The establishment of regional and international financial centers (IFCs) in Vietnam marks a bold and pivotal political decision, set to catalyze the economy and propel the country into a new phase of growth. This initiative aims to strengthen key pillars of development, paving the way for Vietnam to confidently step into the “New era - The era of the nation’s rise”.

With Vietnam’s inherent advantages, the creation of IFCs in Ho Chi Minh City and central Da Nang city has already captured the attention of investors both at home and abroad. But to stand out and compete with established global financial hubs, Vietnam must adopt a visionary strategy and develop a unique, superior model. The approach must harmonize with the country’s political and legal framework, while carefully selecting the best structure to appeal to both local and international investors.

Way forward

According to Mr. Rich McClellan, Country Director of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change in Vietnam, the establishment of IFCs in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang marks a significant and timely initiative for Vietnam. With the right reforms and strategic implementation, these centers can position the country as a major player in the global financial system, fostering capital flows, encouraging innovation, and driving economic growth. “The Politburo’s resolution presents a clear, phased roadmap for developing these financial centers,” he told Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy. “This structured approach, beginning with foundational reforms such as tax incentives, regulatory sandboxes, and upgrades to digital infrastructure, reflects the government’s strong commitment to creating a competitive financial ecosystem.”

The plan, he continued, effectively balances short-term achievements, such as simplifying business and investment procedures, with long-term goals like aligning Vietnam’s regulatory frameworks with global standards. “This comprehensive approach ensures that the IFCs are built on a solid foundation, instilling trust among global investors,” he said.

Speaking at the Conference on Developing International Financial Centers in Vietnam, held in Da Nang in January, Mr. Andy Khoo, Managing Director of Terne Holdings, affirmed that the their development is not just a project but a bold statement about the country’s ambition to lead the global financial market. He shared an insightful perspective. “Vietnam is quickly becoming an emerging star in ASEAN, with consistent GDP growth of 6-7 per cent, trade turnover of $786.29 billion last year, and over $120 billion in FDI over the past decade,” he said. “The Da Nang International Financial Center, for example, could add a remarkable $3-5 billion annually to Vietnam’s GDP.”

Despite its potential, Vietnam faces several challenges in developing successful IFCs, Mr. McClellan noted. One critical area is the modernization of regulatory and legal frameworks, particularly in dispute resolution, capital movement, and transparency. There is also a need to address talent and skills gaps, as building a workforce with expertise in high-value sectors like fintech, green finance, and international regulatory compliance is essential. Additionally, Vietnam’s relatively shallow capital markets may limit the range of financial products available, potentially slowing investment inflows. Another challenge is the development of world-class financial infrastructure, both physical and digital, which is crucial for creating a seamless business environment.

Suitable model

According to Mr. McClellan, Vietnam should adopt a phased and hybrid approach, evolving over time by combining elements from the financial models of Singapore, Hong Kong (China), and Dubai, while tailoring policies to Vietnam’s unique needs and capacities. In the initial phase, the focus should be on aligning policies with international best practices, as observed in successful financial hubs.

As Vietnam’s institutional frameworks mature, it can introduce more advanced reforms common to established IFCs. These reforms may include the gradual liberalization of cross-border capital flows to enhance the country’s appeal to global investors, the expansion of sophisticated financial products such as derivatives, environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-focused bonds, and securitized assets, and deepening regional and global integration by strengthening Vietnam’s role in ASEAN’s financial ecosystem and building bilateral partnerships with major global hubs. “By adopting this phased approach, Vietnam can manage risks while building a competitive and resilient financial ecosystem that aligns with international standards and strengthens its position in global markets,” he believes.

Mr. Khoo also emphasized the importance of learning from successful global models, such as Singapore, the Dubai International Financial Centre, and rising hubs like GIFT City and Labuan. To establish Da Nang as Southeast Asia’s next financial powerhouse, the city must focus on three strategic pillars that leverage its unique strengths and opportunities: green finance, fintech innovation, and trade finance.

In particular, he went on, as one of ASEAN’s most underserved markets, the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) community faces an unmet trade finance demand of $200 billion annually. The Da Nang International Financial Center has the potential to bridge this gap by offering innovative trade finance solutions and facilitating seamless cross-border capital flows.

By providing arbitration facilities for commercial disputes and tax incentives within the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the Da Nang International Financial Center can create a competitive edge in the global financial market. “All of these factors come together to create an innovative, sustainable, and globally connected financial ecosystem, ensuring that the Da Nang International Financial Center will stand out not only in the region but also on the international stage,” he added.

Building a competitive edge

While establishing a well-rounded financial ecosystem is essential, Vietnam should prioritize specific niches to differentiate itself and build a competitive edge, Mr. McClellan said. This includes three main factors. First, fintech and digital banking, for example, leverage Vietnam’s vibrant tech ecosystem and digitally-engaged population. Second, green finance and ESG investing could position the country as a regional leader in sustainable finance, especially given its net-zero commitments. And third, focusing on high-tech and innovation financing in sectors such as semiconductors and renewable energy aligns with Vietnam’s industrial strategy. “By excelling in these areas and gradually expanding the IFCs’ scope, Vietnam can attract high-quality investment and create long-term growth opportunities,” he said.

Dr. Andreas Baumgartner, CEO and Co-Founder of The Metis Institute, emphasized that the key to success lies in sharp positioning and a compelling value proposition. No global financial hub has ever flourished simply by calling itself an “international financial center”. True success comes from delivering unique value to the market.

With Vietnam ambitiously developing not one but two IFCs in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, clear differentiation is essential, he noted. Each must carve out its own niche and strategic direction to prevent overlaps or internal competition. By doing so, both can fully leverage their strengths and cater to distinct financial market demands, solidifying Vietnam’s standing in the global financial landscape.

To fast-track the development of the IFCs, Mr. McClellan said Vietnam should focus on several key areas. Establishing independent regulatory bodies would ensure transparency and alignment with international standards. Developing sector-specific incentives for asset management, green finance, and fintech could attract global players. Enhanced public-private collaboration would be crucial for shaping policies that meet market needs, and investing in talent development through partnerships with global financial institutions could help provide training in advanced financial skills and regulatory compliance. Additionally, leveraging Vietnam’s extensive network of free trade agreements (FTAs) could deepen international financial ties and attract investment.

Source: VnEconomy