Initially a swamp, the Financial District was one of the first projects undertaken by Sir Stamford Raffles. Taking land from a nearby hill, Raffles filled in the swamp to build a business centre to augment the city's trading post. The area, surrounding Shenton Way, is now Singapore's answer to Wall Street.

The area has now extended to the north and now encompasses the marina area, an area dominated by Suntec City - a massive complex of 5 office towers that house domestic and international that comprise most of Singapore's financial institutions. As well in the midst of Suntec City is the Convention Centre and the accompanying large 5 star convention hotels. An air-conditioned underground walkway lined with shops and restaurants connects the area to City Hall MRT and the Heritage District.