Vietnam Opens New Doors for Foreign Investors with Official Launch of P2P Lending Sandbox

Hanoi, May 2025 – Vietnam has taken a major step forward in modernizing its financial system with the introduction of Decree 94/2025/ND-CP, which officially launches a two-year pilot program for peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms. This new policy not only supports financial inclusion and innovation but also opens promising investment opportunities for foreign fintech players seeking entry into one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic emerging markets.

Starting July 1, 2025, licensed fintech companies in Vietnam will be permitted to operate legally within a regulatory “sandbox” environment—an official space where new models can be tested under the supervision of the State Bank of Vietnam. This move brings P2P lending out of legal ambiguity and into a structured ecosystem that balances innovation with consumer protection.

A Landmark Opportunity for Fintech Investors

The P2P lending model, which allows individuals to lend and borrow directly through digital platforms without the involvement of traditional banks, has already taken root informally in Vietnam. However, with no prior legal framework, many platforms operated in a gray area—raising concerns over transparency, interest rates, and user protection.

Now, with clear rules and oversight, the sector is being brought into the mainstream. For international investors, particularly those with fintech experience, this marks a unique window of opportunity.

“Vietnam’s sandbox model is a smart, forward-looking strategy,” said Sophie Dao, Senior Partner at GBS – Global Business Services LLC, a leading consultancy supporting foreign investors in Vietnam. “It shows that the government is committed to nurturing innovation while still ensuring trust and transparency. We are already seeing significant interest from overseas clients eager to enter this space.”

Sophie Dao, Senior Partner at GBS

Sophie Dao added that GBS is well-positioned to guide foreign fintech firms through the regulatory, licensing, and business setup processes, including company registration, legal compliance, and partnership facilitation.

Aligning With Global Trends, But With Vietnamese Values

As countries around the world grapple with how to regulate the fast-moving world of fintech, Vietnam’s model stands out for its balance between openness and control. Only a limited number of vetted companies will be allowed into the sandbox, and they must adhere to strict standards regarding data reporting, user protection, and risk management.

“Vietnam isn’t rushing into deregulation,” Dao noted. “It’s learning from global best practices and tailoring a model that fits local conditions. That’s what makes it so attractive for long-term investors.”

The new decree also ensures that P2P platforms address one of Vietnam’s long-standing challenges: access to credit. Millions of small business owners, informal workers, and rural entrepreneurs are currently underserved by traditional banking channels. With P2P lending, individuals can now access loans quickly and digitally, while lenders have new avenues to invest directly in the country’s grassroots economy.

Building a Transparent, Inclusive Financial Future

Decree 94/2025 signals a larger shift in Vietnam’s financial strategy—toward a more inclusive, tech-driven system that embraces change while mitigating risk. It introduces formal oversight for platforms that were once unregulated, creating a safer environment for both lenders and borrowers.

The policy has also been well received by regional analysts and domestic fintech leaders, who see it as an essential step to level the playing field and eliminate predatory or deceptive practices.

For investors, it’s more than a regulatory update—it’s an invitation to be part of a new financial chapter in Vietnam’s development.

GBS: Your Trusted Partner in Vietnam’s Fintech Revolution

With over two decades of experience in legal and business consulting for foreign investors, GBS stands ready to support international players looking to explore Vietnam’s newly opened P2P lending space. From initial market entry to regulatory compliance and ongoing operations, GBS offers comprehensive end-to-end support.

“Foreign investors shouldn’t see this as a short-term play,” Sophie Dao emphasized. “Vietnam is laying the groundwork for a digital economy that will thrive in the next decade—and fintech will be at its core. Those who come early, with the right local guidance, will be in a strong position to lead.”

As Vietnam takes careful, deliberate steps into the future of finance, the world is watching. And for those ready to act, the door is now open.

For consultation on entering Vietnam’s fintech sector, contact GBS at www.gbs.com.vn or reach out to Sophie Dao and her team directly.

Related

Source: Vietnam Insider