The forum was jointly organized by the Vietnam Banks Association (VNBA) and Tradepass, with a focus on accelerating digital transformation in the banking and finance sector and supporting the development of a more connected, efficient and sustainable fintech ecosystem in Vietnam.

Speaking at the opening session, VNBA Vice Chairman and Secretary General Dao Minh Tu emphasized that Vietnam is emerging as one of Asia’s fastest-growing digital finance markets as the banking sector accelerates its transition toward data-driven and digitally connected operating models.

According to Dao Minh Tu, digital transformation in banking has expanded beyond digital banking services and electronic payments, reshaping governance, operations and customer experience across the sector.

He noted that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), open banking, cloud computing and smart data governance are becoming strategic priorities for many financial institutions in Vietnam. At the same time, modernization of technology infrastructure, cybersecurity and financial fraud prevention are receiving growing attention from financial institutions, regulators and the public.

Citing data from the State Bank of Vietnam, Dao Minh Tu said more than 95% of credit institutions in Vietnam have implemented or are implementing digital transformation strategies, while nearly 80% of financial transactions are conducted through digital channels.

The figures show the banking sector’s gradual transition from service digitalization toward smart banking ecosystems built on data and comprehensive digital connectivity, he added.

However, the rapid pace of digital transformation is also increasing pressure on risk management and cybersecurity. Cyberattacks are increasingly targeting data exploitation and identity fraud in digital environments, creating growing risks for the banking and financial sector.

Visa’s Asia-Pacific Cybersecurity Risk Report released in April 2026, found that AI-driven attacks are rising rapidly in both scale and sophistication. Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2026 reported that 65% of large organizations consider third-party and supply chain vulnerabilities the leading challenge to cyber resilience.

Tu said the sector’s transformation is reshaping how financial institutions operate, connect and create value for customers. He went on to say that banks are gradually moving away from traditional operating models toward smart digital ecosystems in which data serves as a strategic asset and customer experience remains central to development strategies.

According to the VNBA leader, the transition presents opportunities for Vietnamese banks to accelerate modernization, expand access to financial services, improve operational efficiency, optimize costs and strengthen their position in the global digital finance value chain.

He stressed that stronger cooperation, experience-sharing and closer connectivity between financial institutions and the technology community will play a key role in ensuring the sector’s sustainable development.

WFIS 2026 is expected to feature in-depth discussions on emerging technology trends while creating additional opportunities for cooperation across Vietnam’s digital finance ecosystem.

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