, Non-interest Finance, FinTech, Professional Services (Legal Services, Accounting and Management Consulting), and Sustainable Finance. We remain dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s potential and leveraging strategic partnerships to enhance the FPS sector’s growth. We welcome more organisations to join us in this noble cause to unite the voice of the Sector.