LNT & Partners

In Vietnam, the decree for regulations on controlled testing mechanism for financial technology activities in the banking sector (Sandbox) has been considered since its first draft in 2020. The decree is expected to be enacted by Vietnam Government this year. This article highlights the key pros and cons and the opportunity costs, to help decide on parachuting under this pilot scheme.

An exceptional long awaited pilot scheme

In Vietnam, the decree for regulations on controlled testing mechanism for financial technology activities in the banking sector (Fintech Sandbox Decree) has been waited since its first draft in 2020. Now, this long awaited decree is expected to be enacted by Vietnam Government in the third quarter of2023[1].

According to latest available draft of the Fintech Sandbox Decree, it is expected that only a very limited number of fintech companies could be accepted to participate in this fintech sandbox.

That sounds privileged. But, upon reviewing carefully the Fintech Sandbox Decree, one would ask: Should fintech players apply, or should they not apply, to join in this pilot scheme?

This article highlights the key pros and cons and the opportunity costs, to help decide on parachuting under this pilot scheme.

The “Pros” from Participating to the Regulatory Sandbox…

Enhancing legal assurance

With the delay of the legal framework, fintech activities have generally been in grey area for years. Many fintech companies operating in the country remain generally susceptible to legal risks. By gaining acceptance into the regulatory sandbox, Fintech companies can establish a more secure legal footing, enabling them to continue their operations and deploy their business models in Vietnam with greater confidence.

Attaining pioneering status

Fintech companies that gain acceptance into the sandbox will attain pioneering status. The pioneering status does not guarantee that the Fintech companies accepted for the pilot scheme will be granted an official license at the very end[2].However, successful participants in this pilot scheme could enjoy certain comparative advantages when seeking official licenses. These advantages may include:

- The participating Fintech companies have the opportunities to contribute actively to shaping the official regulatory framework (as discussed below), familiarizing themselves with the requirements and qualifications for obtaining an official license.

- Throughout the pilot period, the participating Fintech companies are monitored by the State Bank of Vietnam and other supervisory State authorities. Accordingly, these participants would find the licensing process for obtaining an official license streamlined, and the burden reduced.

Shaping the official regulatory framework

Through the sandbox, the regulators also experience how a fintech solution operates and identify the associated risks, so as to come up with an official regulatory framework. With the limited number of fintech companies to be admitted to the prospective sandbox[3],their performance data and practical insights will form a crucial part of the regulators’ experience. Eventually, the successful participants assume a more proactive role in shaping the official regulatory framework.

The “Cons” of Participating to the Regulatory Sandbox…

Time and operation limitations

Each participant’s initial duration under the sandbox will not exceed two years[4],with maximum two renewals each limited to one year[5].At the end of the term, unless renewed, there are two possible outcomes: (i)the participant may be granted a certificate of completion (official license), or (ii) the pilot will be terminated.

Of note, even if a participant demonstrates strong performance within the sandbox, their involvement in the pilot may still be terminated in case the regulatory framework eventually fails to be formalised officially[6].If termination occurs, participants may not be allowed to continue to operate the Fintech solution, even outside the sandbox regime[7].This could pose a significant drawback, especially when compared to those who have opted not to apply for the sandbox at the outset, as they may still continue operating under the applicable existing laws which do not include the sandbox[8].

As for the operational aspect, sandbox participants generally have less autonomy and limited flexibility to implement their business models compared to those operating outside the regulatory sandbox. Similar to time constraint, the specific operational limitations are determined by the State Bank and may encompass factors such as geographic reach, transaction value, and the number of customers served[9]. In addition, the sandbox participants would be subject to supervision by the State authorities, which includes a comprehensive reporting requirement[10].

Interested in Applying for the Sandbox? – Take These Notes with You

The operational limitations should be properly crafted

The State Bank will consider imposing the time and operational limitations based on, among others, the request from the applicant[11].Thus, it is essential for an applicant to propose a well-defined set of limitations. Once approved by the State Bank, these operational limitations may not change during the pilot period[12].Thus, these limitations should be substantiated with justified rationale and supporting documents, to provide the applicant with necessary flexibility and align with its commercial goals during the pilot scheme.

Timing considerations

Sandbox participation is proposedly available to a very limited number of qualified Fintech companies. Considering the comprehensive and complex nature of the application documents, prospective applicants should contemplate initiating necessary preparation work well in advance, and the submission should be impeccable.

Work well with State authorities

While the State Bank of Vietnam is the primary reviewing authority for the sandbox application, it is not the sole entity involved. Various Ministries, e.g. the Ministry of Public Affairs, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Finance, also play significant roles in the process[13]. This multifaceted involvement also needs to be managed efficiently.

 

For further information on this topic please contact Bui Ngoc Hong or Nguyen Quoc Bao at LNT &Partners by telephone (+84 28 3821 2357) or email (hong.bui@lntpartners.com or quocbao.nguyen@lntpartners.com). The LNT & Partners website can be accessed at www.lntpartners.com.

*Disclaimer: This Briefing is for information purposes only. Its contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be regarded as detailed advice in individual cases. For legal advice, please contact our Partners.

 

[1]    <https://baodautu.vn/fintech-cho-vay-sap-thoat-khoi-vung-xam-phap-ly-d197152.html>

[2]    2023 Draft Decree, Article 5.2

[3]    2023 Draft Decree, Article 5.4

[4]    2023 Draft Decree, Article 7.1

[5]    2023 Draft Decree, Article 20.2

[6]    2023 Draft Decree, Article 21.1(a)

[7]    2023 Draft Decree, Article 19.2(d)

[8]    2023 Draft Decree, Article 25.1

[9]    2023 Draft Decree, Article 7.2

[10]   2023 Draft Decree, Article 16.2

[11]   2023 Draft Decree, Articles 7.1 and 7.2

[12]   2023 Draft Decree, Article 7.2

[13]   2023 Draft Decree, Article 23.2

Please Login or Register for Free now to view all updates and articles

In addition to free-to-view updates and articles, you can also subscribe to the full Legal Centrix Vietnam Service including access to:

  • Overview notes on the law
  • Thousands of high quality translations of legislation covering all key business areas
  • Legal and tax updates
  • Articles on important legal and tax issues
  • Weekly email alerts
  • Sophisticated web platform and search

Legal Centrix is trusted by top law and accounting firms.

LNT & Partners

LNT & Partners is a full-service independent Vietnam law firm, which focuses on advisory and transactional work in the areas of corporate/M&A, competition, pharmaceutical, real estate, infrastructure and finance as well as complex and high-profile litigation and arbitration matters.

The team’s commitment to professionalism, quality advice and client care has earned the practice recognition from multiple recognized international publications, including the Legal 500, Chambers and Partners and IFLR1000. It is no surprise that numerous Fortune 500 companies have chosen LNT & Partner as their dedicated legal adviser.

 

Click here to view the author's profile

Author

Tags

  • Vietnam
  • Credit, Payment & Fintech Providers
  • General
  • Legal Updates
  • Information Technology

Related Content

Recent updates

Cookies On
Our Website
We use cookies on our website. To learn more about cookies, how we use them on our site and how to change your cookie settings please click here to view our cookie policy. By continuing to use this site without changing your settings you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.