Vietnam's banking sector is facing growing pressure to transform as artificial intelligence (AI), data and digital platforms play an increasingly important role in business operations, risk management and customer services.

Alongside opportunities for innovation, financial institutions must also address mounting challenges related to data security, financial fraud and the protection of critical banking systems.

Against this backdrop, the seventh annual Smart Banking Conference and Exhibition will take place in Hanoi on October 22, 2026, under the theme "Shaping a New Era of Banking Through AI, Customer Trust and Digital Resilience."

Three pillars shaping the future of digital banking

The conference will feature a plenary session and three specialized sessions addressing key priorities in the modernization of Vietnam's banking industry.

The first session, focusing on AI-first banking, will explore how financial institutions can move beyond operational optimization toward comprehensive enterprise transformation.

Discussions will examine the potential of artificial intelligence to reshape banking processes, improve efficiency and support broader organizational change.

The second session will focus on trusted digital banking, with particular attention to promoting secure payment services and strengthening financial fraud prevention.

The third session will address intelligent banking security, emphasizing cybersecurity capabilities and the resilience needed to withstand increasingly sophisticated digital threats.

The event will bring together representatives of the State Bank of Vietnam, executives from major commercial banks including Vietcombank, VietinBank, Techcombank, TPBank and SHB, and technology specialists from Vietnam and overseas.

Presentations and practical case studies are expected to provide insights into technology adoption, risk governance and the development of digital banking services.

Alongside the conference, a financial technology exhibition will feature more than 40 domestic and international solution providers.

Participating companies will include StreamCube, Viettel Cyber Security, FPT, GreenNode, EmbedIT, Lenovo and Samsung, among others.

The exhibition will showcase a broad range of technologies, including generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), autonomous AI agents, data analytics and management, cloud computing and digital transformation consulting.

These technologies are increasingly important to banking modernization, helping financial institutions improve operational performance, expand digital payment services and strengthen their ability to detect and prevent financial fraud.

The exhibition is also expected to provide opportunities for banks and technology providers to explore practical applications and potential partnerships in digital financial services.

Cyber defense exercises and AI Hackathon competition

Among the highlights of Smart Banking 2026 will be DF Cyber Defense 2026, a proactive cybersecurity exercise, and an AI Hackathon designed to encourage the development of enterprise-grade AI applications.

DF Cyber Defense 2026 is being organized in coordination with the Information Technology Department of the State Bank of Vietnam, the Vietnam Banks Association and IEC Group.

Trend Micro, VSEC and CyberJutsu Academy will provide technical expertise and professional support for the hands-on cybersecurity exercise.

This year's competition will adopt a "King of the Hill" format, simulating scenarios in which participants must gain and maintain control of designated computer systems.

The exercise is intended to help information security teams from banks and financial institutions strengthen their coordination, incident response and defensive capabilities.

It will also provide participants with practical experience in responding to increasingly sophisticated cyberattack techniques.

Meanwhile, the AI Hackathon will be supported by GreenNode as its technology partner.

The competition will focus on developing applications using enterprise-grade AI infrastructure and modern AI agent platforms aligned with international standards.

Nearly 50 teams from commercial banks, financial institutions, securities companies and insurance providers across Vietnam are expected to participate.

The competition will begin on October 21, 2026, with the final round and awards ceremony taking place during Smart Banking 2026 on October 22.

Through its conference sessions, technology exhibition and hands-on competitions, Smart Banking 2026 aims to accelerate AI adoption, reinforce customer trust and strengthen cybersecurity capabilities across Vietnam's financial sector.

Organizers expect the event to contribute to shaping the industry's development as banks navigate the opportunities and risks of an increasingly digital financial environment.

Thai Khang