Cathay Financial Group: When Vietnam is the second home
Not every international enterprise enters a new market with the same vision. Some seek growth opportunities, others aim to expand their regional footprint, and there are those who choose to build long-term ties, then become part of the market itself. After more than two decades of presence, Cathay Financial Group regards Vietnam not only as a strategic investment destination but also as a “second home” in its journey of sustainable development.
Vietnam - from a potential market to a "second home"
Vietnam's young population and resilient economic growth have made the country an increasingly attractive destination for international investors.
In Ho Chi Minh City alone, there are currently 20,259 active FDI projects with a combined registered capital of nearly USD 142 billion, representing investments from 152 countries and territories. During the first six months of 2026, the city attracted more than USD 6.8 billion in FDI, achieving 62% of its annual target [1].
The FDI sector now accounts for approximately 20% of total social investment capital and more than 50% of Ho Chi Minh City's export value, playing a significant role in economic restructuring, improving labor productivity, and strengthening international integration [1].
For Cathay Group, however, Vietnam's appeal extends beyond economic indicators. The group also recognizes the deep cultural connections between Vietnam and Taiwan. According to Nhieu Khanh Linh, Chairperson of Taitung County, Taiwan, "...The cultural currents in Taiwan share similarities with those of Vietnam due to their common roots in the Austronesian language family, making it worthwhile for both sides to strengthen bilateral cultural values" [2].
After more than two decades of growing alongside Vietnam, the board of directors of Cathay Financial Group understands and recognizes that this is the right time to deepen the group's long-term investment commitment.
This decision, however, is not driven by short-term opportunities. Since its earliest days in Vietnam, Cathay has steadily built a strong foundation, invested in understanding the local market, and pursued a long-term sustainable development strategy. For the group, entering a new market always begins with gaining a deep understanding of that market.
Cathay Financial Group and the commitment to Trustworthy - Professional - Committed to Vietnam
As Cathay enters a new phase of growth in Vietnam, the group has established three core values: Trustworthy, Professional, and Committed to Vietnam, to serve as the foundation for its long-term business development.
Trustworthy
Solid financial foundation
In Taiwan, Cathay Financial Group serves more than 15 million customers through a comprehensive financial ecosystem spanning banking, life insurance, non-life insurance, and asset management.
With total assets of USD 457 billion [3], Cathay has consistently ranked among Taiwan's four largest financial holding groups [4].
Cathay Life alone manages approximately USD 288 billion in assets. Its 2025 Risk-Based Capital (RBC) ratio reached approximately 328%, significantly exceeding the regulatory minimum [4].
Long-term operations in Vietnam
Cathay Financial Group has been operating in Vietnam for more than two decades. It began its presence in the banking sector by establishing its first branch in Chu Lai in 2005. Since then, the Group has steadily expanded its operations through Cathay United Bank – Ho Chi Minh City Branch, Cathay Life Vietnam, and Cathay Insurance Vietnam, in line with its long-term investment strategy and commitment to sustainable development.
The year 2025 marked the 20th anniversary of Cathay's presence in Vietnam. From its first branch in Quang Nam to its current focus on expanding operations in Ho Chi Minh City, the group has continuously strengthened its presence while reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Vietnamese market.
Professional
In life insurance, Cathay Life Vietnam is supported by a network of approximately 2,400 financial consultants, serving more than 500,000 customers with over 260,000 active insurance policies [4].
Its consultants undergo comprehensive training in both professional expertise and ethical standards, ensuring integrity and responsibility in every customer relationship.
At the same time, Cathay Life Vietnam continues to accelerate digital transformation to improve operational efficiency. The New Agent Portal (NAP) reduces administrative processing time by up to 60%, while the Mobile Insurance (MI) application enables consultants to provide advice, complete policy applications, and track approval progress directly during customer meetings.
Through these streamlined processes, approval time has been reduced to approximately five days, while average claims settlement time is now just three days.
In non-life insurance, Cathay Insurance Vietnam has built a network of approximately 2,200 agents trained through the Cathay Life Vietnam ecosystem. The company also operates two core digital platforms: Smart Agent Go for agents and Mobile Web for both sales representatives and customers. To date, the Mobile Web platform has attracted more than 80,000 members [5].
Committed to Vietnam
For Cathay Financial Group, Vietnam is more than an investment destination. The group views the country as a long-term development partner.
As green finance continues to offer significant growth potential, Cathay is prepared to support Vietnamese businesses throughout their long-term growth and sustainable transition, backed by the capabilities of its subsidiaries in the banking and insurance sectors.
In life insurance, Cathay Life Vietnam places people at the center of its long-term strategy by investing in the training and development of its financial consultants while steadily building a strong local management team.
The company also plans to expand its presence across urban areas while accelerating the adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, including AI Coach, to enhance advisory quality and improve the customer experience.
In addition, Cathay Life Vietnam and Cathay Insurance Vietnam will continue transferring management expertise, operational capabilities, and technology developed in Taiwan to better serve customers in Vietnam in an efficient and sustainable manner.
Alongside its business operations, Cathay continues to implement long-term ESG initiatives in Vietnam by providing sustainable financing for strategic projects, supporting businesses in recovering from natural disasters, and advancing initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.
Conclusion
At Cathay Group, technology serves as the foundation for improving operational efficiency while strengthening data protection and safeguarding customer information in Vietnam.
An international company may bring capital, technology, and management expertise to a market. However, building lasting trust requires a deep understanding of the local market and a commitment to protecting personal data as an integral part of customer relationships. After more than two decades in Vietnam, Cathay continues to pursue a long-term investment strategy, growing alongside the market while regarding Vietnam as its "second home."
References
[1] tphcm.chinhphu.vn. (2026). Day manh trien khai Trung tam tai chinh quoc te, tao khong gian phat trien moi thu hut dong von chat luong cao. Tphcm.Chinhphu.Vn. https://tphcm.chinhphu.vn/trung-tam-tai-chinh-quoc-te-khong-gian-phat-trien-moi-thu-hut-dong-von-chat-luong-cao-101260630111903497.htm
[2] Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus). (2019). Giao luu giua Viet Nam va Dai Loan "ngay cang soi dong." Vietnam+ (VietnamPlus). https://www.vietnamplus.vn/giao-luu-giua-viet-nam-va-dai-loan-ngay-cang-soi-dong-post587531.vnp
[3] Cathay Financial Group. (2026). Cathay Financial Group. https://cathayfinancial.vn/en
[4] LAN, T. (2026). Tap doan Cathay no luc tao cau noi tai chinh xanh, ben vung tai Viet Nam. BAO SAI GON GIAI PHONG. https://www.sggp.org.vn/tap-doan-cathay-no-luc-tao-cau-noi-tai-chinh-xanh-ben-vung-tai-viet-nam-post839572.html
[5] Do Nguyen. (2026). Cong nghe so va du lieu: Tru cot cho chien luoc ngan hang khu vuc cua Cathay United Bank - TechTimes.vn. TechTimes Vietnam. https://www.techtimes.vn/cong-nghe-so-va-du-lieu-tru-cot-cho-chien-luoc-ngan-hang-khu-vuc-cua-cathay-united-bank/