According to the latest Global Financial Centres Index 2026 (GFCI 39), Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has achieved an impressive milestone. 

The city surged 11 places to rank 84th out of 120 global financial hubs. Furthermore, within the ASEAN region, HCMC now ranks 3rd, trailing only Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This shift places Vietnam ahead of major regional peers like Bangkok and Jakarta.

Actually, this progress is part of a steady upward trend. In late 2025, HCMC was ranked 95th. The rapid ascent in 2026 suggests that the city’s strategy to become an international financial hub is gaining significant momentum.

The impact of VIFC-HCMC

The primary driver behind Vietnam’s improved GFCI 39 ranking is the official launch of the Vietnam International Finance Center (VIFC-HCMC). In fact, the center has already secured massive capital commitments since its opening in early 2026:

• Aviation Finance: $6.1 billion committed to building a regional aviation hub.
• Maritime & Logistics: Specialized finance centers to support global trade.
• Smart Infrastructure: $2 billion mobilized for digital city frameworks.

Consequently, HCMC is transitioning from a “frontier market” to a primary destination for international capital. Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan, Vice Chairman of VIFC-HCMC, noted that the city is now being “repositioned” on the global financial map.

Leading the Fintech and Digital Asset Revolution

In addition to traditional banking, Vietnam is making waves in the digital economy. The GFCI 39 report highlights HCMC’s growth in the Fintech sector, where it climbed 7 places to rank 83rd globally.

Specifically, the city is focusing on three core areas:

1. Blockchain Integration: Using decentralized ledgers for transparent transactions.
2. Asset Tokenization: Turning physical assets into digital tokens to increase liquidity.
3. The HCMC Digital Asset Fund: A $1 billion fund focused on next-generation finance.

Because of these innovations, GFCI 39 ranks HCMC among the top 15 centers globally expected to increase in significance over the next 2-3 years.

Strategic roadmap to 2045

While the current ranking is a success, Vietnam’s ambitions extend much further. The government has outlined a clear long-term vision to ensure the sustainability of Vietnam’s GFCI 39 ranking and future growth:

• By 2035: Aiming to break into the Top 75 global financial centers.
• By 2045: Targeted entry into the Top 50 elite global hubs.

To achieve this, the city is implementing an interbank financial system to facilitate cross-border trade. Moreover, the focus is shifting toward specialized “on-chain” economic models, ensuring Vietnam remains at the forefront of financial technology.

A Bright Future for Vietnamese Finance

In summary, the rise in Vietnam’s GFCI 39 ranking reflects a successful blend of policy reform and technological adoption. By leaping 11 spots and securing a top-3 position in ASEAN, Ho Chi Minh City has proven it is ready for the global stage. Ultimately, with billions in committed capital and a robust digital strategy, HCMC is well on its way to becoming a premier destination for global investors.

Source: Government Electronic Newspaper

28/03/2026