New CEO Appointed at Shinhan Bank Vietnam

Key pointsOn September 19, 2026, Shinhan Bank Vietnam appointed Ryu Je Eun as the new CEO. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, particularly in strategic business planning for the Vietnamese market. The new CEO aims to strengthen relationships with FDI companies, domestic enterprises, and individual customers while promoting digitalization and sustainable finance.
Business impactThe appointment of the new CEO may impact Shinhan Bank's strategy, particularly in building relationships with Japanese companies and enhancing digital services. The financial sector is required to understand Shinhan Bank's new policies and consider appropriate responses.

Key pointsOn September 17, Vietnam's short-term interest rates decreased in some areas, while the 2-week rate rose to 5.5%. Specifically, the 1-week rate is stable at 3.9%, and the 1-month rate is at 6%. This necessitates investors to reassess their fund management strategies. Additionally, traffic adjustments and legal system enhancements are being advanced in Ho Chi Minh City.
Business impactJapanese companies should closely monitor these developments and assess their impact on relevant transactions, contracts, and local operations.

Key pointsSingapore's major bank UOB maintains an optimistic outlook for Vietnam's economic growth in 2026, analyzing that even with an import surplus exceeding $20 billion, currency risks remain limited. This suggests a stable investment environment in Vietnam.
Business impactJapanese companies may find it worthwhile to leverage the low currency risk situation and consider further investments in the Vietnamese market. In particular, a stable currency environment could yield profits in export and import operations.

Key pointsLam Dong Province has attracted 248 investment projects across 14 industrial parks, with a total investment amounting to approximately 46 trillion dong (about 2.78 billion USD). This development signifies a key example of the decentralization of the Vietnamese economy and the expansion of investments, particularly as a relocation destination for manufacturing from major southern cities.
Business impactJapanese companies should consider the industrial parks in Lam Dong Province as new production bases and should explore opportunities for supply chain restructuring and establishing secondary locations.

Key pointsVanguard is planning a $2.5 billion investment following the market upgrade of Vietnam by FTSE Russell. This upgrade is a significant milestone for Vietnam's financial market and is expected to increase interest from international investors. New capital inflows are anticipated to begin on September 21, 2026, with approximately $240 million expected to flow into 27 stocks.
Business impactThis investment will enhance liquidity in the Vietnamese market and provide new fundraising opportunities for Japanese companies. In particular, listed companies will need to reassess their strategies to strengthen relationships with international investors.

Key pointsThe Vietnamese government has issued a new decree (359/2026/NĐ-CP) regarding the establishment, operation, and financial mechanisms of asset management companies within financial institutions. This framework is designed to help financial institutions manage and efficiently handle non-performing assets. The new decree will take effect on September 17, 2026, aiming to enhance the professionalism of asset management.
Business impactJapanese companies should monitor this development and assess its impact on related transactions, contracts, and local operations.

Key pointsVietnam's supplemental pension fund currently accounts for less than 1% of GDP, but if the working population contributes 1 million VND monthly, the total could reach approximately 200 billion yen. This estimate is gaining attention as a new point of discussion in the development of Vietnam's capital market. The expansion of the supplemental pension system is expected to promote economic growth and the expansion of the middle class, serving as a means for asset formation in retirement.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the importance of supplemental pensions as part of employee benefits may increase. In a competitive labor market, enhancing benefits packages that include pensions and insurance will be key to retaining talent.

Key pointsVietnam has initiated 62 investigations into foreign products while maintaining 37 trade defense measures. This aims to protect domestic industries and ensure a fair competitive environment. Notably, the number of investigations into exports has reached 327, an increase from the previous year. In response, the Ministry of Trade emphasizes the importance of risk management for businesses.
Business impactJapanese companies may be affected by trade defense measures, necessitating a review of their export strategies and strengthening of risk management systems.

Key pointsVingroup has announced the second phase of its 'Green Future' program to support the green transition in the transportation sector, in line with government policies. The program includes special incentives for individual customers and drivers to encourage the shift to electric vehicles, offering discounts of up to 9% for the transition from gasoline to electric cars.
Business impactThis program presents a good opportunity for Japanese companies to enter the electric vehicle market. Vingroup's efforts are a significant step in increasing the demand for electric vehicles, and related businesses should closely monitor this trend.