HDBank, VIFC and London Stock Exchange Establish Comprehensive Partnership to Expand International Capital Market Access for Vietnamese Enterprises

Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank), in collaboration with the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and the Vietnam International Finance Centre (VIFC) in Ho Chi Minh City, organized a High-level Investment Forum, aiming to connect Vietnam’s capital market more closely with the global financial system.

The forum brought together representatives from regulators, international financial institutions, investors and major Vietnamese enterprises, reflecting growing international interest in Vietnam as a long-term investment destination.

London Stock Exchange role and forum objectives

The London Stock Exchange is among 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 of about USD 34 trillion. As a platform for international capital flows, London is positioned as a central hub in the global financial system and a key destination for cross-border funding.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said: “Ho Chi Minh City warmly welcomes the collaboration between HDBank, the International Finance Centre and the London Stock Exchange, as a symbol of connecting trust and opportunity at the moment when Vietnam's economy is achieving GDP growth above 10%. We are committed to creating an international financial environment that is transparent, where Vietnamese enterprises can confidently reach higher levels, contributing to shaping a prosperous shared future.”

Strategic cooperation between HDBank and the London Stock Exchange

At the forum, HDBank and the London Stock Exchange signed a strategic cooperation agreement, establishing a long-term framework to help Vietnamese enterprises access international capital markets.

The cooperation focuses on promoting cross-border fundraising activities, including equity, bonds and other financial instruments on the London market. It also aims to strengthen connections with global institutional investors and enhance governance transparency and the adoption of international best practices.

In the context of international capital flows becoming more selective and increasingly oriented toward sustainable investment, the forum highlighted the need for deeper links between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnamese enterprises and global capital markets—particularly for firms within the International Finance Centre ecosystem.

Within this framework, HDBank announced plans to issue up to USD 300 million of international green bonds, as part of its sustainable finance strategy and to expand long-term funding from international markets.

Mr. Kim Byoungho, Chairman of the Board of HDBank, said: “The partnership with the London Stock Exchange is not only focused on fundraising but also aims to accompany Vietnamese enterprises to access global standards in governance, transparency and sustainable development. Through London's platform, HDBank expects to open a long-term channel linking the Vietnamese market with international investors.”

Dame Julia Hoggett, Chief Executive of the London Stock Exchange, said: “Vietnam is emerging as one of the dynamic growth economies in Asia, with increasing potential to attract international capital. We highly value HDBank's role in promoting market connectivity and assisting enterprises in accessing global funding opportunities. This cooperation reflects London's commitment to supporting emerging markets in elevating standards and financial integration.”

Follow-up cooperation and enterprise agreements

The event also builds on recent strategic exchanges between HDBank and the London Stock Exchange. Following a working visit by HDBank’s leadership led by Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao to London in October 2025, cooperation directions on international fundraising, listing and global investor connectivity were further concretized through agreements and initiatives announced at the forum.

In addition to the HDBank–LSE cooperation, HDBank and the London Stock Exchange signed cooperation agreements with several leading Vietnamese enterprises to support access to international capital markets. The agreements focus on arranging fundraising structures, providing listing advisory and connecting enterprises with global investors, with the goal of opening new funding channels amid deeper financial integration.

Participating enterprises include Hoa Sen Group, THACO and Phuc Sinh.

Broader cooperation with international institutions and technology partners

The cooperation agreement between VIFC in Ho Chi Minh City and the London Stock Exchange is intended to help lay the groundwork for developing the capital market to international standards within the VIFC framework.

HDBank also established cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to promote sustainable finance and climate finance, support small and medium enterprises, and develop supply-chain finance.

On the technology side, HDBank is partnering with Temenos to deploy a next-generation core banking platform for HDBank, Vikki Digital Bank and other financial institutions in the ecosystem, aiming to create a technology platform for long-term growth and innovation.

Discussion session: connectivity, technology and policy

During the morning of 14 April, a High-level Discussion session titled “Global financial connectivity – technology – policy for VIFC” covered topics including Vietnam in the global capital market chain; international debt markets and long-term funding channels; access to international equity capital; governance, transparency and ESG standards; and the role of the UK and LSE in Vietnam’s market.

Participants included representatives from LSE, HDBank, VIFC and investment funds, as well as international advisory organizations.

Expert view on emerging financial centers

Mr. Dr. Philipp Rösler, an international finance expert, commented: “In the context of changing global financial structure, the ability to connect capital flows, technology and policy effectively will determine the position of emerging financial centers. Vietnam has favorable conditions to participate more deeply in the global financial network, and cooperative initiatives such as the HDBank–London Stock Exchange partnership are important steps toward realizing that goal.”

The organizers said that, through comprehensive cooperation with the London Stock Exchange and international partners, HDBank is positioning itself as a bridge between Vietnam’s financial market and the global capital system, with direct channels expected to enhance fundraising capacity for Vietnamese enterprises and strengthen Vietnam’s position in the international financial system.