Saigon Marina's 55-story financial tower opens

The Saigon Marina International Financial Centre (IFC), one of Vietnam's three tallest towers at 55 stories, inaugurated on 19/8, marks the beginning of Ho Chi Minh City's financial center model.

The Saigon Marina IFC, one of 250 key projects inaugurated or commenced to celebrate 80 years of National Day (2/9), represents a milestone in the journey to establish an international financial center in Ho Chi Minh City.

Designed to LEED Gold standards, the building incorporates energy-saving and environmentally friendly solutions, with over 30% of its area dedicated to green spaces. Architectural highlights include a full-facade LED system capable of artistic light displays and a modern musical fountain plaza. Within its 55 floors, the design allocates five floors to retail, 46 floors (approximately 87,000 m2) to office space, and four to dining. The top floor houses an observation deck, and there are also five basement levels. According to management, the tower has 34 elevators with a maximum waiting time of 30 seconds during peak hours.

The tower encompasses 55 floors above ground and five basement levels, with a total floor area of 106,000 m2. Image: HDBank

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc speaks at the inauguration ceremony. Photo: Quynh Tran

Located at 2 Ton Duc Thang Street, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, the building occupies a prime location and pioneers the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model. The tower's B2 basement level connects directly to the Ba Son underground station, and the building's grounds also serve as entrances 4 and 5 for metro line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien).

At the groundbreaking ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc praised the Saigon Marina IFC as a modern structure reflecting a spirit of innovation and integration. He emphasized the building's strategic location, direct connection to metro line 1, LEED Gold green certification, and integration of commercial, financial, Grade A office spaces, and public amenities.

"This building will house financial institutions and multinational corporations, serving as a starting point for innovation, entrepreneurial aspirations, and ideas that connect Vietnam more deeply with the global economy," Mr. Ho Duc Phoc said.

Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, assesses the significance of the project on the morning of 19/8. Photo: Quynh Tran

The Deputy Prime Minister added that the event marks a significant step towards establishing Ho Chi Minh City as an international financial center, a key driver of Vietnam's economy in this new phase of development. The government pledged continued support in creating a transparent and open investment environment, facilitating strategic projects like the Saigon Marina IFC to maximize their value and contribute to the country's development.

"I believe the Saigon Marina IFC will become a symbol of integration, a new pulse, helping Ho Chi Minh City stand alongside major financial centers in the region and the world," he emphasized.

Following this, Nguyen Tien Dung, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, stated that the Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center, with the Saigon Marina IFC as its inaugural project, will connect global financial institutions, attract capital, talent, and technology, enhancing national competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth. The building will also serve as a testing ground for modern financial models, digital economic development, and green finance, linking domestic capital with international markets.

In addition to the financial center tower, HDBank has registered a strategic digital triad with the State Bank: the Di HDBank super app, the Di HDBiz platform, and a state-of-the-art next-generation Core Banking system.

"These groundbreaking projects accompany the national digital transformation process and are also exemplary projects commemorating the 80th anniversary of National Day (2/9)," Mr. Nguyen Tien Dung stated.

Further commenting on the 55-story building, Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, noted the tower's strategic significance. Firstly, the Saigon Marina IFC creates a new symbol of prosperity for the city, fostering a modern "live-work-play" ecosystem. The building is a key element in Vietnam's International Financial Center, attracting global capital, talent, and technology. Finally, the tower stands as a symbol of Vietnam's green development, digitalization, and integration, ready to stand alongside major financial centers in the region.

"The project also demonstrates the creativity, resilience, and aspirations of Vietnam's private sector in this new era," Mr. Nguyen Van Dung stated.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao (center) with government and city leaders touring the tower before the inauguration. Photo: Quynh Tran

Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of HDBank's Board of Directors, described the Saigon Marina IFC as a future hub for banks, financial institutions, technology groups, and logistics companies, with over 10,000 professionals working there daily. Along with the tower, HDBank and Vikki Bank are launching a new-generation digital banking application and a core banking project with advanced technology.

According to HDBank, the Saigon Marina IFC is a new symbol for Ho Chi Minh City, following Bitexco and Landmark 81. The building initiates the Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center, concentrating capital, technology, and human resources from financial institutions, banks, and large investment funds in a clustered model. This center will also provide financial services, a Fintech sandbox for innovation, international commodity and derivatives exchanges, and develop supply chain, logistics, and port services.

The inauguration ceremony on the morning of 19/8. Photo: Quynh Tran

(From left) Nguyen Tien Dung, Deputy Governor of the State Bank; Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc; Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao touring the building before the inauguration. Photo: Quynh Tran