Vietnam to Rethink Financial Services After a Cutting-edge Show at... | Financial Services Review

Vietnam to Rethink Financial Services After a Cutting-edge Show at WFIS

Financial Services Review | Wednesday, May 01, 2024

Hanoi, : In an exclusive setup that convened over 500 financial sector professionals, the second annual edition of World Financial Innovation Series (WFIS) in Vietnam gave an industrywide push to accommodate the latest tech advancements in FSI.

Held at one of the poshest 5-star venue, Melia Hanoi, the event took place on 15 – 16 April 2024 and got inaugurated by the Vice Chairman & Secretary General of Vietnam Banks Association (VNBA), Dr Nguyen Quoc Hung and the event organizer, Sudhir Ranjan Jena (Co-founder & CEO, Tradepass).

Unveiling a whole spectrum of discussion around areas like Cloud Technologies, Generative AI, Fintech Leaps and Digital Banking, the platform very precisely depicted the pulse of the industry and got numerous verticals together to engage in meaningful dialogues.

Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.

While Generative AI has taken the whole world by storm, it found a significant spot in the conference’s agenda as well. A strong testament to its widespread popularity is the fact that it got highlighted during two distinct keynote sessions titled “Generative AI for Financial Services” by AWS Vietnam & Indochina and “Revolutionizing Banking: The power of Generative AI” by VinBigdata.

During a face-to-face interview, the Chief Digital Officer from Techcombank, Pranav Seth who was also a key speaker at the event, gave an impressive reply explaining how the bank’s recent 22 percent year-on-year Profit Before Tax (PBT) can be attributed to the its digital side.

He expressed, “As a universal bank I think there’s a lot in terms of transformation that needs to come together, so I think digital is a large part of it. On the digital side what we have been able to do is massively scale up our acquisition efforts. So, last year we were able to acquire about 2.3 million high quality customers and create one of the highest engagements with them digitally. Our customers interact with us around 50 times a month and for each of those opportunity we use all the data that we have.”

Furthermore, he went on to talk about what he liked the most about the platform WFIS, “I am really surprised and impressed by the turnout and professionalism of the whole setup and excited to see so many people from the industry in Vietnam. It seems like a very high-quality international event and I am thankful to Tradepass for hosting this in Hanoi.”

The event witnessed a magnificent lineup of thought leaders from Vietnam’s top-notch banks, financial institutions, and technology companies. Even Southeast Asia’s very first fintech to win a digital banking license, UNObank was seen participating in a very insightful fireside chat on MSME Banking.

Its Chairman, Kalidas Ghose even elucidated on the bank’s remarkable journey, he expressed, “So, the journey has obviously been very encouraging and motivating to look at. First of all, we found that with modern technology you can establish a fully compliant bank in a relatively short span of time. But what is more interesting is that the UNObanking model is purely digital so we do not have any physical presence like branches or ATMs. While on one hand that can act as a constraint on the other it can really open up a huge world of opportunities for reaching out to a larger audience of customers”.

Talking in numbers, he further stated, “We have been able to acquire close to 1.5 million customers in less than 15 months’ time and this has been possible because of the strong partnerships but also very efficient organic channels through which we acquire customers.”

The attendees were spoilt for choice as they got a splendid opportunity to explore a wide array of fintech solutions from top technology giants like AWS, VinBigdata, Oracle, Coreium, iProov and many others.

All in all, the two-days at WFIS 2024 – Vietnam gave a glimpse of the country’s progressive future and its vibrant financial sector that’s poised to undertake the latest tech advancements. The participating financial institutions received some eye-opening intel and evaluated cutting-edge products and strategies for enhanced delivery of their services.  

More in News

Forensic accounting is a critical new sector that cuts across finance, law, and investigative practices. The growing complexity of business operations and environments requires increased demand for forensic accountants who discover financial irregularities or fraud and assist in litigation cases. Trends shaping the work of forensic accountants keep changing, shaping its effectiveness and scope. Forensic accounting is utilizing technology more than ever to detect sophisticated financial crime. Sophisticated data analytics and application software are used effectively to analyze enormous amounts of economic data to identify inconsistencies and patterns that may be illustrative of fraudulent activity. Possibly the most exciting use of artificial intelligence, the automation of repeated tasks, and related improvement in detecting fraud is an integration of machine learning. This shift accelerates investigations and lets forensic accountants focus on more complex analytical work. Importance of Cybersecurity in Forensic Accounting Cyber attacks and financial fraud pose a more significant threat; thus, cybersecurity's importance is expanding into forensic accounting. Therefore, forensic accountants must be more updated regarding cybersecurity principles while investigating such breaches. IT experts must be consulted to detect financial fraud and comprehend how cyber threats damage an organization's financial integrity. The cross-border investigation challenge for forensic accountants is stimulated by the fact that more and more businesses operate in more than one jurisdiction. This trend requires more profound international knowledge about legislation and financial reporting standards. Forensic accountants are increasingly being requested to offer services in cross-border investigations, requiring them to collaborate closely with professionals from other countries. This global perspective expands their horizons and enhances their capacity to detect cross-border fraud. The forensic environment is changing, too, as there's more focus now on corporate governance and compliance. Increased expectations from stakeholders, such as investors and regulatory entities, over the possibility of organization transparency and accountability, enforce this demand through accountability. Forensic accountants are being asked to manage risk and compliance proactively. They assess internal controls, perform risk analyses, and advise on best financial reporting practices. Forensic accountants, thus, are finding themselves not only as investigators but also as pre-requisite advisors in corporate governance—the dynamics of the workforce change in the practice of forensic accounting. Younger professional groups with more diversified skills are attracted to the area, and the approach is changing toward collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches that bring together data scientists, legal experts, and compliance officers to think holistically. New developments are transforming the profession of forensic accounting by upgrading developments in technology, globalization, cybersecurity, enhancing scrutiny under the regulations, and changing workforces. As these developments influence the career scope of forensic accountants, they become more effective in detecting fraud and helping organizations maintain financial integrity. A very dynamic future is in store for forensic accounting, with professionals continuing to change and expand their competencies to face challenges better as they arise. ...Read more
In a business environment shaped by innovation and evolving market demands, access to capital remains a fundamental driver of growth. Whether scaling operations, investing in new technology, or entering new markets, organizations must strategically navigate the financing landscape to stay competitive. Over time, traditional lending models have been joined by a broader array of financial solutions, each tailored to meet specific business needs. Understanding these emerging trends is essential for businesses seeking not only financial stability but also long-term growth in a changing economic context. Increased Diversification of Funding Sources Increasingly evident for business financing is the fact that a lot of demand for financial solutions cannot be met by traditional means. A multitude of businesses are foraging for alternative credit platforms, asset-based financing, and private investments beyond conventional bank loans, embracing the latest trend of adaptability toward personalized financial options tailored to different businesses. Small and medium-sized enterprises are often disproportionately affected by stricter financing requirements imposed by traditional banking institutions. Approaches associated with CS Tomasi Wealth Management reflect the importance of diversified financial strategies that help businesses navigate funding constraints and enhance operational flexibility. Access to a broader range of financing sources enables companies to manage risk more effectively while adapting their financial models to changing conditions. This flexibility allows businesses to align funding strategies with their growth stages and evolving market dynamics. Technology-Driven Financial Services Expansion Businesses' management of capital access is being transformed by the integration of technology into financial services. Financing decisions are becoming more efficient due to digital underwriting models, automated lending platforms, and real-time financial data analysis. These advancements not only speed up the application and approval processes but also improve consumer satisfaction and transparency. Hanasab Insurance Services provides insurance solutions supporting risk management, financial flexibility, and business stability across varying growth stages. Additionally, data-driven insights allow lenders to assess creditworthiness more accurately, often opening up funding opportunities for previously underrepresented businesses. The use of technology in financing is promoting faster funding cycles, enabling companies to obtain necessary funds more quickly and with less administrative burden. As long as financial institutions continue to invest in digital infrastructure, technology will play an increasingly vital role in corporate finance. Focus on Sustainable and Purpose-Driven Financing Increasingly, financial strategies are aligning with longer-term environmental, social, and governance (ESG) imperatives. When considering financing options for businesses, sustainability has become a crucial factor for investors and lenders. Hence, companies are encouraged to integrate ESG criteria into their financing schemes, whether through green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, or funding tied to specific environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. For businesses seeking to enhance their market position or attract investment from entities with distinct ESG objectives, this trend is becoming increasingly important. It reflects broader stakeholder expectations. In addition to encouraging ethical business practices, funding that aligns with sustainability goals can lead to improved long-term performance and reduced risk exposure. Businesses need to stay informed about changes in funding sources, technological advancements, and sustainable finance, as business financing continues to evolve. Organizations enhance their financial agility, support strategic objectives, and meet stakeholder expectations in a competitive environment by adjusting their capital strategy to align with these trends. To capitalize on new market opportunities and adapt to emerging challenges, a forward-looking strategy for financing will be essential. ...Read more
Technology is reshaping the way financial institutions operate, borrowers access capital, and the lending process unfolds. Digitizing lending processes is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Traditional brick-and-mortar institutions embrace digital platforms to offer seamless and convenient loan application experiences. Online portals and mobile apps enable borrowers to submit applications, upload documents, and track the status of their loans from anywhere at any time. Digital transformation enhances customer satisfaction and improves lenders' operational efficiency. Enhanced Credit Assessment With AI AI-powered algorithms can assess creditworthiness more accurately and efficiently than traditional methods by analyzing vast amounts of data, transaction history, social media activity, and satellite imagery. It allows lenders to make faster, data-driven decisions and offer personalized loan products tailored to the unique needs of each business. Alternative lending platforms, including peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, crowdfunding, and marketplace lending, are gaining traction as viable alternatives to traditional bank loans. These platforms leverage technology to connect borrowers directly with investors, bypassing the need for intermediaries and offering flexible terms and lower interest rates. Alternative lending platforms offer borrowers quick capital access with streamlined application processes and rapid approval times. Blockchain technology transforms how loans are originated, underwritten, and serviced. Lenders can automate loan origination processes, reduce fraud, and enhance transparency by leveraging blockchain's immutable ledger and smart contract capabilities. Smart contracts are programmed to execute automatically when certain conditions are met, streamline loan agreements, and eliminate the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and improving efficiency. A rising demand exists for green finance initiatives promoting environmentally friendly business practices. The Emergence Of Embedded Finance Embedded finance allows companies to blend financial services, like lending, directly into their products and services. This makes it easier for customers to access these financial options without leaving the platform they already use. From e-commerce platforms offering instant financing at checkout to software companies providing working capital loans directly within their applications, embedded finance solutions are democratizing access to capital and driving financial inclusion for businesses of all sizes. From anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your customer (KYC) checks to data privacy and cybersecurity measures, RegTech solutions help lenders mitigate risk, streamline regulatory reporting, and maintain compliance in an ever-changing regulatory landscape. Technology is driving significant transformations in the lending landscape, enabling lenders to offer more efficient, transparent, and inclusive loan products while empowering businesses to thrive and grow. ...Read more
Financial empowerment coaching has moved beyond basic budgeting advice into a more nuanced discipline that addresses behavior, communication and structural inefficiencies within personal finance systems. Many individuals entering these programs are not starting from a neutral position; they often carry fragmented financial setups, unmanaged debt or long-standing stress tied to money decisions. For executives evaluating such services, the distinction lies in how effectively a provider translates complexity into sustained, actionable progress without diluting accountability. A recurring challenge across financial coaching engagements is the absence of a reliable baseline. Clients frequently operate across multiple accounts, unclear allocations and inconsistent tracking habits, which obscure their true financial position. Establishing a clear starting point through detailed cash flow visibility becomes essential, not as a static report but as a living reference that guides all subsequent decisions. Programs that treat this baseline as a continuous comparison tool rather than a one-time diagnostic tend to produce more stable long-term outcomes. Another defining factor is the ability to adapt guidance based on a client’s financial stage without forcing a uniform pathway. Individuals dealing with high debt require a fundamentally different focus than those transitioning into asset-building. Effective services recognize these shifts and recalibrate priorities accordingly, ensuring that early-stage interventions concentrate on reducing liabilities and improving liquidity, while later phases emphasize disciplined growth and long-term security. This progression is less about rigid frameworks and more about aligning strategy with real financial behavior over time. Clarity in execution also separates impactful coaching from surface-level planning. Many clients struggle not because they lack information but because they cannot translate plans into consistent action. Tools that integrate budgeting, debt tracking and discretionary income visibility into a single interface can reduce friction, especially when paired with regular engagement. Visualizing where money flows each month often reveals inefficiencies that are otherwise overlooked, enabling clients to make informed adjustments without relying on abstract advice. The outcome is a shift from reactive decision-making to deliberate financial control. Equally important is the human dimension of financial coaching. Financial stress often intersects with relationship dynamics, personal confidence and past negative experiences. Services that incorporate behavioral insight and communication sensitivity tend to achieve deeper engagement. When clients feel understood and supported, they are more likely to follow through on structured plans, which directly impacts results. This becomes particularly relevant in situations involving couples or individuals who have previously disengaged from financial planning due to poor experiences. TetonPines Financial demonstrates these attributes through a coaching model rooted in clarity, progression and behavioral alignment. It begins with a structured intake that filters for readiness, followed by a comprehensive financial assessment that captures income, liabilities and assets in full. Its emphasis on cash flow analysis as a baseline enables clients to identify inefficiencies and build forward with measurable improvements. The service adapts its focus depending on whether a client is managing debt or transitioning into asset growth, ensuring relevance at each stage. The use of integrated financial software simplifies budgeting and tracking, allowing clients to visualize discretionary income and make consistent adjustments. A distinctive aspect of its approach lies in communication accessibility and a therapeutic foundation, which fosters trust and sustained engagement, particularly for clients who have felt excluded or underserved in traditional financial planning environments. ...Read more