ISTANBUL, June 2026 — Turkey’s Istanbul Financial Center (IFC) and Morocco’s Casablanca Finance City (CFC) have taken a significant step toward strengthening financial cooperation between their regions by signing a partnership agreement aimed at enhancing investment flows, knowledge sharing, and collaboration between the two financial hubs.
The agreement is expected to create a strategic financial bridge linking Turkey, North Africa, the Middle East, and broader international markets. The partnership will focus on promoting cross-border investments, facilitating business opportunities, and encouraging cooperation among financial institutions operating in both centers.
Expanding International Financial Networks
Officials from both organizations emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between emerging financial centers in an increasingly interconnected global economy. The partnership is expected to support the exchange of expertise in areas such as financial services, fintech, sustainable finance, and capital markets.
The collaboration also aims to strengthen ties between Turkish and Moroccan businesses by providing easier access to regional markets and investment opportunities across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Strategic Importance for Istanbul Financial Center
The agreement aligns with the broader vision of the Istanbul Financial Center, which seeks to position Istanbul as a major regional and global financial hub. Located in Ataşehir, the IFC serves as a center for banking, capital markets, financial services, and international investment activities. It offers tax incentives and strategic access to markets spanning Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
According to IFC data, the center is within a four-hour flight radius of markets representing approximately 1.6 billion people, $30 trillion in economic output, and $8 trillion in trade volume, highlighting its strategic geographical advantage.
Gateway to African Markets
Casablanca Finance City has established itself as one of Africa’s leading financial hubs and a gateway for international investors seeking opportunities across the continent. The new cooperation framework is expected to facilitate stronger business connections between Turkish companies and African markets while enabling Moroccan and African investors to expand their engagement with Turkey and neighboring regions.
Supporting Regional Economic Integration
Analysts view the partnership as part of a growing trend among international financial centers to deepen cooperation and build regional networks. By combining their respective strengths, Istanbul and Casablanca aim to enhance competitiveness, attract international capital, and support sustainable economic growth across their regions.
Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök