The first 10 members of the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung witnessed the signing of a strategic cooperation document between Ho Chi Minh City and the World Economic Forum (WEF). (Photo: Hung Trieu)

From strategic decisions by the National Assembly and the Government to the completion of regulations and operational procedures, VIFC-HCMC is gradually transitioning from orientation to reality. Today's announcement marks a significant milestone as the Centre welcomes its first members, initiating the formation of an international financial ecosystem aligned with the needs of the real economy.

The participation of these members will help connect organisations, businesses, and investors, promote the development of financial products and services, and channel resources into potential growth areas in Ho Chi Minh City and nationwide.

These are 10 holding companies recognised as members by the VIFC-HCMC Executive Agency in September and October 2026. The companies are oriented towards investment and project development in education, infrastructure, maritime, logistics, energy, financial technology, payment solutions, and commodity trading infrastructure.

The list includes EQuest Capital, Son Kim Capital IFC, VinaCapital International Partners, Sai Gon Marina IFC, Gemadept Holdings, Rovela Pay, REE Energy Finance, Vietnam Commodity Exchange IFC, AG&P Holding Vietnam, and Keppel Asset Management (Vietnam).

Specifically, EQuest Capital LLC commits to raising up to USD 325 million for educational infrastructure development programs, particularly the University and Innovation Hub in the Southwest area of Ho Chi Minh City.

Son Kim Capital IFC LLC commits to raising USD 275 million through a self-managed private investment company model (CIF), serving infrastructure investment within VIFC.

VinaCapital International Partners LLC commits to raising USD 200 million for the 99-story Iconic VIFC building and a gas power energy project in Long An.

Sai Gon Marina IFC LLC commits to raising USD 816 million to support the development of technology and physical infrastructure for the VIFC ecosystem.

Gemadept Holdings commits to investing USD 100 million in the operation of maritime data systems, management consulting, coordination, valuation, and leasing of ships and maritime equipment, contributing to the development of support services in the maritime and logistics sectors.

REE Energy Finance LLC commits to raising USD 200 million to invest in renewable energy projects, contributing to the green transition, ensuring national energy security, and supporting the country's double-digit economic growth goals.

The Vietnam Commodity Exchange commits to investing USD 57.7 million to establish a Commodity Exchange within VIFC, with an investment scale reported at VND 1,500 billion. The enterprise plans to invest between USD 750 million and USD 1 billion from 2027–2030 to develop the value chain from liquefied natural gas (LNG) to electricity and data centers.

Rovela Pay commits to investing USD 10 million to provide payment services for international tourists, thereby contributing to the diversification of payment solutions within the financial services ecosystem.

Additionally, Keppel Asset Management LLC is exploring the potential to form co-investment platforms with global partners, targeting up to USD 1 billion in fundraising, primarily from third-party capital. This resource is directed towards investment opportunities in infrastructure, real estate, commerce, and services at VIFC-HCMC, depending on market conditions, investment opportunities, and partner participation.

Ho Chi Minh City announced the first 10 members of the Vietnam International Financial Centre (VIFC-HCMC). (Photo: Hung Trieu)

This announcement only recognises membership status for holding companies. The recognition does not replace licenses or specialised approvals for conditional business activities. Banks, securities companies, and investment funds will be considered for licensing in subsequent phases when corresponding regulations are issued.

Following the first recognition phase, VIFC-HCMC will continue to refine the legal framework and licensing process to expand the ecosystem to specialised financial institutions, initially focusing on investment funds and asset management.

Also on the morning of October 28, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and World Economic Forum (WEF) Executive Director Stephen Mergenthaler witnessed the announcement of the Joint Cooperation Declaration between the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and WEF.

This document marks a new phase in the cooperative relationship between the City and WEF, aiming to enhance connectivity, promote cooperative initiatives, and mobilise resources to advance the City's development goals.

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