Building Shanghai into an international financial center is a core national strategy. In 2025, the city made substantial progress in advancing its financial system through policy innovation, market development, and institutional opening-up.

Shanghai now boasts one of the most comprehensive financial market systems in the world, supported by advanced infrastructure for the registration, custody, and clearing of financial products.

This foundation ensures the efficient issuance, pricing, trading, payment, settlement, and risk management of renminbi-denominated financial assets.

In terms of market scale, Shanghai ranks among the world's leading financial centers. In 2025, the total turnover of Shanghai's financial markets reached 4,059 trillion yuan ($585.84 trillion), representing year-on-year growth of 11.2 percent.

The city hosted 1,813 licensed financial institutions, while total domestic and foreign currency deposits rose to 24.5 trillion yuan, an increase of 11.3 percent year-on-year.

Foreign financial service providers accounted for more than 30 percent of all registered financial institutions in Shanghai.

The inauguration of the International Monetary Fund's Shanghai Regional Center in 2025 further strengthened the city's standing as a global financial hub.

Shanghai has also continued to broaden its financial services and product offerings.

The Shanghai Futures Exchange listed options for lead, nickel, tin, and alumina, completing its coverage of all non-ferrous metal options. Investment activity across angel investment, venture capital, and private equity investment maintained steady growth.

The launch of a green finance service platform reinforced Shanghai's position as an international green finance hub.

Key developments in 2025 included the establishment of the National Artificial Intelligence Industry Investment Fund, the second phase of the Shanghai Industrial Transformation and Upgrade Fund, and the international operation center for digital renminbi.

The city also welcomed the Interbank Market Data Reporting Center and the China Capital Market Association, and completed the merger between Guotai Junan Securities and Haitong Securities.

Shanghai continues to pioneer financial reform and innovation, particularly within the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone. The city is strengthening its role as a hub for cross-border renminbi transactions, while further optimizing the business environment for financial institutions, enhancing the rule of law, and improving credit and consumer protection systems. As a result, foreign residents enjoy greater payment convenience and broader access to financial services.

Looking ahead, Shanghai aims to build an open, efficient, stable, and dynamic financial system that enhances global resource allocation, supports high-quality development, and consolidates its position as a leading international financial center.

Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Sources: Office for Advancing International Financial Center Development of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, Shanghai Municipal Government Work Report