HO CHI MINH CITY FINANCIAL CENTER AFFIRMS ITS POSITION ON THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL MAP

According to the 38th Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 38), Ho Chi Minh City rose three places to rank 95th out of 120 cities, affirming its growing presence on the global financial map. The city is ambitiously targeting the establishment of the International Financial Centre Ho Chi Minh City (IFC-HCM) by 2030, positioning itself as a leading high-tech financial hub in the region.

To realize this vision, Ho Chi Minh City is pursuing an integrated and bold development strategy. IFC-HCM will pioneer a large-scale sandbox mechanism, allowing fintech startups to test innovative products and services in a controlled regulatory environment. Breakthrough ideas ranging from digital currencies and digital assets to blockchain and AI applications will be incubated directly within the center, making Vietnam an attractive destination for fintech ventures and disruptive financial innovations.

At the same time, IFC-HCM is set to become a premier destination for global financial institutions with unprecedented incentives. Both the government and the city plan to introduce sweeping tax exemptions, streamlined visa policies for international experts and their families, and simplified “one-stop” administrative procedures. Membership applications can be provisionally approved within just one working day and fully recognized within seven days. Fortune 500 companies will even be granted automatic membership, underscoring the center’s determination to attract the world’s financial “eagles.”

Unlike traditional financial centers, IFC-HCM is designed as a technology-driven financial hub, with blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) serving as its two strategic pillars. Blockchain will power secure, transparent transactions and smart contracts, while AI will enable big data analytics, automated processes, and real-time risk management. In addition, the center aims to leverage advanced technologies such as robo-advisors, cloud computing, quantum AI, and big data to strengthen its regional competitiveness.

By integrating technology deeply into its operations, IFC-HCM will automate many traditionally manual financial processes—from transactions and payments to licensing and client services. Digital platforms using blockchain will enable 24/7 near-instant payments, reducing errors and eliminating intermediaries. AI-powered monitoring systems will track markets in real time to detect fraud or anomalies, while specialized on-site regulatory bodies will ensure effective oversight of new activities such as digital assets, NFTs, and tokenized finance.

With a clear vision and decisive actions, IFC-HCM is steadily emerging as a new symbol of Vietnam on the global financial stage. If this momentum continues, Ho Chi Minh City will soon stand as a leading financial and technology hub in the region, contributing significantly to the prosperity of both Vietnam and Asia.