At the forum on the importance of data in the fight against financial crime held in Hanoi, Nguyen Thanh Son, Director of the Vietnam Banks Association’s Training Centre, said that data plays a critical role in preventing financial crimes. The effective application and analysis of data, especially information about customers on blacklists or identified as at risk of money laundering, terrorism, corruption, or embargo violations, are key factors in minimising risks for financial institutions.

“Alongside promoting technology and innovation, data is playing an increasingly important role, particularly in the finance and banking sector. The importance of data has been highlighted in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo, which clearly identifies data as central to digital transformation and the digital economy, and as a key driver of national development,” Son said.

According to Son, in Vietnam, financial crimes, especially cybercrimes and money laundering have been increasing in recent years, with sophisticated methods causing huge losses. Therefore, the Government, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and relevant ministries have been implementing various drastic solutions, including increasing the application of data and technology to combat and prevent all types of crimes, especially financial crimes.

The Government has issued Project 06, which focuses on developing resident data, electronic identification and authentication applications to support the country's digital transformation in the 2022-2025 period, with a vision to 2030.

The SBV has also recently issued Decision No. 67/QD-NHNN on a digital transformation project aimed at deploying core utilities for the development of the banking sector, ensuring connection with Project 06. Under the project, the SBV requires financial institutions to use the national database on population, identification and electronic authentication for banking activities, thereby supporting digital transformation and enhancing the effectiveness of crime prevention.

Son said that all customer data in the CIC credit information database will be verified to confirm the legality and accuracy of customer identification. In addition, all customers opening payment accounts, bank cards, e-wallets, or making electronic payment transactions will have their customer identification information verified.

“Viet's legal framework and policy mechanisms to combat financial crimes are increasingly comprehensive and aligned with international standards and trends,” Son said.

Speaking at the event, the CEO of Lucid Groupe, Tuck Chan, said that, in today’s rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, the challenges of identifying and mitigating financial crime risks are more complex than ever.

“Financial institutions are on the front lines, tasked with navigating intricate webs of regulations, sanctions lists, politically exposed persons, and adverse media. At the heart of this challenge lies the fundamental need for accurate data and robust screening,” Chan said.

According to Chan, the quality of data becomes non-negotiable. An accurate, reliable and comprehensive list of names is not just a compliance checkbox. It is a fundamental element of an effective anti-money laundering programme.

At the event, the Deputy Director of the SBV’s Anti-Money Laundering Department, Nguyen Thi Minh Tho, briefed participants on the legal framework to combat financial crime, including the Anti-Money Laundering Law and the Anti-Terrorism Law.

According to Tho, to minimise financial crime, the SBV requires that domestic transactions worth 400 million VND (15,500 USD) or more must be reported to the SBV. For international transactions, the reporting threshold is 1,000 USD. /.VNA