Amid globalization and international economic integration, developing financial centers has become a strategic imperative for countries and territories seeking to strengthen their position in the global economy. For Vietnam, the decision to establish a world-class financial hub is not just an inexorable trend but also a powerful catalyst for economic growth, investment attraction, and enhanced national competitiveness.

A well-developed financial center not only streamlines access to capital for both domestic and international businesses but also improves capital allocation, optimizes banking operations, deepens the stock market, and strengthens financial intermediaries. Moreover, it serves as a key driver in attracting top talent, fostering fintech innovation and building a modern, transparent, and sustainable financial ecosystem.

Pivotal role

A financial center serves as a cornerstone of Vietnam’s economic growth by attracting investment capital from both domestic and international sources, providing businesses with easier access to essential financial resources. Its development strengthens Vietnam’s integration into the global financial system, attracts foreign financial institutions, and unlocks new investment opportunities. Additionally, it creates a dynamic environment where enterprises can access diverse financial instruments, including capital markets and credit, to support their expansion.

A well-developed financial market enhances businesses’ ability to raise capital, scale operations, and improve competitiveness. It also drives the growth of the stock market, bond market, and derivative products. By expanding financial offerings and improving market liquidity, a financial center ensures more efficient capital allocation, enabling businesses to secure funding more effectively.

Beyond economic benefits, a financial center also elevates Vietnam’s global financial standing and credibility. The establishment of regional and international financial hubs within the country is a strategic breakthrough, positioning it as a key player in the global financial landscape and unlocking new growth opportunities for its economy.

Essential conditions

Building Vietnam’s financial center requires the development of a comprehensive legal framework, investment-friendly policies, and advancements in financial and technological infrastructure.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) is formulating a legal framework to ensure the effective operation of capital and monetary markets. Meanwhile, the former Ministry of Planning and Investment, which has now merged with the Ministry of Finance, has proposed investment incentive policies, including personal income tax exemptions to 2035, followed by a 50 per cent reduction for employees working at the financial center. Corporate income tax incentives include a 10 per cent tax rate for priority sectors, with a four-year tax exemption and a 50 per cent reduction for the subsequent nine years.

Financial transparency and regulatory oversight are being strengthened through the adoption of international accounting standards, which aim to reduce costs and attract investment. A commercial arbitration mechanism is also being developed to efficiently resolve disputes.

Fintech development and payment infrastructure are expanding rapidly. The fintech market is projected to reach $18 billion by 2025, a four-fold increase from $4.5 billion in 2016. With 77.9 million internet users, accounting for 79.1 per cent of the population, Vietnam boasts strong potential for digital financial services. The interbank electronic payment system processes VND830 trillion ($33.2 billion) a day, and cross-border QR code payment connections have been established with Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.

Cybersecurity and digital transformation are key priorities, with investments in AI, blockchain, and big data to enhance the customer experience. Significant efforts are being made to strengthen cybersecurity and prevent cyberattacks in the banking sector.

Financial workforce development is also a strategic focus. By 2025, the University of Finance and Marketing will introduce three new academic programs to meet industry demand. The government aims to attract 100 international financial experts for training initiatives and offers financial specialists allowances of up to 300 per cent of their current salaries.

Stock market expansion is accelerating. The push for green finance is fostering the development of green bonds and digital banking, aligning with Vietnam’s sustainable growth strategy.

Building a fintech ecosystem and venture capital landscape remains a priority. By 2022, Vietnam had 260 fintech companies, a significant rise from 39 in 2015. Fintech transaction value reached $22.6 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $31.6 billion this year.

These foundational elements will enable Vietnam to develop a modern financial center, attracting both domestic and international investment.

Key challenges

Vietnam faces numerous challenges in developing its financial center. These include an inconsistent financial legal framework, a lack of clear regulations on taxation, investor protection, and cross-border transactions. Establishing specialized policies aligned with international standards is essential.

Regional competition is another significant hurdle, as Singapore and Hong Kong (China) have already established themselves as leading financial hubs with advanced infrastructure and well-developed financial ecosystems. According to the Global Financial Centres Index, published on September 24, 2024, Hong Kong (China) ranked third globally, while Singapore ranked fifth, placing considerable competitive pressure on Ho Chi Minh City.

Economic and financial stability is also crucial. While Vietnam’s GDP was estimated at $470 billion in 2024, ranking it 33rd globally, its financial market remains relatively limited in scale. The development of a financial center must be accompanied by macro-economic stability, increased transparency, and enhanced investor confidence.

Cybersecurity and financial fraud risks are growing alongside the expansion of financial technology. Singapore has established the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to safeguard its financial infrastructure. Vietnam needs to adopt similar measures to mitigate these risks effectively.

Solutions for development

To take Vietnam’s financial center forward, key aspects of the financial ecosystem must be considered, including the legal framework, financial technology infrastructure, capital markets, international cooperation, and workforce quality.

Improving the legal framework to meet international standards

Vietnam’s financial market regulations remain incomplete and not yet aligned with global standards. Laws such as the Law on Securities, the Law on Banking, and the Law on Fintech should be adjusted to align with BIS (Bank for International Settlement, Basel III), IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), and IOSCO (International Organization of Securities Commissions) standards. Policies should also attract foreign investment, develop financial derivatives, and streamline administrative procedures to enhance capital accessibility.

Investing in financial technology infrastructure

Vietnam is experiencing strong growth in digital payments. However, its financial technology infrastructure faces challenges related to security, connectivity, and data standards. The Global Fintech Index 2023 ranks Vietnam 61st out of 83 in fintech development. Investments should be directed towards real-time gross settlement (RTGS) and blockchain to enhance transaction speed. AI and big data infrastructure should also be developed for financial analysis and risk management. Additionally, a fintech sandbox should be supported, to foster digital finance innovation.

Developing a professional and transparent capital market

Vietnam has yet to be upgraded to an emerging market by MSCI (Morgan Stanley Capital International), limiting foreign capital inflows. To address this, corporate transparency should be improved, and audits should follow IFRS standards to strengthen investor confidence. Diverse financial products such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), real estate investment trusts (REITs), and commodity derivatives should be introduced. A domestic credit rating system should also be developed to assess bond issuers.

Strengthening collaboration with international financial hubs

Vietnam has financial cooperation agreements with Singapore and Hong Kong (China) but lacks a comprehensive strategy. Stronger partnerships with major financial centers such as Singapore, Hong Kong (China), and London should be pursued through investment incentives. A “financial passport” mechanism should be established to facilitate Vietnamese businesses’ access to international capital markets. Vietnam should also host global financial conferences to position itself as an attractive destination for investors.

Enhancing financial workforce quality

Vietnam has around 5,000 finance professionals with CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) and ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) certifications; far less than in Singapore (40,000). Over 65 per cent of financial sector employees lack specialized training in fintech and risk management. Training programs aligned with CFA, CPA (Certified Public Accountant), and ACCA standards should be expanded. Collaboration with international financial universities should be strengthened, and financial companies should be supported in retraining employees in fintech and digital asset management.

Towards a regional financial center

Developing Vietnam’s financial centers requires a comprehensive strategy focusing on institutional reform, technology investment, capital market expansion, international collaboration, and high-quality workforce training. These measures will help Vietnam move closer to becoming a regional financial hub.

Beyond being an inexorable trend, establishing a financial center is key to driving economic growth, attracting investment, and elevating Vietnam’s position in global finance. While challenges remain, including competition from regional financial centers, macro-economic stability requirements, and cybersecurity risks, Vietnam has major potential to build a modern and sustainable financial hub. This requires close coordination between the government, regulatory bodies, businesses, and international financial communities to enact breakthrough policies, institutional reforms, and high-quality capital attraction.

In an increasingly integrated global economy, the success of Vietnam’s financial centers will not only spur economic growth but also shape the country’s financial future, positioning Vietnam as a prominent player in regional and global finance.