Seoul ranked seventh among 139 cities in the 40th Global Financial Centres Index, rising nine places from 16th in 2021 and reaching its highest-ever seventh place in the fintech category. Mayor Oh Se-hoon said Seoul’s brand had become an economic growth engine and set a goal of making the capital a global top-three city by combining international appeal with higher resident happiness and quality of life. Seoul also rose six places to third in the city reputation category, which measures brand value, attractiveness and innovation. The records separately show Hong Kong retaining third place in a GFCI 40 account covering 117 financial centres, with New York first and London second, highlighting a discrepancy in the stated edition and coverage.