The upcoming International Financial Center is set to reshape Vietnam’s capital market landscape, presenting both opportunities and challenges. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this shift demands decisive action: either undergo substantial restructuring to align with new financial standards or risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive environment. On June 27, 2025, the National Assembly officially endorsed the establishment of Vietnam’s International Financial Center. This was followed by a government decision on August 1, 2025, to form a steering committee tasked with overseeing its deployment. These legal milestones lay the groundwork for the center’s early operation and signal Vietnam’s ambition to integrate more deeply into global financial networks. For large enterprises, this development is viewed as a “golden opportunity” to tap into abundant international capital at competitive costs from financial institutions and investment funds. However, for SMEs, the opportunity is more constrained. Without swift upgrades in management, human resources, and technology, many SMEs risk being sidelined in the evolving financial landscape. Rule compliance to join the game The establishment of the International Financial Center in Vietnam is anticipated to draw participation from banks, investment funds, securities firms, and insurance companies. Backed by substantial financial capacity and global credibility, these […]