HCMC STRENGTHENS POSITION ON GLOBAL FINANCE MAP

Ho Chi Minh City is rising in global financial rankings, moving up to 95th place in the 38th Global Financial Center Index—up three spots from the prior assessment. This momentum is seen as evidence of its growing ambition to become an International Financial Center (IFC-HCM) by 2030.

To support this vision, the city is rolling out a bold strategy built around innovation, international investment, and seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies into financial operations. Key pillars include:

• Open “sandbox” for fintech innovation
  IFC-HCM is pioneering a large-scale sandbox mechanism, allowing fintech startups to test emerging financial products and services in a regulated environment. Innovations ranging from digital assets, blockchain applications, to AI-driven services will be nurtured within this framework.

• Luring “financial eagles” with outstanding incentives
  To elevate its international standing, IFC-HCM aims to become a preferred destination for premier institutions and investors. The government and city authorities plan a suite of unprecedented incentives: robust tax breaks, streamlined visa policies for foreign experts and their families, and dramatically simplified administrative procedures under a “one-stop shop” model.

  Membership applications to IFC can be submitted online, with provisional approval in just one business day and full recognition within seven days. For Fortune 500 corporations, membership recognition may be automatic without review, giving them priority as “financial eagles” to settle in.

  All specialized permits (e.g. fintech testing licenses) will be handled locally by the IFC management body to reduce bureaucratic delays. 

• Blockchain and AI as foundational pillars
  Unlike traditional financial centers, IFC-HCM is positioned as a tech-driven financial hub where blockchain and AI are core elements. Blockchain infrastructure will support distributed ledgers, enhance transaction transparency, and enable smart contracts. AI will power data analytics, automation, and smarter financial products.

  Other strategic technologies—robo-advisors, quantum AI, cloud computing, big data, quantum blockchain—are planned to further modernize services and forge a competitive edge. 

• Smart automation and integrated oversight
  The deep integration of technology aims to automate formerly manual financial operations: payments, licensing, customer service, and regulatory functions. AI and machine learning will feed risk management and real-time monitoring systems to detect anomalies and fraud.

  The center will have an on-site regulatory body to avoid overlapping jurisdiction. At the same time, Vietnam is developing stringent rules on anti-money laundering, cybersecurity for digital assets, and regulation of NFTs, tokens, and related activities to mitigate risks as new financial technologies mature. 

If executed effectively, IFC-HCM could become a landmark in the region—a hub where finance, technology, and global capital converge to fuel Vietnam’s economic rise.