Why Japanese-Speaking Finance Professionals Are in Demand in Vietnam

This article is written in English for international readers in Vietnam. Vietnamese and Japanese translations are available on our website. 

Why Demand Continues to Rise in 2026

Vietnam’s financial services sector has continued to mature over the past few years, supported by strong economic fundamentals, expanding cross-border trade, and growing Japanese investment in the country.

As Japanese banks, financial institutions, and investment firms deepen their presence in Vietnam, demand has steadily increased for professionals who can operate effectively in both Vietnamese and Japanese business environments.

This demand is not driven by short-term hiring cycles. Instead, it reflects longer-term structural needs as financial operations, governance, and client coverage become more sophisticated.

Why Japanese Financial Institutions Are Hiring in Vietnam

Many Japanese financial institutions operate in Vietnam to support:

• Corporate and commercial banking activities

• Regional finance and operational support

• Risk management and compliance functions

• Client servicing for Japanese corporates operating locally

As these operations expand, hiring priorities increasingly favour professionals who combine financial expertise with Japanese language capability and cultural understanding.

Why Language and Local Eligibility Matter

For these roles, technical skills alone are often not sufficient.

Hiring managers frequently prioritise candidates who:

• Can communicate confidently with Japanese stakeholders

• Understand Japanese business practices and reporting expectations

• Are legally based in Vietnam and eligible to work locally

As a result, most roles are open only to Vietnamese nationals or candidates legally based in Vietnam, with Japanese language skills viewed as a strong advantage.

What Types of Roles Are in Demand

Current hiring demand is concentrated across several functions:

• Financial Planning & Analysis: Roles supporting financial reporting, budgeting, and performance analysis.

• Corporate Finance: Positions covering financing activities, internal controls, and transaction support.

• Security & Risk Management: Roles focused on governance, compliance, and operational risk.

• Client Support & Operations: Japanese-speaking roles supporting relationship managers and client-facing teams.

Most positions range from Senior Officer / Assistant Manager to Manager or Senior Manager, depending on experience and scope.

What Candidates Care About Most

Based on ongoing market conversations, candidates exploring these opportunities tend to prioritise:

• Role stability and long-term career prospects

• Clear reporting structures and management style

• Alignment with Japanese corporate culture

• Meaningful responsibilities rather than rapid title changes

For this segment, discreet engagement and role clarity matter far more than mass recruitment or employer branding campaigns.

Salary Expectations in Vietnam

Salaries are market-competitive and discussed individually based on role scope, seniority, and experience. Compensation varies depending on function, Japanese language requirements, and organisational structure.

Considering a Discreet Career Move?

Many professionals in this space are not actively job-hunting, but remain open to confidential discussions when suitable opportunities arise.

If you are a Vietnamese professional or legally based in Vietnam, with banking or finance experience and Japanese language capability or Japanese-market exposure, you may be suitable for the roles we are currently supporting.

👉 For a confidential discussion, you may register here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are these roles open to overseas applicants?

No. These opportunities are open only to candidates legally based in Vietnam.

Is Japanese language mandatory?

Japanese language skills are strongly preferred for most roles, particularly those involving Japanese clients or stakeholders.

Are these public job listings?

No. These opportunities are handled confidentially and are not mass-market listings.

What seniority levels are available?

Roles typically range from Senior Officer to Senior Manager level, depending on experience and mandate.

✅ Final Author Credit

• By Valerie Ong (Regional Marketing Manager)

• Published by Reeracoen Vietnam — a leading recruitment agency in APAC

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