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Nation’s fintech industry poised for strong rebound

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Fintech companies are soon expected to enter a rebound phase in Vietnam following a slowdown period. Vlad Savin, partner at Acclime, offered VIR’s Thanh Van his insights into how Vietnamese firms can embrace the recovery.

How do you see fintech companies in Vietnam adapting to emerging technologies like AI?

Nation’s fintech industry poised for strong rebound
Vlad Savin, partner at Acclime

Our latest industry report and recent research covering the potential of the digital economy in Vietnam highlighted a growing interest in generative AI among Vietnamese decision-makers.

Many reported either currently utilising or planning to implement AI to enhance customer service – such as personalised chatbots, optimising IT operations through process automation, and supporting environmental, social, and governance data collection and classification, all of these areas at around 45 per cent.

In the fintech sector, this trend is particularly evident. Leading homegrown players like MoMo, VNPay, ZaloPay, Timo, and Cake by VPBank are at the forefront of integrating AI-driven technologies to accelerate digital transformation and expand financial accessibility. Fintech companies in Vietnam are leveraging AI to analyse consumer spending habits and financial needs, enabling personalised recommendations that enhance customer acquisition and engagement.

Additionally, AI-powered tools such as customer data platforms, chatbots, and marketing optimisation systems are reshaping user experiences, fostering competition, and driving innovation in the industry.

Amid a global fintech funding downturn, do you see Vietnamese fintech firms navigate such challenges?

The current economic challenges have placed increased pressure across industries, leading to a slowdown in fintech funding. In response, Vietnamese fintech firms are adapting by prioritising capital efficiency and establishing clear strategies to secure future investments.

We see this challenging period as an opportunity for innovation and growth. The long-term potential of Vietnam’s fintech sector remains strong, driven by its ability to address financial inclusion and digital transformation. For instance, MoMo recently repositioned its brand from a traditional e-wallet to an AI-powered financial assistant, aiming to enhance financial accessibility for underserved populations.

Similarly, companies like MFast are focusing on sustainable expansion by leveraging technology to connect underserved communities with essential financial products and services. These strategic shifts underscore the resilience and adaptability of Vietnam’s fintech landscape amid economic headwinds.

What are the prospects of fintech investment in Vietnam for the rest of this year?

Last year tested the resilience of the financial services sector, as tightening investments and economic uncertainty posed significant challenges. However, 2025 is expected to mark a period of renewed growth, driven by factors such as declining US federal interest rates and increasing adoption of blockchain applications.

Vietnam’s fintech industry is poised for a strong rebound, fuelled by the growing demand for AI in financial services and a more pro-crypto stance under new US direction. Fintech companies are likely to accelerate AI research and integration into their products, enhancing automation, personalisation, and efficiency.

Additionally, Vietnam remains a key player in the crypto space, and if US policies formally recognise Bitcoin as a national asset, it could have positive ripple effects on Vietnam’s digital asset market.

In May 2024, the Vietnamese government marked a significant step in strengthening the legal framework for non-cash payments, including cryptocurrencies. With government support and active participation from technology enterprises, Vietnam has the potential to become a regional hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation.

As investor interest in AI-driven fintech and digital assets continues to rise, 2025 can potentially become a transformative year for the industry.

However, market entry barriers for foreign investors still exist, conditions and restrictions in the fintech space are still quite prevalent under the current regulatory framework, in which the State Bank of Vietnam plays a key role. Vietnamese authorities should carefully assess the market dynamics, evaluate the potential of certain tech growth pillars and reduce the regulatory obstacles to enable growth and create long-term opportunities for investors in the fintech space.

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New share issuances on the cards amid favourable market

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Vietnamese firms are planning to issue new shares amid a relatively auspicious stock market landscape.

Early this month, the board of directors at ICD Tan Cang-Long Binh JSC, which specialises in providing warehousing services, customs clearance services, and freight, finalised a list of shareholders eligible for bonus shares or the right to purchase new shares.

New share issuances on the cards amid favourable market
The real estate sector is expected to raise robust capital from the third quarter. Photo: baodautu.vn

ILB will issue 13.7 million shares, of which 12.35 million will be offered to existing shareholders at a price of VND20,000 ($0.8) apiece, with a subscription ratio of 50.4 per cent.

The raised amount is expected to surpass $9.8 billion, of which ILB will use $3.64 million to invest in a joint venture with Tan Cang Hoa Tieu Co., Ltd., while $6.24 million will be used to pay infrastructure costs to its parent company, Saigon Newport Corporation, which owns a 51 per cent stake in ILB.

Hanoi-based tech firm Elcom Technology Communications Corporation closed its shareholder list on February 24 for an offering of nearly 12.5 million shares at a ratio of 100:15, priced at $0.4 per share.

The total proceeds have been estimated at nearly $5 million, of which Elcom plans to use $3.28 million to repay principal and interest on several credit agreements and pay debts to suppliers.

The remaining $1.72 million will be injected into research for new technologies and products.

In addition, Elcom will issue approximately 4.2 million bonus shares to shareholders at a ratio of 100:5. After executing these two plans, Elcom’s charter capital will increase from $33.3 million to $40 million.

For southern developer Nam Long Investment Corporation, the company has asked for shareholders’ opinions on a plan to offer shares to existing shareholders during 2025.

The firm plans to issue beyond 100 million shares at a ratio of 100:26, with a price of $1 per share.

With about $100 million to be raised from the offering, Nam Long plans to use nearly $10.64 million to invest in two key subsidiaries: Nam Long Land and Nam Long Commercial Property. The funds will be disbursed in the last two quarters of this year.

In addition to offerings to existing shareholders, some businesses plan to conduct private placements for strategic shareholders.

For example, at the end of February, TDG Global Investment JSC announced a plan to issue nearly 6.5 million shares to four professional individual investors at a price of $0.4 per share.

The expected fund of nearly $2.6 million shall be for infrastructure construction for Bac Son 2 Industrial Cluster in the northern highland province of Lang Son in the first half of 2025.

On February 17, the State Securities Commission announced it had received an application for a share offering from Binh Duong Trading and Development JSC.

The company also plans to offer 35 million shares at a price not lower than $0.4 apiece, expecting to raise $14 million.

The entire sum will be used to repurchase part of the TDC.BOND.700.2020 bond batch ahead of schedule.

The bond batch, issued on November 9, 2020 with a total face value of $28 million, will mature on November 15 of this year.

The proceeds aim to pay dividends to the parent company, Becamex IDC Corporation, and to repay loans and bank interest.

Regarding stock market performance, Nguyen The Minh, head of analysis at Yuanta Securities Vietnam, said that the VN-Index surpassed the 1,300-point threshold mark in the final trading sessions of February.

In Minh’s words, since 2024, the VN-Index had reached the 1,300-point threshold seven times. The key difference in the seventh instance is that the leading stocks are no longer just mid- and small-cap stocks but include significant participation from large-cap stocks, particularly from the steel, securities, and some banking sectors.

This has helped the VN-Index maintain the 1,300-point level more solidly compared to the previous six times.

Liquidity is also an important factor. In the past, when the VN-Index hit 1,300 points, liquidity would spike briefly at the threshold and then quickly decline.

Currently, liquidity has been maintained after the index surpassed the resistance level, indicating funds are not exiting but primarily circulating between different stock groups.

As a result, Minh believes that the current period is relatively favourable for businesses to realise capital through the issuance of shares and bonds.

Regarding investors, the Yuanta Securities expert recommended that before participating in additional share issuance offerings, investors should assess the company’s internal strengths, future growth potential, and share price.

“Investors need to compare the offering price with the trading price on the stock exchange to determine the reasonable price difference. Companies might push stock prices up before the offering to ensure its success, but afterward, prices may sharply decrease. The key is that the price after adjustment must still be higher than the purchase price, otherwise investors will face the risk of losses,” Minh said.

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Singapore’s YCH Group eyes investment opportunities in Lien Chieu Port

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Singapore’s YCH Group is exploring investment and partnership opportunities at Lien Chieu Port.

Singapore's YCH Group eyes investment opportunities in Lien Chieu Port

On March 10, Le Trung Chinh, Chairman of Danang People’s Committee, met with a working delegation led by Robert Yap, executive chairman of YCH Group.

Founded in 1955, YCH Group is the leading end-to-end supply chain solutions and logistics partner to major companies in the high-tech, electronics, chemicals, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors.

In Vietnam, YCH Group has partnered with T&T Group to invest in Vietnam SuperPort, an 83-hectare, multi-modal logistics port located in Vinh Phuc Province. The venture has a total investment of $166 million and is designed to handle about 530,000 TEUs per year. It is the first-of-its-kind largest multimodal logistics hub in Vietnam, aiming to enhance integration into global supply chains, reduce logistics costs, and boost the country’s competitive edge in international trade.

“YCH Group is researching opportunities to invest in multimodal logistics hubs in the central and southern regions. At the same time, we are exploring potential partnerships in workforce training and technology solutions in the logistics sector,” Yap said.

“Danang boasts ample potential and advantages in economic development, alongside its strategic location as a transportation hub and transit point for goods and services. YCH Group has high expectations for cooperation in investing in a multimodal logistics centre in Lien Chieu Port,” said the executive chairman.

Chinh also briefed that Lien Chieu Port is located at the end of the East-West Economic Corridor. The port will boast an annual capacity of 50 million tonnes, covering an area of about 450 hectares. The city aims to develop Lien Chieu Port as an international gateway to attract large global transportation and logistics companies.

“By allowing access to large ships, the port can facilitate the import and export of goods directly to European and American countries, reducing transportation costs and increasing competitiveness in the international market. Lien Chieu Port will become one of the main ports along international shipping routes, enhancing Vietnam’s position in the global supply chain,” Chinh noted.

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FPT signs $67 million framework agreement with KMP Aryadhana

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Vietnamese IT firm FPT signed a $67 million master service agreement on March 10 with KMP Aryadhana, Indonesia’s leading innovation cooperative.

The signing ceremony took place during an official state visit by Vietnam’s Party General Secretary To Lam to Indonesia, marking a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the two parties, as well as both nations.

FPT signs $67 million framework agreement with KMP Aryadhana
The signing ceremony took place during Vietnam’s Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to Indonesia. Photo: FPT

The agreement focuses on KMP Aryadhana’s implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives in critical areas such as waste management, digital education, cooperative education, and digital agriculture, supporting its food security programme. This collaboration aims to promote the adoption of advanced technologies, leveraging FPT’s competitive strengths in AI, Blockchain, the Internet of Things, and Cloud across ESG framework sectors and education.

Digital transformation is pivotal for KMP Aryadhana as it accelerates Yogyakarta province’s innovation capacity, enhances sustainable development across key sectors, and strengthens its position as a cultural and educational leader in Indonesia. The cooperative is also in discussions with FPT to establish an AI lab and launch digital transformation initiatives in the education and ESG sectors, not only for Yogyakarta but for the broader Indonesian market and globally.

Nguyen Van Khoa, CEO of FPT Corporation, said, “As a dynamic economy with an innovation-driven vision, Indonesia plays a crucial role in FPT’s growth strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. Our collaboration with KMP Aryadhana not only strengthens the ties between Vietnam and Indonesia but also reinforces FPT’s global competitiveness in emerging technologies, particularly AI.”

“We look forward to working with KMP Aryadhana to accelerate Indonesia’s digital transformation across key sectors such as waste management, digital education, forest resource management, and smart agriculture,” he added.

Established in 2017, FPT Indonesia has achieved many milestones, affirming the company’s global expertise. It has partnered with leading Indonesian corporations in sectors such as banking and finance, telecommunications, and energy.

With over 200 technology experts and two major offices in Indonesia, FPT plans to open the third one in Yogyakarta this year.

Prof.Dr. Ahmad Subagyo, chairman of KMP Aryadhana, said, “KMP Aryadhana is grateful to have FPT’s support for its programme, besides FPT’s expertise and experience in technology. FPT has the international exposure to bring KMP Aryadhana’s ESG initiatives to the world.”

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