Vietnam Fintech City Pushes Forward IFC Vision

Ho Chi Minh City’s ambition to establish an international financial centre (IFC) is taking shape. After over 20 years of planning, the Politburo has officially endorsed the proposal. This move has sparked strong interest from both local and foreign investors.

Truong Minh Huy Vu, Director at the HCM City Institute for Development Studies, confirmed the city’s plan to adopt a model aligned with its development strategy. He added that financial technology (Fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) will anchor the IFC’s growth.

Vietnam has already implemented AI and Fintech in several areas. These include regulatory sandboxes for peer-to-peer lending, AI-based credit scoring, and support for AI-led startups.

Professor Tran Ngoc Tho of the University of Economics HCMC stressed that Fintech will redefine the global financial hub landscape. He said HCM City is best placed to host Vietnam’s IFC, with Fintech as its initial focus.

According to Robocash Group, Vietnam has the second-fastest growing Fintech sector in ASEAN, just behind Singapore. The sector is projected to hit $18 billion by the end of 2025.

Vietnam IFC could push Fintech adoption

Le Thi Le Hang, Chief Strategy Officer at SSI Securities, said Fintech adoption is accelerating due to its use in digital assets and financial solutions. Analysts estimate the market could grow by 25–30% annually over the next decade with most of it within the IFC.

HCM City already leads Vietnam’s Fintech scene. It houses over 150 active Fintech companies, including those in digital payments, P2P lending, and tech-driven securities.

Global investors are also paying attention. KKR, Blackstone, ADIA, Samsung, Intel, and Synopsys are just a few eyeing the city’s Fintech opportunities.

Experts believe the IFC could become a testing ground for crypto and digital asset exchanges. Hanoi-based IDG Capital partner Duc Tran said sandbox mechanisms must remain independent from existing finance systems.

A solid legal and regulatory foundation is critical. This will help scale innovation while reducing systemic risks.

City officials stressed that the IFC will support green and sustainable growth. It will also boost key sectors like semiconductors, AI, and digital infrastructure.

In conclusion, HCM City aims to position itself as a regional innovation leader. The IFC will serve as the launchpad for that transformation.