Financial centers of new industrial countries in the world financial architecture

Abstract

The views of scholars concerning the definition of «international financial center», which makes it possible to formulate the definition of international financial center essence are summarized in this paper. The factors influencing the formation of international financial center incluing: stable financial system, stable currency, exchange rate stability, political and social stability in the country, favorable geographical location, developed financial infrastructure, open economy for free movement of capital, etc. are identified. The role of international financial centers in increasing their global competitiveness, achieving higher levels of economic growth, prosperity and social progress is substantiated. The classification of international financial centers is investigated. The place of the Hong Kong Financial Center in the financial architecture of the world is determined. The main parameters of the current state of the Hong Kong Financial Center: the USD / HKD exchange rate, the effective exchange rate index weighted by trade, the Hang Seng index, market capitalization, etc. are diagnosed. SWOT-analysis of the Hong Kong Financia Cente is carried out in order to identify its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Based on the results of the problem of its functioning, a set of measures to improve competitiveness is also proposed. Hong Kong has favorable macroeconomic and institutional environment, qualified personnel, and is the fifth most competitive international financial center in the world. However, there is a low degree of international element in the domestic stock market, there is also risk of losing the status of «international financial center», other regional economies that have greater access to international investment opportunities in the stock market, such as Singapore, may be a threat. The financial center should focus on overcoming the effects of the coronavirus, promote the share of foreign investment in the economy, take a set of measures to overcome the country's recession, review legal, regulatory and tax requirements to promote development, improve quality of life and attractiveness, and become Asia's leading currency hub.