HCMC Rises 7 Spots in Global Financial Center Ranking
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has advanced 7 spots to rank 98th in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) 37, a leap fueled by a 25-point increase, reaching 645 points. This marks the city’s highest ranking since 2022, according to a report released by Z/Yen Partners (UK) and the China Development Institute.
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Ho Chi Minh City Climbs 7 Places in GFCI 2025
📊 Ranking Progress for HCMC:
- Mar 2023: Rank 112
- Sep 2023: Rank 120
- Mar 2025: Rank 98
HCMC’s progress narrows the gap with Bangkok and Jakarta, signaling Vietnam’s growing ambition to become a regional financial powerhouse.
How the GFCI Ranking Is Calculated
The GFCI score is based on 145 indicators, sourced from credible institutions like:
- United Nations
- World Economic Forum
- World Bank
- Transparency International
It also includes feedback from 50,000+ professionals in finance, evaluating metrics like:
✅ Investment environment
✅ Banking & insurance services
✅ Talent pool
✅ Infrastructure & reputation
These factors determine each city’s competitiveness as a financial hub and serve as a reference for policymakers and global investors.
Vietnam’s Plan for an International Financial Center
HCMC has pursued the idea of becoming a global financial hub for nearly 20 years. In late 2024, the Vietnamese government approved a master plan for an International Financial Center (IFC) in HCMC, with operations targeted to start in 2025 and full completion by 2030.
🏙️ IFC Key Locations:
- District 1 (CBD)
- Thu Thiem New Urban Area (9.2 ha across 11 land plots)
Earlier this year, a 29-member Steering Committee was established to oversee the IFC development, led by HCMC Party Secretary Nguyễn Văn Nên.
Southeast Asia Financial Centers: HCMC Gains Ground
Among Southeast Asian cities, Singapore still leads globally at rank 4. However, HCMC’s rapid progress is notable:
| City | GFCI Rank (Mar 2025) |
|---|---|
| Singapore | 4 |
| HCMC | 98 |
| Jakarta | 97 |
| Bangkok | 96 |
| Kuala Lumpur | 51 |
| Manila | 103 |
With continued development, HCMC could emerge as a key regional financial node, especially with metro, infrastructure, and real estate integration in Thu Thiem and District 1.
Global Leaders: Top 10 Financial Hubs
🌐 Top 5 Global Financial Centers (GFCI 2025):
- New York (USA) – 769 points
- London (UK)
- Hong Kong (China)
- Singapore
- San Francisco
🔺 Notably, Seoul entered the top 10, replacing Frankfurt, reflecting the dynamism in Asia-Pacific.
✅ What This Means for Vietnam
With rising investor confidence, government backing, and clearer regulatory reforms, Vietnam is set to make its mark on the global financial map.
📈 Takeaways:
- Growing recognition of HCMC as a financial center
- Major infrastructure and urban development in progress
- Opportunity to attract more FDI in banking, fintech, and capital markets
Stay tuned as HCMC accelerates toward its 2030 goal of becoming a regional financial powerhouse.
