[City] Rises to Third in ASEAN Financial Hub Rankings

Ho Chi Minh City has climbed to 84th place among 120 global financial hubs according to the 39th edition of the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 39), released on March 27, 2026. The city surged 11 places in the global rankings, moving up from its 95th position recorded in late 2025.

Within the ASEAN region, Ho Chi Minh City now ranks third, trailing only Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This shift in the rankings places Vietnam ahead of other major regional peers, including Bangkok and Jakarta.

Impact of the Vietnam International Finance Center

The primary driver for the improved ranking is the official launch of the Vietnam International Finance Center (VIFC-HCMC) in early 2026. The center has secured substantial capital commitments since its opening to support various infrastructure and economic sectors.

• $6.1 billion has been committed to aviation finance to support the development of a regional aviation hub.
• $2 billion has been mobilized for smart infrastructure, specifically for digital city frameworks.
• Specialized finance centers have been established for maritime and logistics to support global trade.

The establishment of the VIFC-HCMC is facilitating a transition for the city from a frontier market to a primary destination for international capital. Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan, Vice Chairman of VIFC-HCMC, stated that the city is currently being repositioned on the global financial map.

Growth in Fintech and Digital Assets

Beyond traditional banking, Ho Chi Minh City has seen growth in the digital economy. The GFCI 39 report indicates that the city climbed seven places to rank 83rd globally in the Fintech sector.

The city is currently focusing its digital financial strategy on two core areas: asset tokenization, which involves turning physical assets into digital tokens to increase liquidity, and blockchain integration, which utilizes decentralized ledgers to ensure transparent transactions.

Long-term Strategic Outlook

While the recent rankings show rapid ascent, Vietnamese government officials view the development of the financial center as a gradual process. On February 11, 2026, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh characterized the VIFC as a long-term project.

long-haul endeavor that could take five years or longer to fully gauge its outcomes

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh

Asia-Pacific Regional Context

The rise of Ho Chi Minh City occurs within a broader trend of Asia-Pacific financial dominance. Six Asia-Pacific locations are currently ranked among the world’s top 10 financial centers.

Hong Kong is the highest-ranked center in the region, placing third globally in the GFCI 39. Singapore follows as the fourth highest-ranked center worldwide and remains the only Southeast Asian entry in the global top 10.