Ex-Citibanker starts Vietnam investment bank

Son Nam Nguyen, former managing director and head of Vietnam investment banking for Citigroup, has started, with a number of partners, Vietnam Capital Partners Limited, which they are billing as Vietnam's largest independent investment bank.

So far the firm has 16 people, including investment bankers, lawyers and accountants. Ten of those are on the ground in Vietnam, while six partners will be based in overseas markets.

"We are the most experienced team in Vietnam -- the principals have decades of combined experience in global investment banking, and have executed over $40 billion of deals globally," says Son of the venture. "We have built an extensive network of relationships with international investors, as well as Vietnam corporates, local government and investors."

The firm will focus on four key areas: (1) to partner with foreign investment banks to assist global clients with an interest in Vietnam; (2) partner with foreign investment banks to advise Vietnamese clients on accessing global investors and partners; (3) advise foreign funds and corporates interested in Vietnam; and (4) advise corporates and local funds on fundraisings, M&A, and joint ventures.

"As Vietnam continues its growth, Vietnam Capital Partners Ltd intends to become the bridge between international capital and Vietnam," says Son.