Immediately after the announcement ceremony, the Executive Agency’s Presidium held a working session and direct discussions with members of the advisory group to exchange views in depth on strategic development orientations and identify priority product groups for the initial phase of VIFC-HCMC’s operation.
According to the VIFC-HCMC Executive Agency, the advisory mechanism was established in strict accordance with National Assembly Resolution No. 222/2025/QH15 on the Viet Nam International Financial Centre and Government Decree No. 323/2025/ND-CP on the establishment of VIFC-HCMC.
The launch of the advisory group is expected to significantly strengthen strategic advisory capacity and connect extensive specialist expertise with rich international practical experience. This will provide effective support for the Executive Agency in shaping development directions, selecting optimal financial products, and proposing efficient operating mechanisms in line with the best international practices.
The gathering of leading experts at the event reaffirmed VIFC-HCMC’s systematic, prudent, and highly connected approach towards building a new-generation international financial centre.
The advisory group brings together 13 policymakers, reputable financial experts, leaders of major financial centres around the world, and representatives of major domestic and foreign investment organisations.
Assoc Prof, Dr Tran Hoang Ngan, an expert with extensive experience in macroeconomics, finance and banking, and economic policy, serves as the head of the advisory group.
The advisory body also includes a number of prominent international figures, including Philip Rösler, former Deputy Chancellor of Germany and former Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF); Marc Knapper, former US Ambassador to Viet Nam; Jeff Singer, former Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC); Stephen Glynn, former Chief Executive Officer of the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA); and Dr Jochen Biedermann, Managing Director of the World Alliance of International Financial Centres (WAIFC); along with many leading experts in investment, financial technology (fintech), digital assets, and capital market governance.
On the Vietnamese side, the advisory group includes major investors such as Don Lam, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VinaCapital Group, as well as representatives of university management boards and experts from major universities.
Under its strategic development orientation, VIFC-HCMC aims to build a new-generation international financial ecosystem that promotes Ho Chi Minh City’s role as an economic, technological, and innovation hub.
The centre will focus on key sectors, including international capital markets, green finance, trade finance, maritime finance, aviation finance, fintech, digital assets, asset management, and professional financial services.
