Why Vietnam?

Vietnam has averaged 6-7% GDP growth over the past decade, outperforming regional peers. The manufacturing sector, fueled by FDI from Samsung, Intel, and Apple suppliers, has transformed the economy. The government targets high-income status by 2045.

With a median age of 31 and 100+ million people, Vietnam has one of the youngest populations in Asia. Over 78 million smartphone users and 82%+ internet penetration create massive demand for digital financial services.

The State Bank of Vietnam launched a fintech regulatory sandbox in 2017. In 2024, Resolution 98 established VIFC Da Nang as Vietnam's first international financial centre with special tax, visa, and regulatory incentives. Digital banking licenses are expected in 2025.

FTSE Russell has signaled a potential upgrade from frontier to emerging market status by 2026. This could unlock $8B+ in passive fund inflows and dramatically increase institutional investor interest in Vietnamese equities.

Vietnam sits at the crossroads of ASEAN's 680 million consumers. Da Nang, the site of VIFC, is centrally located between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with an international airport and growing tech ecosystem.

Operating costs are 40-60% lower than Singapore or Hong Kong. Office space in Da Nang is 1/10th the price of Singapore's CBD. Combined with VIFC's tax incentives (0-10% corporate tax for qualified entities), the value proposition is compelling.

Vietnam is part of the ASEAN cross-border QR payment interoperability initiative with Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Philippines. This positions Vietnamese fintech companies for regional expansion.

With 21 million crypto holders (20% of population), Vietnam is the #1 country for crypto adoption per capita. The government is building a regulatory framework rather than banning — creating opportunities for compliant blockchain businesses.