Boost from VIFC: HDBank and London Stock Exchange pave the way for Vietnamese conglomerates to raise cross-border capital

Establishing direct connectivity channels with leading financial centers is expected to boost Vietnamese enterprises’ fundraising capabilities and strengthen Vietnam’s position in the international financial system. On the morning of April 14, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank) (HOSE: HDB), in collaboration with the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC), organized a High-Level Investment Forum in Ho Chi Minh City.

HDBank, LSE and VIFC sign a strategic cooperation framework

The London Stock Exchange is one of the world’s leading financial centers, currently listing more than 1,600 international companies and operating one of the largest bond markets globally, with a size around $34 trillion. As a platform connecting international capital flows, London is a key destination for companies seeking cross-border funding.

At the forum, HDBank and the London Stock Exchange signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish a long-term framework to help Vietnamese enterprises access international capital markets. The cooperation is designed to promote cross-border fundraising activities, including issuing equity, bonds and other financial instruments on the London market, while strengthening connections with global institutional investors and elevating governance and transparency standards to international practices.

Forum context: demand for deeper engagement with global capital markets

In a context of international capital flows restructuring toward more selective and sustainable trajectories, the forum said demand for deeper engagement with global capital markets from Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnamese business community is increasingly evident, particularly for firms within the VIFC ecosystem. The event was structured as a direct connection platform for enterprises to access global financial standards, covering strategic advisory, capital structure, and listing and fundraising opportunities on London’s market.

Green bond issuance plan

Within the cooperation framework, HDBank announced plans to issue up to $300 million in international green bonds, described as a milestone in sustainable finance and an expansion of long-term capital from international markets.

Statements from officials and executives

Nguyen Cong Vinh, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, said the city welcomes the cooperation between HDBank, VIFC and the London Stock Exchange as a symbol of trust and opportunity, noting Vietnam’s economy is projected to grow GDP by more than 10%. He added that the city is committed to creating a transparent international financial environment for Vietnamese enterprises to reach higher levels.

Kim Byoungho, Chairman of HDBank’s Board, said the partnership is intended not only for fundraising but also to help Vietnamese enterprises access global governance, transparency and sustainability standards, and to open a long-term channel between Vietnam’s market and international investors.

Dame Julia Hoggett, Chief Executive of the London Stock Exchange, said Vietnam is emerging as one of the most dynamic growth economies in Asia and that the cooperation reflects London’s commitment to supporting emerging markets in raising international standards and integrating into the international financial system.

Broader cooperation with Vietnamese enterprises and international partners

The forum also included cooperation agreements between HDBank and the London Stock Exchange with leading Vietnamese enterprises to facilitate access to international capital markets. The agreements focus on fundraising structuring, listing advisory, and connecting with global investors, with participating enterprises including Hoa Sen, THACO and Phuc Sinh.

IFC and technology partners

Beyond corporate collaborations, HDBank said it is expanding relationships with international financial institutions and technology partners. It highlighted a cooperative relationship with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group member, to promote sustainable finance and climate finance, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and develop supply-chain finance.

On the technology side, HDBank said it collaborates with Temenos to deploy a next-generation core banking platform for HDBank, Vikki Digital Bank and other institutions in the ecosystem, aiming to build a technology foundation for long-term growth and innovation.

Fintech Hub launch and technology investment fund

The event also marked the official launch of the Fintech Hub, described as a core component of the International Financial Center. The hub is intended to serve as a bridge between financial institutions, technology companies and investment funds to foster financial innovation. A fintech investment fund with an estimated size of $30 million was also introduced to support technology firms in their growth phase.

Expert view on emerging financial centers

Dr. Philipp Rösler, an international finance expert, said that as the global financial structure changes, the ability to connect capital, technology and policy effectively will determine the standing of emerging financial centers. He added that Vietnam has favorable conditions to participate more deeply in the global financial network, and that initiatives like the HDBank–LSE cooperation are important steps toward that goal.

Through comprehensive cooperation with the London Stock Exchange and international partners, HDBank said it is positioned as a bridge between Vietnam’s financial markets and the global capital system. The establishment of direct links to leading financial centers is expected to enhance Vietnamese enterprises’ fundraising capacity and strengthen Vietnam’s position in the international financial system.