World Financial Innovation Series redefines future of financial services

The WFIS is a premier annual event for the financial services industry, held across various regions worldwide. It brings together the full spectrum of the financial ecosystem–uniting influential leaders, domain specialists, tech pioneers, and regulatory authorities under one platform.

The series showcases forward-thinking strategies, transformative technologies, and next-gen solutions, while creating exceptional opportunities for collaboration and meaningful connections.

Launched in 2023, WFIS made a powerful entrance into Vietnam, bolstered by the invaluable backing and leadership of the Vietnam Banks Association (VNBA). With participation spanning across various segments of the financial services industry, the event quickly earned a solid reputation as a trusted and influential platform.

In 2025, WFIS was held in Vietnam with renewed momentum under the banner “Smarter – Simpler – Faster: Transformation Vietnam’s Financial Revolution,” with the aim to redefine the future of financial services.

The conference in Hanoi welcomed delegates from the State Bank of Vietnam, VNBA leaders, and over 500 senior technology and business executives representing more than 100 banks, insurers, and financial institutions across the country. The event also featured more than 40 distinguished speakers and 25 solution providers from the forefront of the industry.

This summit spotlighted some of the most influential voices in finance and technology, sharing in-depth insights and tackling the most relevant challenges of today. Designed to spark innovation and foster collaboration, WFIS Vietnam 2025 served as a vibrant stage for visionaries, setting the tone for what’s next in financial services.

The WFIS 2025 Vietnam Awards marked a fitting conclusion to two impactful days of strategic discussions and dynamic networking, honouring visionary individuals driving the transformation of Vietnam’s banking sector. Spotlighting the industry’s most significant talent and forward-thinkers, the awards ceremony celebrated leadership that’s redefining the financial landscape across nine pivotal categories.

• The IT Maestro(s) of the Year: Tran Cong Quynh Lan, deputy general director and chief information officer, Vietnam Joint Commercial Bank for Industry & Trade (VietinBank), and Nguyen Anh Tuan, chief information officer, Techcombank, jointly won the award for leading the way in IT innovation, improving efficiency, resolving critical challenges within their organisations, and setting the tone for future advancements in the category.
• GRC Advocate of the Year: Le Tien Dung – data governance director, Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank received the award for his exemplary leadership in governance, risk, and compliance, ensuring organisational security while steering it toward growth and scalability.
• CX Innovator of the Year: Hoang Anh Duc, XMP, CCXP, CCX, head of Experience Management & Process Optimisation, Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MSB), was honoured for transforming the customer experience and exemplifying a truly game-changing, seamless client journey.
• Data & Analytics Leader of the Year: The award was presented to Pham Thi Nguyet Nga, chief data officer, Orient Commercial Bank, for her instrumental work in data management and strategies.
• Retail Banker of the Year: Do Tuyet Trinh, deputy head of Retail Banking, HDBank, was recognised for driving force behind growth and the implementation of effective development strategies in the retail banking segment.
• Marketing Leader of the Year: Nguyen Minh Ha, head of Marketing Communications, ACB Securities Company was awarded for her impactful leadership, innovative ideas and determined, go-getter mindset in the marketing domain.
• Cyber Practitioner of the Year: This award went Van Anh Tuan - CISSP #91519, chief information security officer, Techcombank, for playing a pivotal role in establishing a robust cyber framework for his organisation.
• Woman Influencer in Financial Services Industry: This special award highlights the most inspiring female leader who has made exceptional contributions to the financial services industry, while also championing diversity and taking bold initiatives to break down gender stereotypes within the sector. Nguyen Ngoc Lan Anh, chief technology and operations officer, Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, was honoured as a leading woman shaping the future of the financial services industry.

The WFIS Vietnam 2025 demonstrated that innovation thrives at the intersection of collaboration, technology, and regulation. As banks continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, the insights shared and alliances forged at WFIS will help reshape Vietnam’s financial revolution.

World Bank to help SBV build shared database for banking industry The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has initiated a project to build a shared database for the banking industry, which will be supported by the World Bank and implemented by KPMG Vietnam.

More bank support to come in form of credit packages Banks will place a strong focus on small traders and consumer lending this year, especially for social housing, to drive economic growth while supporting key sectors.

Finance firms club together A centralised database for financial institutions could safeguard the interests of their clients and other legitimate third parties, as the consumer finance industry looks towards solid growth and an upbeat economic outlook.