On 27th June 2025, the Vietnam-UK Financial Association (VIFA) celebrated a historic milestone with its official launching ceremony. The event, held at the Royal Society of Arts in London and livestreamed to audiences across Vietnam, marked the formal introduction of VIFA as a dynamic bridge connecting financial professionals, institutions, and communities from both nations.
More than 150 attendees gathered to witness the unveiling of VIFA’s mission, leadership, and vision. The audience included representatives from Vietnamese professional associations, UK-based Vietnamese diaspora leaders, financial institutions, universities, and policy advisors. The diversity of attendees reflected VIFA’s central ethos: unity through knowledge, collaboration, and innovation.
In her keynote address, Dr. Lan Nguyen, VIFA’s Founding Chairwoman, delivered a heartfelt message. “VIFA is not just an association—it is a platform for belonging, for impact, and for legacy. We stand on the foundations of two economies, two cultures, and one vision for the future of finance.”
The event began with a retrospective look at the motivations behind VIFA’s formation. For years, Vietnamese professionals in the UK financial industry had expressed a need for a cohesive, forward-thinking organisation that could foster connection, mentorship, and policy dialogue. VIFA was born from this vision—formally registered in the UK in late 2024 and powered by a team of volunteer leaders with deep roots in both countries.
During the programme, attendees were introduced to the newly appointed Executive Committee, comprising financial experts, academics, legal advisors, and entrepreneurs from both sides of the globe. The leadership team emphasised its strategic priorities: enhancing Vietnam–UK trade and investment flows, empowering talent mobility, and building an accessible knowledge network through continuous learning and research.
One of the most applauded segments of the event was the formal introduction of VIFA’s inaugural member cohort. These founding members will play an instrumental role in shaping the association’s early development. From fintech pioneers in London to risk analysts in Ho Chi Minh City, this diverse cohort reflects the multi-sectoral nature of VIFA’s ambition.
A highlight of the launch was the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding—one with the Vietnam-UK Network and another with the British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam (BritCham). These agreements lay the groundwork for joint programming in trade policy, ESG finance, and market research throughout 2025–2026.
As the event concluded, VIFA unveiled its official website and membership portal, inviting professionals from across the financial spectrum to join, contribute, and collaborate.
The successful launch reaffirms VIFA’s role as a trusted voice in the growing Vietnam–UK financial relationship. The journey has only just begun—but with strong leadership and engaged membership, the association is already positioning itself as a key stakeholder in shaping the future of finance across borders.