The Federal Government’s goal of having Australia recognised as a hub for financial services isn’t far off, according to a study by McKinsey.

Commonwealth Government body Axiss says Australia scored well in the study – the McKinsey Global Survey of Business Executives – which questioned senior directors from 15 leading global financial services companies.

An objective of the study was to determine the features of a city that make it an attractive regional base. Six criteria were considered – a rational legal framework, stable political environment, sustainable local economy, highly developed infrastructure, good quality of life and strategic geographic location.

Axiss also says Australia is attractive as a location for regional headquarters, with business infrastructure costs considerably lower than in other developed Asia Pacific centres.