New developments after FTSE Russell upgrades Vietnam's stock market

The State Securities Commission (UBCKNN) recently met with FTSE Russell to discuss the next steps following the market upgrade. The meeting took place after Vietnam received FTSE Russell's mid-March 2026 assessment signaling progress toward upgrading Vietnam's stock market to the secondary emerging market group. At the meeting, UBCKNN chair Vu Thi Chan Phuong updated the market situation and the authorities' ongoing measures to facilitate foreign investors' participation, focusing on completing the legal framework, improving market access, and enhancing transparency. Regarding the cooperation agreement between FTSE Russell and the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HOSE), UBCKNN noted initial results in information exchange, sharing international experience, and building market indices. UBCKNN affirmed continued cooperation to ensure effectiveness. Mr. Gerald Toledano said: FTSE Russell acknowledged that Vietnam's stock market was upgraded in the March 2026 assessment and that there is a plan to include Vietnamese stocks in the FTSE All-World Index. According to FTSE Russell, the upgrade has significance for the domestic market and provides a benchmark for other markets. It also serves as a basis for future upgrade references in reform processes. FTSE Russell says there remains ample room for cooperation and will continue to accompany Vietnam in market development, particularly in building indices, product development, and international standard references. The organization notes that its global index system helps investors access the market through passive funds tracking the indices, thereby supporting the expansion of foreign capital into Vietnam's stock market. The two sides also discussed measures to facilitate foreign investors' participation, including completing the legal framework, reducing investment and business conditions, simplifying administrative procedures, and advancing the settlement system via central counterparty (CCP) arrangements. In addition, both sides discussed improving market operation efficiency and continuing cooperation to develop new products and diversify offerings. In conclusion, UBCKNN and FTSE Russell agreed to strengthen cooperation, focusing on researching and implementing products in line with international practice to expand investment opportunities and attract capital flows. The FTSE All-World Index is a benchmark for the global stock market, covering about 4,200 large and mid-cap stocks across more than 45 countries. The index is part of the FTSE Global Equity Index Series, representing about 90-95% of investable market capitalization globally, providing a common benchmark for stock markets.