As part of its international cooperation efforts to foster innovation, from September 17 to 25, 2025, an Agribank delegation joined the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) mission to Switzerland and the United Kingdom to study advanced practices in financial technology (Fintech) development and digital transformation within the banking sector. The visit took place amid Vietnam’s strong push for digitalization in banking, aligned with national policies on fintech sandboxes and digital asset pilot markets, aiming to draw practical insights from two of the world’s leading financial centers.

Accompanying the SBV delegation led by Deputy Governor Phạm Tiến Dũng, the Agribank delegation was headed by Mr. Trần Văn Dũng, Member of the Board of Members, and included the Deputy General Director in charge of Digital Banking along with representatives from the Information Technology Center, Digital Banking Division, and Financial Institutions Department.

During the working sessions in Switzerland, the delegation held extensive discussions with key financial authorities and institutions. At the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), the team explored the principle-based regulatory model, fintech sandbox framework, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) legislation, and approaches to balancing anti-money laundering (AML) controls with innovation. Meetings with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) reviewed the 2023–2028 Inclusive Finance Project, ISO 20022 implementation, and the 2026–2029 strategy focusing on data and capacity building.

At the Swiss National Bank (SNB), the delegation learned about the real-time 24/7 SIC4 payment system and the Helvetia and Agora projects related to central bank digital currencies (CBDC). Exchanges with Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) focused on Open API integration, blockchain applications, and digital asset platform development. Discussions with the Swiss Fintech Association (SFTA) provided insights into fintech ecosystem building, capital connection, and industry standards, while the working session with Adnovum highlighted IAM/CIAM and data security solutions in open banking. The delegation also visited Crypto Valley in Zug—one of the world’s leading blockchain hubs—renowned for its clear legal framework and strong public–private collaboration.

In the United Kingdom, the delegation engaged with major institutions and innovation organizations to gain practical insights into fintech advancement. At the Bank of England (BoE), the team discussed RTGS modernization, ISO 20022 migration, and instant payment systems. Working sessions with HSBC focused on its global digital banking model, an API ecosystem with over 500 integrations, embedded finance solutions, data utilization, and ESG integration. At Revolut, currently the UK’s second-largest digital bank, Agribank explored the firm’s growth journey from startup to global digital challenger, AI-driven personalization, and cybersecurity priorities.

The delegation also met with leading fintech accelerators and innovation networks, including Innovate Finance, EY Fintech Lab, Fintech Level39, and Digital Catapult, to exchange on startup ecosystems, talent development, and policy advocacy. A session at the London Stock Exchange (LSE) provided perspectives on digital transformation, green finance, and the emerging carbon credit market.

Outcomes and Significance of the Mission

At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Trần Văn Dũng, Member of Agribank’s Board of Members, emphasized that the mission enabled Agribank to capture applicable models, tools, and processes to strengthen its digital transformation efforts—from enhancing customer experience and improving risk management and compliance, to expanding digital financial services for agriculture, rural development, and green finance.

Agribank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the State Bank of Vietnam in refining fintech-related regulatory frameworks while proactively piloting fintech solutions aligned with international best practices. The bank also aims to deepen international collaboration in technology transfer, digital workforce development, and co-creation of innovative financial products and services.

The study mission opened new avenues for cooperation, providing Agribank with a clearer strategic direction for its digital transformation journey. It reaffirmed Agribank’s position as a leading state-owned commercial bank pioneering innovation and modernization, serving the agricultural and rural economy, and advancing Vietnam’s sustainable financial integration in the global arena.

Kylie Nguyen