Deputy PM calls for integrated ASEAN fintech ecosystem

Deputy PM Nguyen Van Thang proposed a shared vision for an ASEAN fintech ecosystem that is open, secure, transparent, inclusive, and sustainable: “Open” to foster connectivity, “Secure” to enable growth, “Transparent” to build trust, “Inclusive” to ensure that no one is left behind, and “Sustainable” to strengthen resilience and support long-term progress.

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang has called on ASEAN countries to work together to build an open, secure, transparent, inclusive and sustainable fintech ecosystem, describing financial technology as strategic infrastructure that will shape the region’s digital future.

2-4190.jpg
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang speaks at the event. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

The remarks were made at a seminar on regional fintech ecosystem held in Hanoi on June 9 within the framework of the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2026. The event brought together Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavan Phomvihane, representatives of Vietnamese ministries and agencies, and leading domestic and international experts and businesses.

At the discussion, Thang said exchanges at the forum had highlighted a clear reality: fintech is no longer confined to banking services or digital payments but has become a key driver of economic growth, cross-border connectivity and trust-building in ASEAN’s digital economy.

According to the Deputy PM, fintech is helping realise one of ASEAN’s most fundamental goals – bringing development opportunities closer to every citizen, business and community, including those who have not yet benefited fully from digital transformation.

To become a leading digital financial hub in the Asia-Pacific and globally, ASEAN must move beyond market integration toward connecting its fintech ecosystems, he stressed.

Thang noted that proposals discussed at the seminar, ranging from cross-border payment infrastructure and international financial centres to artificial intelligence (AI), big data, blockchain and regulatory sandboxes, all point to one essential requirement: effective coordination among governments, regulators, businesses, financial institutions, investors and end-users.

“We cannot build a strong fintech ecosystem if we remain divided by data silos, incompatible standards, or gaps in trust and governance,” he said.

The Deputy PM proposed a shared vision for an ASEAN fintech ecosystem that is open, secure, transparent, inclusive, and sustainable: “Open” to foster connectivity, “Secure” to enable growth, “Transparent” to build trust, “Inclusive” to ensure that no one is left behind, and “Sustainable” to strengthen resilience and support long-term progress.

To realise this vision, he highlighted the need to strengthen infrastructure connectivity and harmonise standards across the region. ASEAN should accelerate the development of next-generation cross-border payment systems, expanding beyond QR code payments and retail transactions to include real-time payments, embedded finance, Open API standards and regional anti-fraud coordination mechanisms.

On fostering innovation while ensuring safety, Thang called for transparent, stable and balanced legal frameworks that encourage the development of AI, blockchain and emerging technologies while safeguarding financial stability and consumer interests.

He also suggested studying the feasibility of establishing an “ASEAN Fintech Sandbox” at the regional level to enable the testing and deployment of cross-border fintech solutions in a controlled, secure and transparent environment.

The Deputy PM underscored the importance of public-private partnerships, saying governments should create enabling institutions, businesses should lead innovation, financial institutions should provide resources, and investment funds should help expand opportunities for growth.

He stressed that people must remain at the centre of digital transformation efforts and that practical outcomes should serve as the key measure of success.

Thang said ASEAN now has opportunities to emerge as a fintech centre of growing regional and global significance. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to working closely with ASEAN member states and international partners to promote a regional fintech ecosystem that is more open, connected, secure and people-centred.

The future of ASEAN will be defined not only by growth rates, but also by the quality of development; not only by technological strength, but by the ability to serve people; and not only by the degree of integration, but also by the prosperity it brings to all citizens, he said./.

en.vietnamplus.vn
Original Article Link Copy Link
https://en.vietnamplus.vn/deputy-pm-calls-for-integrated-asean-fintech-ecosystem-post344287.vnp

Other News

PM, NA Chairman meet with leaders of press agencies

PM, NA Chairman meet with leaders of press agencies

The press has taken a leading role in defending the Party’s ideological foundation, countering wrongful and hostile stances, and raising the volume and quality of mainstream information, contributing to a healthy, humane and responsible media environment, said NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

PM urges Dong Nai to step up role as a key driver of national growth

PM urges Dong Nai to step up role as a key driver of national growth

The PM said the positive results achieved by Dong Nai in its first year as a centrally governed city stemmed from a crucial factor, a shift in mindset, thinking and methods of implementation, reflecting the leadership’s determination to innovate, pursue development and embrace a spirit of initiative and responsibility.

Ho Chi Minh City must maximise role as economic powerhouse: PM

Ho Chi Minh City must maximise role as economic powerhouse: PM

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung called for a comprehensive review of Ho Chi Minh City’s 2026 economic growth scenarios, with a focus on identifying untapped potential across sectors and deploying effective measures to maximise growth in the remaining quarters of the year, particularly in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, logistics, finance and banking, and other high-value-added industries.

Vietnam joins UN group on combating technology-facilitated human trafficking

Vietnam joins UN group on combating technology-facilitated human trafficking

The ambassador affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to cooperation with countries, the UN, UNODC, and relevant partners in combating human trafficking. He also noted that the participation of several ASEAN countries as founding members reflects the region’s shared commitment to implementing the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP).

PM launches nationwide campaign for sustainable double-digit growth

PM launches nationwide campaign for sustainable double-digit growth

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung called on ministries, sectors and localities to promptly translate the emulation movement into practical action plans and programmes, ensuring that emulation becomes not merely a campaign but a driving force for action, an ecosystem for discovering good models, replicating successful models and best practices.

AFF 2026 marks Vietnam's transition from participant to regional agenda-setter

AFF 2026 marks Vietnam's transition from participant to regional agenda-setter

With sharp strategic mindset and a proven capacity for practical action at both bilateral and multilateral levels, Vietnam has demonstrated its role as a builder and agenda-setter, contributing to a robust platform for dialogue and cooperation in pursuit of a resilient, peaceful, and truly people-centred ASEAN Community by 2045

NA Vice Chairwoman presents gifts to Dien Bien policy beneficiary families

NA Vice Chairwoman presents gifts to Dien Bien policy beneficiary families

Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh urged policy beneficiary families to carry forward revolutionary traditions, serve as role models for younger generations, and steer their children to follow Party’s guidelines and the State’s laws and policies, contributing to a more prosperous and civilised province.

📝OP-ED: When foreign affairs pioneer in shaping nation's future

📝OP-ED: When foreign affairs pioneer in shaping nation's future

Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW represents both a continuation and a development of the Party’s comprehensive foreign policy and President Ho Chi Minh’s thought. If international integration helped create a favourable environment for development, diplomacy today is tasked with protecting and expanding that space.

Capital Law 2026 paves way for Hanoi's new development model

Capital Law 2026 paves way for Hanoi's new development model

One of the key breakthroughs of the new resolutions is the shift from a traditional management-oriented approach to a development-enabling model. The proposed policies are designed not only to address current issues but also to establish the foundation for a more modern, proactive and flexible system of urban governance.

📝OP-ED: Strength of policies shaped by listening to public voices

📝OP-ED: Strength of policies shaped by listening to public voices

Recent developments have demonstrated that policies shaped through listening to public opinion have become a powerful source of social consensus and public trust, enabling the Party, the State and the people to work together toward more ambitious goals and a longer-term vision for national development.

Every act of kindness embodies patriotic emulation: Top leader

Every act of kindness embodies patriotic emulation: Top leader

A good deed today is itself a vivid expression of patriotic emulation, the leader said, noting that patriotism is demonstrated not only during historic moments but also through responsible actions, humane gestures and contributions to society.

NA Standing Committee convenes third session

NA Standing Committee convenes third session

The NA Standing Committee will review and adopt one ordinance and one resolution to further fine-tune the legal framework governing the People's Courts under the newly restructured organisational system.

ASEAN must become active force in shaping new rules of era: Vietnamese PM

ASEAN must become active force in shaping new rules of era: Vietnamese PM

ASEAN should continue upholding the values that have underpinned its success - solidarity, resilience and unity in diversity, while embracing greater innovation in both thinking and action. The bloc should remain firm in its principles while becoming more agile in its responses to emerging challenges and opportunities, said PM Le Minh Hung.