AEF 2026: VIFC-HCMC - Laying the groundwork for a regional financial hub
WVR - The Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC) is expected to serve as a bridge for channelling international capital into Vietnam, while providing a foundation for the development of investment activities and financial services.
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Facilitating international capital flows into Vietnam
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| Mr. Brook Colin Taylor, CEO of VinaCapital International Partners Co., Ltd., speaks to The World and Vietnam Report on the occasion of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026, 28 October. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
Speaking to The World and Vietnam Report on the occasion of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026, Mr. Brook Colin Taylor, CEO of VinaCapital International Partners Co., Ltd., said VIFC-HCMC would play a particularly important role in connecting international capital with projects in Vietnam.
According to Mr. Taylor, Vietnam needs approximately US$1.4 trillion in investment to realise its medium- and long-term growth objectives. This funding cannot rely solely on the domestic market and must also be mobilised from overseas, highlighting the need for an effective mechanism to facilitate international capital flows. VIFC-HCMC has an important role to play in enabling this process.
The CEO of VinaCapital International Partners Co., Ltd. emphasised that international investors were interested not only in investment opportunities but also in an environment that was sufficiently transparent and straightforward, with familiar rules, regulations and laws that would allow them to establish their investment operations quickly. Investors also need mechanisms that enable capital to flow into and out of Vietnam smoothly, fast licensing procedures with minimal delays, and a supporting ecosystem of financial institutions, including banks, securities firms and asset management companies.
Looking ahead to VIFC-HCMC’s prospects over the next five years, Mr. Taylor said it was important to set realistic goals, focusing on establishing the initial foundations and demonstrating the Centre’s contribution to Vietnam’s economic growth. One desired outcome would be to see a number of major financial institutions, including banks, asset management companies and securities firms, establish a presence in Ho Chi Minh City under the VIFC framework.
He also hopes VIFC will record successful projects, attract investment capital, facilitate effective investment and enable capital to flow back overseas. In his view, success lies not only in bringing capital into Vietnam but also in ensuring that it can move freely in both directions. If this can be demonstrated during the first five years, VIFC-HCMC will be better positioned to attract additional capital over the following five to ten years.
Regarding the investment products that should be prioritised, Mr. Taylor recommended focusing on relatively straightforward areas, including private equity, private credit, infrastructure financing and green finance. These are sectors, he said, where Vietnam has substantial demand and the capacity to attract capital from overseas.
Seeking close cooperation with stakeholders
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| Mr. Joseph Low, Keppel’s Chief Representative in Vietnam and Chairman of Keppel Vietnam’s Real Estate Division. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
For his part, Mr. Joseph Low, Keppel’s Chief Representative in Vietnam and Chairman of Keppel Vietnam’s Real Estate Division, said Keppel was honoured to be among the first 10 members of VIFC-HCMC.
After nearly 40 years of operations in Vietnam, Keppel has grown alongside the country, contributing to its urbanisation through high-quality development projects and sustainable solutions. Joining VIFC-HCMC marks a new chapter in the company’s development journey in Vietnam.
According to Mr. Low, Keppel is a global asset manager with operational capabilities across connectivity, infrastructure and real estate. Through its participation in VIFC-HCMC, the company hopes to work closely with government agencies and business partners to promote Vietnam’s economic growth.
In this spirit, Keppel aims to establish investment platforms that bring together investors interested in the Vietnamese market while supporting business activities. According to Mr. Low, these platforms could mobilise up to US$1 billion in investment capital. The actual amount, however, will depend on investor participation, market conditions, investment opportunities and, in particular, support from the Vietnamese Government.
Keppel’s Chief Representative in Vietnam expressed his hope that the company’s global network, operational capabilities and asset management expertise, combined with government support, would help take VIFC-HCMC to a new level of development and enable it to become a fully fledged regional financial and investment centre.
| On the morning of 28 October, as part of the Autumn Economic Forum 2026, Ho Chi Minh City announced the first 10 members of the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC). The list comprises EQuest Capital; Son Kim Capital IFC; VinaCapital International Partners; Saigon Marina IFC; Gemadept Holdings Maritime Investment and Development; Rovela Pay; REE Energy Finance; Vietnam IFC Commodity Exchange; AG&P Holding Vietnam; and Keppel Vietnam Asset Management. |
