(Commonwealth_Europe) June 27 marked the official launch of the Vietnam Finance and Investment Association in the United Kingdom—VIFA UK. But for those in the room, it didn’t feel like just the start of an organization. It felt like the beginning of a story. Those in attendance hold the conviction that the essence of finance lies not in numerical values, but in human connections. About trust. It’s about a shared ambition and a sense of community.
VIFA UK may be a nonprofit by name, but it’s much more than a category on paper. It’s a circle of nearly 100 people—diverse, driven, and deeply committed. From Vietnam, the UK, and far beyond, they come from all corners of finance and business: investors, fintech pioneers, legal experts, entrepreneurs, analysts, and leaders who’ve carved their way through different industries. What glues them isn’t just a communal profession—it’s a shared resolution.
The persistence? The unwavering goal is to reintroduce humanity into the field of finance. The goal is to demolish the concept of the “storage tower.” To display that associations, mentorship, and community can be just as appreciated as spreadsheets, reports, and returns.
And you could feel it in the air at the launch event. This wasn’t about titles or LinkedIn headlines. This was about listening, about learning, and about recognizing each other. There was laughter. There were thoughtful pauses. There were moments of quiet pride—of knowing this community was needed and that its time had come.
First—budding people. Not just serving them a network, but helping one another through mentorship, shared knowledge, and open discussion, and generating safe, inspirational spaces where individuals—particularly young, developing leaders—can ask questions and find their stability.
Secondly, the focus is on transforming vision into reality. Study, yes—but not the kind that sits on tables. VIFA UK is about practical knowledge. VIFA UK connects research with lived experience to shape smarter, more inclusive financial strategies for the current world, not the past.
At the heart of it all is Christine Le, founder, visionary, and the pulse behind the movement. When she stood up to speak, it wasn’t polished or rehearsed—it was real. She spoke from a place of deep care. She spoke about London‘s significance not only as a global financial hub, but also as a place where diverse individuals come together to exchange big ideas. She discussed the potential for the insights gained here to have a ripple effect, reaching out to Vietnam, Vietnamese communities worldwide, and individuals who may not have felt a sense of belonging in traditional financial circles.
She reminded everyone that this conference isn’t a beginning from scratch. Many members of VIFA UK are already shaping the financial world through their work at banks, tech companies, consultancies, and beyond. But they’ve come together now for something more meaningful. Their goal is to contribute positively. To build. They aim to create opportunities for others.
And they’re not alone. Radiana Vlahova from the London Southside Chamber of Commerce spoke at the event, her words echoing what many in the room already felt: “This isn’t just about business—it’s about trust.” It’s about building something that doesn’t just survive the changing times but thrives because it cares.
