On 11 February 2026, the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC) was officially launched at the Vietnam IFC Building[1], marking the formal implementation of an IFC model in Vietnam as part of the country’s broader strategy to integrate more deeply into the global financial system.
VIFC-HCMC comprises seven founding members[2] and six strategic members[3] participating in the initiative. A distinctive feature of the model is that members participate not only as independent legal entities but also contribute their broader ecosystems, including global client networks, financial-technology partnerships, operational experience, financial capacity, and risk management expertise, thereby generating spillover effects and enhancing market depth.
The center is structured around five strategic pillars, including:
(1) an Aviation Finance Hub providing capital, leasing, insurance, and risk management services for aircraft fleets and aviation logistics across the Asia-Pacific region;
(2) a Maritime Finance Hub associated with international trade, logistics, supply chain finance, and high-technology commodity exchange, clearing, and settlement infrastructure;
(3) a fintech and digital banking ecosystem;
(4) green, sustainable, and transition finance value chains; and
(5) the development of modern financial market infrastructure oriented toward international exchanges and sophisticated financial products.
On the basis of Resolution No. 222 dated 27 June 2025 of the National Assembly and Decree No. 323 dated 18 December 2025 of the Government, together with the strong direction of the Steering Committee for the IFC, the center has recorded several initial achievements, including:
(1) the establishment of an Aviation Finance Hub with 6.1 billion USD in committed capital;
(2) the development of Maritime Finance Hub;
(3) the mobilization of 2 billion USD for smart urban data infrastructure and finance for HCMC’s development;
(4) the creation of a 1 billion USD on-chain economy Investment Fund;
(5) preparations for large-scale cross-border commercial transactions through the center’s interbank financial system; and
(6) the launch of an official portal, membership registration system, and an AI-powered virtual assistant chatbot to facilitate investor inquiries and administrative procedures.
From the perspective of BIC in Ho Chi Minh City, the development of the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City reflects Vietnam’s ambition to position itself as a regional financial hub. The initiative could enhance Vietnam’s ability to attract international capital and facilitate cross-border financial activities, potentially influencing regional investment dynamics and financial competitiveness, as well as becoming one of the leading financial hubs in Southeast Asia.
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References: 1. Tuoi Tre, 11 February 2026
https://tuoitre.vn/trung-tam-tai-chinh-quoc-te-viet-nam-ra-mat-tai-tp-hcm-20260211115214328.htm
2. Bao Dien Tu Chinh Phu, 12 February 2026
[1] 8 Nguyen Hue Street, Saigon Ward, HCMC
[2] Sovico Group, Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB), Tien Phong Commercial Joint Stock Bank (TPBank), Saigon–Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB), Son Kim Capital, VinaCapital, and Nasdaq
[3] Nam A Bank, HCMC Finance and Investment State-Owned Company, University of Economics HCMC, the On-chain Economy Alliance, Gemadept, and TikTok
