Embedding international standards into Vietnam’s financial and banking workforce

Embedding international standards into Vietnam’s financial and banking workforce

Agribank employees have attended three training courses on international financial reporting standards (IFRS), sustainable finance, and digital finance this year.

On July 3 in Hanoi, an awards ceremony for the trainees was held through the collaboration of ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the Centre of Science Research and Training of the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV), and Agribank’s Training School.

The ceremony, attended by experts and trainees from all three institutions, was also witnessed by representatives from the British Embassy in Vietnam and BritCham Vietnam.

The successful collaboration between ACCA, the SAV, and Agribank on the 2025 training courses highlighted the importance of enhancing professional competence tied to global integration, and demonstrates all parties’ determination to promote transparency, sustainability, and digital transformation in Vietnam’s financial and banking sector.

Ren Varma, ACCA’s head of mainland Southeast Asia, shared, “In a global professional environment that is evolving rapidly, ACCA members worldwide constantly enhance their core skill sets. Vietnam is undergoing a powerful transformation with notable achievements, and the demand for new skills is reshaping the future of work, especially in banking and finance. Professionals must demonstrate advanced digital capabilities, a deep understanding of international standards, and strong sustainability competencies. Through pioneering training programmes, ACCA equips finance teams with the abilities to grow, adapt, and excel in a competitive, dynamic environment.”

He emphasised that the ceremony did more than honour academic excellence, it symbolised a shared vision of investing in people, raising professional standards, and cultivating future leaders for Vietnam’s banking and finance sector.

“It also attests to ACCA’s long-term commitment to supporting Agribank in building a high-quality, internationally-aligned workforce. We hope this event showcases our collective ambition to deepen UK-Vietnam collaboration, particularly in education, finance, and professional development,” Varma added. “At ACCA, we believe partnerships like this will help us overcome challenges, open new opportunities, and deliver positive, synergistic impact.”

Ren Varma, ACCA’s head of Southeast Asia, gave a speech at the ceremony. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

During the event, Nguyen Huy Hoang, deputy director of the Centre of Science Research and Training under SAV, stated that the courses represented individual achievements and the result of rigorous, responsible cooperation among the three partners.

“The modules were designed with practical insights from SAV’s years of banking fieldwork, ensuring alignment with international standards and high applicability. They also identified common issues or errors in Vietnam’s financial and banking operations,” he said. “These contributions have long-term value in circulating professional experience and improving internal controls in financial institutions.”

Hoang added that, with the excellent results and dedication of participants, this ACCA programme reaffirmed the centre’s direction in expanding high-quality training cooperation, not only for auditors, but across finance and accounting personnel in key economic institutions.

The three flagship courses in 2025 reflect Agribank’s long-term vision and comprehensive human capital strategy. Each course provided foundational knowledge and addresses current financial trends, closely tied to banking realities and global integration requirements.

The first course, IFRS Banking Complete Pack, held in April, featured Agribank financial experts and focused on IFRS, emphasising both global knowledge and practical insights from the SAV in the banking sector. Mastery of IFRS enhances Agribank staff’s expertise and builds a strong basis for financial transparency and trust with investors and partners.

In May, the “Certificate in Sustainability for Finance” focused on environmental, social, and governance goals, now essential for risk management and modern banking strategies. Participants learned both theory and real-world sustainable finance and auditing practices at Agribank, enhancing their ability to integrate sustainability into financial decision-making.

Held in June, the third course, “Digital Finance Essentials”, provided a comprehensive look at technology’s role in modern finance and accounting, covering automation robots, AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Graduates left equipped with digital mindsets and skills to adapt to fintech transformations, improve efficiency, and reduce risk.

Ren Varma presented certificates to Agribank participants of the three training courses. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

The ceremony recognised individual learning achievements and embodied Agribank’s robust, long-range talent strategy, building a professional finance team aligned with global standards and digital trends.

At the ceremony, Doan Ngoc Luu, deputy CEO of Agribank, emphasised, “In a banking landscape rapidly evolving under technology, modern governance, and global standards, Agribank recognises that human capital is not only critical, it is the driving force behind every reform and innovation. Developing a high-quality workforce is central to our 2025-2030 strategy.”

“Based on this philosophy, Agribank has proactively partnered with reputable domestic and international training bodies like ACCA and the Centre of Science Research and Training to launch in-depth, modern courses aligned with the latest financial and accounting trends,” added Luu. “These are not merely theoretical courses, they are transformative experiences that bring new management approaches, preparing our staff to integrate professionally and meet international benchmarks.”

He expressed the hope that each participant becomes a beacon of knowledge, applying new skills in daily work and fostering a culture of proactive learning and professionalism throughout Agribank.

“This is more than a theory-based programme, it’s an opportunity to reset mindsets, adopt leading management methods, and help banking staff integrate step by step into a professional, internationally aligned environment,” he said.

Doan Ngoc Luu, deputy CEO of Agribank. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

Participant Le Thi Thu Ha, deputy head of Agribank’s Financial Institution Department, shared, “After rigorous, practical, and valuable training, we are honoured to receive an internationally recognised certificate from ACCA. It marks a significant milestone in our careers and motivates us to continue developing our professional capabilities.”

“This programme is exceptionally practical and well-suited to Agribank’s direction in the digital era, as the banking sector is accelerating digital transformation, adapting to global trends, and pursuing sustainable development. We have gained invaluable, applicable knowledge that enhances our daily work in both technical and financial governance,” she added.

VIR