The Viet Nam–UK International Financial Centre Summit 2026, jointly organised by the British Embassy in Ha Noi and the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, brought together regulators, international experts and businesses from both countries. The event sought to advance the development of an International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and integration of Viet Nam’s financial market.
A highlight of the programme was the handover of the report titled “Developing Viet Nam’s Commodity Derivatives Market” from British Ambassador Iain Frew to Viet Nam’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan. The report represents a foundational component of the VIFC ecosystem.
Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan affirmed that the report provides valuable analysis and practical recommendations, supporting the Ministry of Industry and Trade in developing Viet Nam’s commodity derivatives market in a modern, transparent, and internationally integrated direction.
He also expressed appreciation for the support of the Growth Gateway programme, particularly as Viet Nam accelerates financial market development and strives for higher growth targets.
The programme reflects a shared ambition to translate vision into practical cooperation, acknowledging Viet Nam’s progress in refining policies, strengthening the legal framework, and promoting international collaboration towards laying the groundwork for the development of an IFC aligned with global standards.
British Ambassador to Viet Nam Iain Frew stated that as one of the world’s leading financial centres, the UK possesses outstanding strengths, accounting for 17% of total global exports of financial services. It is the world’s largest net exporter of financial and professional services, with more than 170 foreign banks operating and handling 38% of global foreign exchange transactions.”
He also added that accordingly, the UK is proud to accompany Viet Nam in realising its vision of building a modern, transparent, and internationally connected financial centre, particularly following the upgrade of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Viet Nam has affirmed that the development of International Financial Centres is a national strategic priority, while consistently regarding the UK as a leading key partner. It also expressed expectations for continued support in terms of mechanisms, policies, and governance models, drawing on the practical experience of the world’s foremost financial centres.
The summit also witnessed the signing of numerous memoranda of understanding between enterprises from both countries across areas such as market infrastructure, financial technology, trading systems and clearing and settlement. Discussion sessions focused on refining the legal framework, protecting investors, enhancing institutional capacity, and attracting international investment, with the participation of many leading experts.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Trade Finance Registry (TFR) initiative was advanced as a concrete step towards modernising financial infrastructure. Viet Nam is currently facing a trade finance gap of between 90 billion USD and 100 billion USD, highlighting an urgent need to improve the efficiency of capital allocation.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in developing financial market infrastructure, promoting digital transformation and refining the legal framework. These areas of cooperation will contribute to strengthening the Viet Nam–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while laying the foundation for the realisation of a modern, integrated, and regionally competitive financial centre.
