New independent member of VPS Board of Directors discusses 'bridge' to access global capital flows

That is the opinion of Mr. John Desmond Sheehy - who has just become an independent member of the Board of Directors of VPS Securities Joint Stock Company. Mr. Sheehy's assumption of this position has special significance when VPS is in the process of its initial public offering (IPO).

Mr. Desmond is one of the pioneers in attracting foreign investment into Vietnam. He has held various positions at IFC, Deutsche Asset Management, DWS Vietnam Fund, Duxton Asset Management. His relationship with VPS began in 2007, before joining the Board of Directors.

Below is Mr. Desmond's sharing about the opportunities in attracting foreign investment capital into VPS in the coming time.

- Could you please share about your role at present, compared to before?

As a member of the Board of Directors, my scope of responsibility is broader. I remain focused on improving the company’s performance in the short term, but at the same time I am more focused on long-term strategic direction. I am also aware that I serve all of the company’s shareholders and am directly accountable to them, not just to the Board of Directors.

- You once shared that you have worked with more than 50 foreign investment funds that expressed interest in VPS. Can you reveal the results of this process, which funds have invested, which funds are preparing to take action? What is it about VPS that is attracting foreign capital?

As you know, we are in the process of IPO. During this process, we have met with many investors to share about the history of VPS, its position, as well as the attractiveness of Vietnam as an investment destination. The reaction of investors up to this point has been extremely positive. As for specific investments or commitments, all will be implemented according to the IPO process, and we will have results when this process is completed.

- With your experience leading many large investment funds globally, how do you plan to utilize this network to support VPS in attracting strategic partners and expanding international capital, not only in this period, but also post-IPO?

My role is not limited to the IPO process. More importantly, it is to leverage the awareness that this IPO brings to Vietnam and VPS itself at both the regional and global levels. Through this process, we not only introduce current investment opportunities in Vietnam, but also help international investors better understand the huge potential of this market in the future.

We are fortunate that during this process, VPS is in a very favorable position, with a deep network of connections and a strong individual customer base, to become the gateway for international businesses to enter the Vietnamese market.

- What are the criteria that international funds often set when considering investing in a Vietnamese securities company, especially during the period when the market is upgraded?

When international institutional investors consider investments, they often start by evaluating countries, then industries. Vietnam and the securities sector meet both of these criteria.

The remaining question is what differentiates the investment options. And VPS has many factors that stand out from other securities companies, strengths that we believe will bring a clear advantage.

Thanks to the consistent strategy of "creating outstanding and sustainable value by opening up easy access to financial investment opportunities for all", VPS has a very strong individual customer base, with approximately 1.6 million accounts, supported by a dedicated and closely connected brokerage network.

VPS has a modern technology platform, helping customers and brokerage teams operate effectively, with a powerful front-end and back-end system.

VPS's revenue structure is very transparent. And especially, we do not do business on our own. Therefore, VPS's operating model is simple, easy to understand and sustainable.

In the future, VPS has the potential to strongly develop the investment banking sector, in parallel with the growth momentum of Vietnam. At the same time, thanks to a large individual customer base and professional advice, the company can introduce new investment products to increase revenue.

In short, VPS is operating in a market and industry that is of particular interest to international investors and we believe its current position makes VPS an “indispensable investment” in the portfolios of global investors.

Tran Minh Lam (performed)

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/tan-thanh-vien-hdqt-doc-lap-vps-ban-ve-cau-noi-tiep-can-dong-von-toan-cau-2457040.html