The signing ceremony took place on 22/7 (London time, United Kingdom) during the visit of Doctor Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Vietjet and Permanent Vice Chairwoman of HDBank, to the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The signing was witnessed by the Lord Mayor of the City of London and the Chief Executive Officer of LSE. HDBank stated that the three-party cooperation agreement aims to expand activities to attract capital for infrastructure development in Vietnam.

Doctor Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao signs a cooperation agreement with the London Stock Exchange and Dragon Capital. Photo: HDBank

Established in 1801, LSE currently lists over 1,700 international companies with a total market capitalization exceeding USD 5,500 billion. LSE is also one of the world's largest bond issuance centers, with a market size of approximately USD 35,000 billion.

Dominic Scriven, Chairman of Dragon Capital, noted that his firm is a member of Vietnam Enterprise Investments Limited, which has been listed on the LSE since 2016. He observed that the increasing presence of Vietnamese businesses in the City of London financial center and on the LSE demonstrates a growing interest in international capital markets. He expressed a desire to continue supporting these developments.

Doctor Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao rings the opening bell at the London Stock Exchange. Photo: HDBank

During the working visit, Doctor Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao participated in the bell-ringing ceremony to open the 22/7 trading session of the LSE, alongside Dame Sue Langley, Lord Mayor of the City of London, and Dame Julia Hoggett, Chief Executive Officer of LSE. By the end of the trading session on the same day, the FTSE 100 index had risen 1,24%, reaching a four-month high.

Speaking at the event, Dame Julia Hoggett, Chief Executive Officer of LSE, commended Doctor Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's significant role across various sectors, including banking, aviation, technology, and investment. She highlighted that these contributions have supported Vietnam's economic growth and built confidence among international investors.

Dame Sue Langley, Lord Mayor of the City of London, remarked that Vietnam is a suitable partner for London due to its rapid economic growth and developing financial sector. She suggested that London can offer a global capital ecosystem, governance standards, and a legal environment to help Vietnamese businesses raise capital. She also praised Doctor Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao's role and expressed hope for continued expansion of cooperation between Vietnam and the United Kingdom.

Lord Mayor of the City of London Dame Sue Langley speaks at the meeting. Photo: HDBank

At the meeting, Doctor Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao stated that Vietnamese businesses are not only focused on business development but also on promoting innovation, integration, and sustainable growth. She noted that London is a symbolic market for governance, transparency, and trust—values that businesses aim for in their development process. She also predicted that future capital flows will favor fast-growing economies and businesses with long-term vision, good governance, and a commitment to sustainable development, adding that Vietnam has many conditions to embrace these opportunities.

HDBank expects the presence of LSE, representatives from the City of London financial center, and businesses during this trip to open new avenues for cooperation between the Vietnamese and UK business communities. This initiative also aims to boost bilateral economic, investment, and financial relations and enhance the connection of Vietnamese businesses with international capital centers.

Doctor Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao at the event. Photo: HDBank

This visit extends the diplomatic activities promoted by Doctor Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao in recent years. Following meetings with leaders of the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange in 2025, the activities in London continue to demonstrate the orientation of bringing Vietnamese businesses closer to global governance standards, capital sources, and financial networks.

By the end of Quarter I/2026, HDBank achieved a pre-tax profit of VND 6,107 billion, a 14% increase year-on-year. Return on equity (ROE) remained high at 24,29%, placing it among the industry leaders. The capital adequacy ratio (CAR) under Basel II reached 16,2%, more than double the minimum 8% required by regulations.

As of 31/3, the bank's total assets reached VND 984,216 billion, a 5,7% increase from the end of the previous year. Total credit outstanding was VND 635,085 billion, growing 8%. Total capital mobilized exceeded VND 880,000 billion, up 5,9%; customer deposits surpassed VND 725,000 billion, an 11,9% increase. The loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) was maintained below 75%; furthermore, key liquidity ratios such as the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) and net stable funding ratio (NSFR) both remained above 100%, exceeding the requirements of Basel III standards.

Hoang Dan