VLCA 2026 kicks off as Vietnam braces for upgrade to emerging market status in September 2026

With meticulous preparation and a commitment to transparency, listed companies in Vietnam are positioning themselves to benefit from the country’s planned upgrade of its financial market from frontier to emerging status in September 2026, according to FTSE Russell. The upgrade is expected to draw multi-billion-dollar foreign capital and deepen Vietnam’s participation in global financial flows.

Market upgrade raises the bar for transparency

Opening remarks by Mr. Trinh Son Hong, Acting Chairman of HOSE, said the event takes place in a “special context” as Vietnam’s market is set to be upgraded in September 2026. He noted that information transparency and governance quality are not only competitive advantages but also prerequisites for listed companies.

“Therefore, listed companies are not only business actors but also serve as ambassadors representing the image and health of Vietnam’s economy on the international financial map,” Hong said.

2025 award results show progress in reporting and governance

In 2025, voting results were positive across categories. A total of 122 companies participated in the Annual Report award, up 27% from 2024.

For the Corporate Governance category, evaluation criteria continued to be updated toward the latest international practices, particularly the OECD’s Corporate Governance Principles.

The Sustainability Report category was also upgraded further, with more detailed sub-grouping based on financial and non-financial industry characteristics. In 2025, 38 independent sustainability reports were published, up 15% from the previous year. This was described as reflecting growing market demand for transparency of non-financial information and sustainability-oriented governance.

Implementation challenges remain

Despite the progress, the article said many companies still face difficulties in implementing sustainability reporting, including identifying material indicators, collecting data, standardizing presentation methods, and aligning report content with long-term development strategies.

Impact and expert view

Experts said improving the quality of sustainability reporting can help companies meet award criteria while also strengthening ESG governance capabilities, increasing investor confidence, and providing a foundation for long-term growth.

Within the program, a representative from the Vietnam Institute of Directors (VIOD) shared notes on governance practice for listed companies.

VLCA 2026 and award context

The VLCA 2026 awards were presented as more than an annual event, describing it as an opportunity for Vietnamese companies to affirm their position on the international stage. The article said 2025 marked the 18th edition of the awards, with categories under consideration including the Annual Report, Corporate Governance, and Sustainability Report.