The government has officially issued Decree No. 323/2025 establishing the International Financial Center (IFC) in Vietnam.

The IFC will operate as a unified legal entity across two designated locations: Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Dual visions for two financial hubs

The Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City is planned to become a full-spectrum financial ecosystem. It will offer both traditional and advanced financial services, capitalizing on synergies between different sectors of the financial industry.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam International Financial Center in Da Nang is envisioned as a modern hub, tightly integrated with innovation ecosystems, digital technologies, and sustainable finance. It will serve as a controlled sandbox for emerging financial models, particularly in digital assets, electronic payments, and specialized trading platforms.

Timeline and responsibilities

Both HCMC and Da Nang People’s Committees are required to establish and operationalize the centers between 2025 and 2026. This includes ensuring sufficient infrastructure, personnel, and resource allocation for the agencies and organizations involved.

The cities must also complete key infrastructure projects to ensure seamless connectivity, providing the physical backbone of the financial zones.

Starting in 2026, organizations operating within the IFC will coordinate with ministries and national agencies to propose breakthrough policies aimed at attracting investment, advanced technologies, high-quality human resources, and international financial institutions.

HCMC financial center: 898 ha across urban core and Thu Thiem

The HCMC International Financial Center will span approximately 898 hectares, covering administrative zones in Saigon Ward, Ben Thanh Ward, and the new Thu Thiem Urban Area in An Khanh Ward.

Boundaries include:

Vo Van Kiet – Pho Duc Chinh – Nguyen Cong Tru – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Le Duan – Ton Duc Thang – Nguyen Huu Canh
Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal – Saigon River – Lan Anh Villa Border
Tran Bach Dang – Tran Nao – Northern and Northeastern borders of Thu Thiem New Urban Area
Road No. 7 – Ca Tre Canal – Saigon River – Vo Van Kiet

Da Nang financial center: 300 ha including reclaimed coastal land

The Da Nang International Financial Center will span around 300 hectares and include:

An Hai Ward: 6.17 ha across plots A12 to A15 and A*
Hai Chau Ward: 20-story IT building in Software Park No. 2 (0.12 ha); 9.7 ha near the western ramp of Thuan Phuoc Bridge; 1.98 ha along Nhu Nguyet – Xuan Dieu Street
Sea reclamation zone: approximately 282 ha planned along Nguyen Tat Thanh Boulevard

The People’s Committees of both cities are tasked with finalizing the precise boundaries, land allocation, and administrative delineations for the IFCs. They must publish this information on the IFC’s e-Government system.

Functional zones and strategic land use

Each IFC will include specialized zones for financial trading, banking services, stock and commodity exchanges, office spaces, arbitration and judicial services, among others.

Land use plans must align with existing regional and municipal zoning schemes. If not, authorities must amend or update the plans accordingly in the next review cycle to secure timely land allocation.

The designated land must also meet key criteria:

Sufficient size and usability
Defined borders and natural suitability
Infrastructure readiness and essential service availability
Convenient transportation links and proximity to academic/research institutions
Environmental safety and compliance with national defense and security regulations

Governance structure for the IFC

The Prime Minister has also signed a decision to establish the Governing Council of the Vietnam International Financial Center.

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh will serve as Chair of the Council.

The Council is responsible for issuing the IFC’s development strategy, roadmap, and operational regulations tailored to the potential and needs of both cities.

It will also create an Advisory Council, comprising renowned legal and financial experts from both Vietnam and abroad, tasked with consulting on IFC planning and implementation.

 
Tran Thuong