On July 25, over 150 people and industry experts in banking, fintech, and regulatory sectors gathered to listen to experts at TekTalk Ep.61, centered around the theme:
“Developing Financial Services Toward a Modern and Efficient Financial Center in Vietnam.”
The event featured high-level speakers:
- Mr. Le Thanh Tam – CEO, IDG Vietnam – Moderator
- Mr. Vo Hoang Hai – Deputy CEO, Nam A Bank
- Mr. Le Quoc Cuong – Deputy Head, Saigon Hi-Tech Park Management Board
- Mr. Nguyen Hoang Tung – Director, Agribank Securities Company (Agriseco), Southern Branch
🔍 Why Are Financial Centers a Hot Topic?
Many countries across the region are accelerating their efforts to build modern digital financial centers, where capital, talent, technology, and advanced regulatory frameworks converge. Singapore, Dubai, and even Bangkok have already taken the lead. With its fast-paced digital transformation and a population of nearly 100 million, Vietnam is well-positioned for this opportunity. But success will require more than just adopting digital tools.
💡Key Highlights from TekTalk Ep.61
1. Infrastructure and Legal Frameworks Are the Foundation
Speakers agreed that a modern financial center cannot exist without a strong digital infrastructure and transparent legal systems. Vietnam must align with global standards (Basel III, AML/CFT) and build investor trust through regulatory clarity.
2. AI and Cybersecurity: Both Driver and Challenge
Artificial intelligence is transforming financial services—from credit risk modeling to automation and personalization. Yet it also introduces new vulnerabilities. A national-level cybersecurity strategy is crucial to protect digital financial ecosystems.
3. Fintech and Banks: Rivals or Partners?
The answer: partners. Fintechs and traditional banks should collaborate to build a resilient and innovative financial ecosystem. Concepts like Open Banking, Banking-as-a-Service, and open APIs are essential and inevitable.
4. Vietnam Needs a Long-Term, Unified Strategy
To become a regional hub, Vietnam must:
- Establish a shared national vision across public and private sectors,
- Invest in high-quality talent for both finance and technology,
- Pilot regulatory sandboxes, and develop digital financial zones in areas like Thu Thiem (HCMC) or Da Nang.
TekTalk Ep.61 underscored a powerful message: Vietnam has a real opportunity to become a modern financial center in Southeast Asia. But this requires strategic foresight, unified leadership, and strong collaboration between government, financial institutions, and the tech sector.
🎥 TekTalk is a strategic dialogue series hosted by IDG Vietnam, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and innovators to explore the future of finance, technology, and policy.