AUGUST 2026 NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

AUGUST 2026 NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

August 2026 marked significant progress in advancing the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC) from institutional development toward substantive operations. Alongside expanding international cooperation with partners in Singapore, Finland, and the United Kingdom, VIFC-HCMC accelerated initiatives in green finance, FinTech, market infrastructure, membership development, and investment promotion.

New developments in the legal framework, priority financial products, and talent policies also continued to lay the foundation for building an internationally connected financial center capable of effectively channeling global capital into Vietnam’s economy.

VIFC-HCMC Participates in ASEAN Conference 2026, Expanding Regional Financial Connectivity

On July 31, VIFC-HCMC participated in ASEAN Conference 2026 and ASEANext 2026 in Singapore as part of the VPSF 2026 international consultation under the “Vietnam Market Breakout” program. CEO Richard D. McClellan shared VIFC-HCMC’s vision of becoming a platform connecting international capital with Vietnam’s economy, while advancing digital technology, RegTech and regional cooperation.

Vietnam Green Finance Conference 2026 Connects Green Capital with Investment Opportunities

On August 6, VIFC-HCMC, FiinGroup, Nam A Bank and GGGI Vietnam jointly organized the Vietnam Green Finance Conference 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City. The conference focused on green finance policy, capital mobilization, green bonds, credit ratings and independent green assessments, while highlighting VIFC-HCMC’s ambition to build an ecosystem connecting investment-ready projects with international green capital.

FiinGroup Presents Letter of Intent to Expand Market Infrastructure Cooperation with VIFC-HCMC

On August 6, during the Vietnam Green Finance Conference 2026, FiinGroup presented a Letter of Intent to VIFC-HCMC to explore cooperation in financial market infrastructure and services. Potential areas include financial data, corporate information, analytics, technology, credit ratings and independent assessments to strengthen market transparency and international capital connectivity.

VIFC-HCMC and Embassy of Finland Discuss Innovation, FinTech and Digital Finance Cooperation

On August 7, VIFC-HCMC met with Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Pekka Voutilainen and representatives of the Embassy of Finland. Discussions covered the development of VIFC-HCMC, innovation ecosystems, financial digitalization and FinTech, as well as opportunities to connect Finnish businesses and share Finland’s experience in technology and digital transformation.

VIFC-HCMC Investment Promotion Conference Advances Commitments into Real Transactions

On August 11, the 2026 Investment Promotion Conference for the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City was held under the theme “Building a Gateway Connecting Vietnam with Global Capital.” Discussions focused on policy, legal frameworks, infrastructure, international capital flows and investment implementation, with VIFC-HCMC emphasizing end-to-end support for investors from ideas to transactions and from commitments to execution.

VIFC-HCMC Hosts UK Trade Commissioner to Expand Financial and Technology Cooperation

On August 14, VIFC-HCMC met with Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, and representatives of UK businesses. Discussions covered FinTech, cybersecurity, tokenization, blockchain, maritime finance, logistics and investment finance, while exploring deeper cooperation with the UK in financial technology, professional capacity building and talent development.

VIFC Announces  Membership Registration and Recognition System for 2026–2027

On August 17, VIFC officially launched its Membership Registration and Recognition System through its official online portal. The digital platform enables investors, institutions and enterprises to complete membership registration, recognition, modification and termination procedures under a unified process, representing an important step in the digitalization of VIFC operations.

Article 24 of the Draft Urban Development Law Marks an Important Step Forward for the International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City

On August 17, the National Assembly Standing Committee reviewed revisions to the draft Urban Development Law, including provisions related to the development of the Vietnam International Financial Center. The proposed framework received broad support and is expected to strengthen the legal basis for urban infrastructure, spatial planning and development conditions supporting VIFC-HCMC.

VIFC Shifts from Institutional Development to Substantive Operations

On August 19, the Executive Council of the Vietnam International Financial Center reviewed progress under the “one center, two locations” model in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. With the core institutional framework largely in place, priorities are now shifting toward product development, member attraction and concrete large-scale transactions capable of mobilizing international medium- and long-term capital.

VIFC Identifies Priority Financial Product Groups to Drive Real Transactions

At the August 19 Executive Council meeting, the operating authorities in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang proposed six priority product groups: investment funds and asset management, tokenized real-world assets, international carbon credits, commodity derivatives trading, FinTech, and bonds issued within the International Financial Center. The product roadmap is intended to accelerate substantive transactions and long-term capital mobilization.

National Assembly Passes Urban Development Law, Strengthening the Legal Foundation for VIFC-HCMC

On August 24, the 16th National Assembly passed the Urban Development Law with 465 of 474 votes in favor, effective October 1, 2026. The law strengthens the legal foundation for VIFC-HCMC by enabling mechanisms for municipal and project bond issuance and enhancing connectivity between the financial center and free trade zones, logistics hubs, open ports, high-tech zones and other strategic urban functions.

Ho Chi Minh City Approves Compensation and Incentive Policy for VIFC-HCMC Personnel

On August 27, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council approved a resolution on salaries, incentives and bonuses for personnel working at the VIFC-HCMC Operating Authority. The special remuneration framework is expected to strengthen VIFC-HCMC’s ability to attract and retain highly qualified professionals and enhance its operational capacity.