On August 11, 2026, the Vietnam International Financial Center in HCMC (VIFC-HCMC) officially began accepting member applications. After years of existing only on paper, what is actually changing in Thu Thiem, and what does this mean for local real estate?
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VIFC-HCMC officially launched in early 2026. After about 6 months of operation, the center recorded nearly 20 billion USD in committed capital from domestic and foreign investors.
August 11, 2026 marked an important turning point when the managing agency officially began accepting member applications, shifting the center from perfecting its legal framework to active market operation. The legal basis includes two tiers: Resolution 222/2025/QH15 sets the overall framework. Decree 323/2025/ND-CP provides detailed regulations, establishing a unified legal entity operating.
Regarding international position, HCMC rose 11 places in the GFCI 39 ranking released in 2026, ranking 84th among 120 global financial centers evaluated and third in Southeast Asia. 20 billion USD in committed capital after just 6 months of operation is more concrete proof than any master plan ever published.
The boundary of VIFC-HCMC is now clearly confirmed, spanning about 898 hectares, covering parts of Ben Thanh and Sai Gon Wards, plus most of Thu Thiem, now part of the new An Khanh Ward.
This serves as a clear example of why HCMC’s new administrative boundaries matter to investors, as national strategic projects are now linked directly to specific wards on the new map.
The center focuses on three main development pillars: developing capital markets and specialized financial services, promoting asset management alongside green and digital finance, and expanding commodity and derivatives markets tied to international trade and logistics.
Mr. Le Trong Hieu, Senior Director at CBRE Vietnam, shared notable market data: total office space for lease in HCMC grew from 1 million sqm in 2015 to over 1.7 million sqm in 2026.
The forecast for 2026 to 2028 is even more striking. About 76% of future Grade A office supply in the city will concentrate directly within the VIFC-HCMC area, meeting international standards for technology, ESG, and the expansion needs of global financial institutions.
This offers concrete data supporting an earlier trend: as global financial corporations relocate and expand, demand for offices and expat housing becomes a certainty rather than a guess.
VIFC-HCMC has moved from a long-term planning concept to a physical entity with defined boundaries, operating mechanisms, and committed capital. With Thu Thiem at the heart of this 898-hectare area, investors should observe closely now rather than waiting further.
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