Vietnam on Cathay Financial Group's “long-term growth map”
As Vietnam enters a new stage of financial market development, Cathay Financial Group (Cathay) has reaffirmed Vietnam as its second most important market in Asia. The Group continues to demonstrate its long-term commitment through strong financial capabilities, digital transformation and an ESG strategy embedded across business operations, investment activities and corporate governance.
A leading Asian financial platform: Cathay’s long-term commitment to Vietnam as its second key market
With more than 60 years of experience in financial services and insurance, Cathay is currently one of Taiwan’s leading financial groups, with total assets of approximately USD 468 billion as of September 2025. Its comprehensive ecosystem spans banking, life insurance, non-life insurance, securities and asset management. Through its integrated financial group model, Cathay closely connects its banking arm, Cathay United Bank, with Cathay Life Vietnam and Cathay Insurance Vietnam, forming a unified ecosystem that optimizes capital allocation, strengthens risk management and enhances operational sustainability.
In Vietnam, Cathay United Bank has maintained double-digit growth in both revenue and profit for three consecutive years, while partnering with more than 300 Vietnamese and Taiwanese enterprises. The bank has participated in over 100 syndicated loan transactions and acted as lead arranger in nearly 20 deals. At the same time, Cathay Insurance Vietnam continues to play a key role in risk management within the Group’s integrated financial model, maintaining an average compound annual growth rate of 20.6% over the past decade.
Building on the capabilities and sustainable development philosophy of its parent company, Cathay Life Vietnam follows a people-centric insurance model focused on comprehensive life-stage protection solutions. The company has invested nearly VND 150 billion in technology infrastructure while developing integrated protection solutions under the DRCS model, including D – Die (protection against mortality risks), R – Retire (retirement security), C – Child (supporting children’s future), and S – Sick (protection against illness). Through this approach, the company designs systematic insurance solutions that simultaneously address protection, savings and long-term financial planning needs.
Technology and ESG investment: The foundation of Cathay’s long-term commitment in Vietnam
Digital transformation remains a core pillar of Cathay’s development strategy in Vietnam. Through Cathay United Bank, the Group has implemented data- and technology-driven digital banking solutions, highlighted by a fully digital lending process that allows customers to complete the entire borrowing journey online within just a few minutes.
Meanwhile, Cathay Life Vietnam continues to accelerate the application of digital technology and AI, including tools such as AI Coach to improve workforce productivity, alongside electronic insurance contracts, mobile claims processing and digital advisory support platforms that enhance customer experience.
Alongside technology, ESG principles are directly integrated into Cathay’s financial decisions and risk management activities in Vietnam. One notable milestone was the financing of the BIM wind power project in Ninh Thuan in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), marking Cathay United Bank’s first green loan in Vietnam. This project has laid the foundation for future green financing initiatives that support energy efficiency, financial inclusion and healthcare development.
Mr. Chang Ken Lee, President of Cathay Financial Group, affirmed:
At Cathay, we place strong emphasis on ESG-related issues. We are involved not only in lending activities but also in investments through our life insurance business and private equity funds. We have carried out numerous initiatives in green energy and green finance, achieving positive and successful results in Taiwan. We hope to bring these experiences to Vietnam.