As global financial markets grow more complex, the need for accessible, relevant, and cross-cultural financial education has never been greater. On 8th August 2025, VIFA hosted its first series of interactive Workshops and Learning Forums aimed at boosting financial literacy across the UK and Vietnamese markets.
Held in a hybrid format, the event welcomed over 200 participants—ranging from students and early-career professionals to seasoned advisors and investors. Delivered across two time zones, the programme allowed for maximum participation and engagement from both sides of the world.
The day began with a keynote speech from Dr. Richard McMillan, Head of International Markets at Barclays UK. His address, “Planning for Prosperity: Building Your Financial Future,” explored the psychological, cultural, and structural barriers that often prevent individuals from engaging in long-term financial planning—especially in immigrant or diasporic communities.
VIFA’s forums featured hands-on workshops led by experts in wealth management, fintech, and insurance. Participants explored budgeting techniques, investment strategies, retirement planning, and tax optimisation. Specific sessions were tailored for UK-based Vietnamese professionals navigating the British financial system, as well as Vietnamese nationals interested in expanding into UK markets.
One standout panel, “Emerging Trends in Financial Advisory: What Next for Vietnam and the UK?” brought together four speakers from HSBC Vietnam, St. James’s Place Wealth Management, VinaCapital, and the London Institute of Banking & Finance. The lively Q&A session covered everything from ESG investing and crypto regulation to career pathways in asset management.
The event also marked the soft launch of VIFA’s Mentorship Programme, connecting young professionals with experienced industry leaders for guidance on career growth, networking, and cross-border job opportunities.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. “I’ve attended finance workshops before, but this was the first time I felt seen as both a professional and as a member of the Vietnamese community in the UK,” said Phuong Hoang, a commercial banking analyst based in Birmingham.
As VIFA continues to expand its learning ecosystem, these workshops are set to become a quarterly offering, reinforcing the association’s role as both educator and connector.