Frankfurt, Germany – From September 29 to October 2, 2025, Sibos 2025 took place in Frankfurt, one of the world’s leading financial hubs. Organized by SWIFT, Sibos is the world’s premier financial services event, attracting thousands of delegates from banks, financial institutions, technology firms, and regulators. With the theme “The Next Frontiers of Global Finance”, the conference explored transformation drivers shaping the global financial ecosystem, enhancing resilience, connectivity, and adaptability.

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hòa Bình visits the “State Bank of Vietnam” exhibition booth at Sibos 2025, Frankfurt, Germany

Delegates explore the “State Bank of Vietnam” exhibition space at Sibos 2025

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) once again led Vietnam’s national presence with a joint pavilion under the brand “State Bank of Vietnam”, featuring Agribank, Vietcombank, and VietinBank. This marked the fourth time SBV has organized a national pavilion at Sibos (after 2009, 2015, and 2024), reaffirming the rising reputation of Vietnam’s banking industry on the global stage. Within this space, Agribank made a particularly strong impression, showcasing the dynamism and modernization of Vietnam’s financial sector.

Driving integration and sustainable development

At Sibos 2025, Agribank shared its vision “Fostering Inclusive Growth; Pioneering Digital Innovation”, emphasizing its role as a pioneer in digital transformation, ESG practices, and global cooperation. With nearly 60 million digital transactions processed daily and 95% automated, Agribank is among the leading digital banks in Vietnam. The bank has built a cutting-edge digital ecosystem, integrating AI, biometrics, APIs, and VNeID to enhance efficiency and customer experience.

Agribank Deputy General Director Lê Hồng Phúc welcomes and works with partners at the “State Bank of Vietnam” booth, Sibos 2025

Agribank also prioritizes sustainability with significant green finance initiatives, supporting clean agriculture, renewable energy, and green consumption. Most recently, it has allocated VND 2 trillion in preferential loans to promote environmentally friendly vehicles, contributing to Vietnam’s net-zero emissions roadmap by 2050.

Beyond technology and finance, data is positioned as a strategic foundation. Agribank leverages intelligent data analytics to personalize services, design tailored financial products, and integrate with the national digital ID system to ensure transparent and secure welfare and insurance payments. This approach strengthens financial inclusion while supporting the country’s sustainable growth agenda.

Strengthening global partnerships

Throughout the four-day conference, Agribank actively engaged with leading banks, fintech companies, and solution providers. The delegation held working visits at Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank, and DZ Bank, exchanging insights on operations, product innovation, and digital transformation.

At a high-level meeting with DZ Bank, Agribank introduced its 2025–2030 strategy, highlighting ESG, AI adoption, and restructuring initiatives. Both sides explored collaboration in trade finance, green projects, and international payment services, paving the way for future joint initiatives.

Deputy General Director Lê Hồng Phúc meets with members of the Board of Managing Directors and senior executives at DZ Bank

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Pavilion became a vibrant hub for networking. Agribank welcomed numerous global partners, hosting in-depth discussions on opportunities in cross-border payments, risk management, and sustainable finance. These activities expanded Agribank’s international network while reinforcing its competitiveness and leadership.

Agribank’s delegation working at DZ Bank headquarters

Partnering with SWIFT to advance global standards

Consistent with SWIFT’s vision, Agribank has long been a pioneer in adopting advanced payment solutions. In 2021, it became the first bank in Vietnam to deploy SWIFT GPI system-wide, utilizing the SWIFT Microgateway API platform. This innovation enables real-time payment tracking, faster processing, and greater transparency.

Agribank delegation with international partners at Sibos 2025, Frankfurt, Germany

Agribank also invested in upgrading its centralized Payment Hub and developing internal ISO 20022 conversion tools, ensuring full readiness for the mandatory migration to ISO 20022 by the end of 2025. These steps underscore Agribank’s commitment to compliance with international standards while delivering faster, safer, and more transparent cross-border transactions.

In July 2025, Agribank further strengthened ties with SWIFT by hosting its Asia-Pacific leadership team in Hanoi. Discussions focused on digital transformation, ISO 20022 implementation, and cybersecurity. This cooperation reflects Agribank’s early access to cutting-edge SWIFT technologies, reinforcing its position as a forward-looking bank in global financial integration.

Positioning Vietnam’s banking industry on the global stage

At Sibos 2025, the Vietnam Pavilion offered a platform for international audiences to experience the country’s banking ecosystem. Agribank stood out not only as a core commercial bank but also as a symbol of digital finance, green finance, and financial inclusion in Vietnam.

Agribank’s delegation at Agribank’s booth within Sibos 2025

Through initiatives such as SWIFT GPI adoption, ISO 20022 readiness, and digital ecosystem expansion, Agribank translated the “future of banking” vision into tangible, practical solutions. Its showcase demonstrated speed, transparency, safety, and accessibility for customers across both urban and rural markets.

Agribank delegation honored to welcome delegates to Sibos 2025 at Agribank’s booth.
 

With carefully prepared publications, interactive experiences, and a strong Vietnamese identity within an international framework, Agribank created an engaging, modern, and professional presence that attracted significant global attention.

Agribank’s inspiring presence at Sibos 2025 reaffirmed its role as a leading commercial bank, committed to innovation, sustainability, and international partnership – inspiring the future of global banking.

Kylie Nguyen