Vietnam joins FTSE Russell emerging market index

Vietnam has officially joined the FTSE Russell Global Equity Index Series, marking a new phase for its capital market as it moves from frontier to Secondary Emerging Market status.

The reclassification took effect on 21 September 2026, following years of reforms to Vietnam's market infrastructure, regulatory framework and access for international investors.

The milestone was marked at a conference in Hanoi attended by 200 delegates, including representatives from global investment firms, custodians, securities companies and other market participants.

Vietnam Finance Minister Ngo Van Tuan said the reclassification would broaden access to international capital while raising expectations around market quality and regulatory capacity.

"Vietnam is ready to listen to international organisations and pursue further bold reforms to build a transparent, safe, and efficient capital market that remains sustainably attractive," Tuan said.

The government intends to continue capital market development through 2030, with a longer-term vision to 2045, including measures to improve liquidity, modernise infrastructure, strengthen risk management and diversify investment products.

UK ambassador to Vietnam Iain Grant Frew said the reclassification reflected the country's economic transformation and efforts to build a deeper and more internationally connected capital market.

The World Bank also welcomed the reforms, with Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos country director Mariam Sherman describing the reclassification as a "milestone, not the final goal."

Sherman said deeper capital markets could attract private and institutional capital, diversifying financing beyond the banking system and direct long-term saving towards productive investment.

FTSE Russell said more than US$22 trillion in assets use its indices as benchmarks.

The index provider and London Stock Exchange Group will continue working with Vietnam as it develops its capital market, with a focus on supporting international capital flows and a deeper and more resilient market.