HDBank, VIFC-HCMC and London Stock Exchange expand cooperation on international capital markets

The event brought together regulators, international financial institutions, investors and major enterprises, reflecting continued interest in Vietnam as an investment destination.

The London Stock Exchange is one of the world’s major financial centers, hosting more than 1,600 international companies and operating a large global bond market. It serves as a key platform for cross-border capital flows and fundraising.

Nguyen Cong Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said the partnership represents “a symbol of trust and opportunity” as Vietnam targets higher economic growth.

“We are committed to building a transparent international financial environment where Vietnamese enterprises can confidently expand and contribute to shared prosperity,” he said at the forum on April 14.

Strengthening access to global capital

At the event, HDBank and the London Stock Exchange signed a strategic cooperation agreement to establish a long-term framework supporting Vietnamese enterprises in accessing international capital markets.

The partnership focuses on cross-border fundraising activities, including equity and bond issuance and other financial instruments in the London market. It also aims to strengthen connections with institutional investors and support improvements in corporate governance and transparency.

As global capital flows become more selective and sustainability-focused, demand for deeper integration with international financial markets is increasing, particularly among businesses within the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City ecosystem.

The forum also provided a platform for enterprises to access international financial practices, including advisory services, capital structuring and listing opportunities.

Kim Byoungho (L, 4th), Chairman of HDBank, and Dame Julia Hoggett (R, 3rd), CEO of the London Stock Exchange, performed the signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement on April 14, 2026. Photo courtesy of HDBank

As part of the cooperation, HDBank announced plans to issue up to $300 million in international green bonds, as part of efforts to diversify funding sources and expand its sustainable finance activities.

Kim Byoungho, Chairman of HDBank, said the partnership extends beyond capital mobilization.

“We aim to support Vietnamese enterprises in accessing global standards in governance, transparency, and sustainable development. Through London’s platform, we expect to create a long-term bridge between Vietnam’s market and international investors,” he said.

Supporting enterprises’ access to global markets

Within the forum, HDBank and the London Stock Exchange also initiated cooperation agreements with several Vietnamese enterprises to support access to international capital markets.

These agreements focus on capital structuring, listing advisory and investor connectivity. Participating companies include Hoa Sen Group, THACO and Phuc Sinh Corporation.

Pham Quoc Thanh (R, 3rd), Vice Chairman of HDBank, and Thomas James Jacobs (L, 3rd), Country Director of IFC Vietnam, exchange the cooperation agreement between HDBank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on sustainable financial development. Photo courtesy of HDBank

The event follows earlier engagements between HDBank and the London Stock Exchange, including a working visit to London in October 2025. Cooperation plans related to fundraising, listings and investor connections are being implemented through ongoing initiatives.

Expanding partnerships in finance and technology

Beyond corporate cooperation, HDBank is also strengthening partnerships with international financial institutions and technology providers.

The cooperation between Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City and the London Stock Exchange supports the development of a capital market aligned with international standards. At the same time, HDBank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have partnered on initiatives related to sustainable finance, climate finance, SME support and supply chain finance.

Nguyen Huu Dang (L, 3rd), General Director of HDBank, and William Dale (R, 3rd), General Director in charge of the Asia Pacific region, exchange the cooperation agreement between HDBank and Temenos on core banking solutions for HDBank and its member units. Photo courtesy of HDBank

In the technology sector, HDBank has partnered with Temenos to deploy a core banking platform across its operations, including Vikki Digital Bank, to support long-term development.

Toward an integrated financial ecosystem

The agreements announced at the forum reflect an integrated model in which HDBank acts as a financial intermediary, the London Stock Exchange provides access to international capital markets, and Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City serves as an infrastructure platform.

During the event, a Fintech Hub within the financial center was launched to connect financial institutions, technology firms and investment funds. A fintech investment fund with an expected size of $30 million was also introduced to support technology enterprises.

Philipp Rösler, an international financial expert, said that as global financial systems evolve, the ability to connect capital, technology and policy will shape the development of emerging financial centers.

“Vietnam has favorable conditions to integrate more deeply into the global financial network, and partnerships like this are important steps toward that goal,” he said.

Through its partnerships with the London Stock Exchange and other international organizations, HDBank aims to strengthen connections between Vietnam’s financial market and global capital systems.

The establishment of these linkages is expected to support Vietnamese enterprises in accessing international funding sources while contributing to the country’s integration into the global financial landscape.