Vietnamese mobile operators Mobifone, Viettel and VNPT have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a platform under the GSMA Open Gateway initiative to combat online fraud using open CAMARA APIs.
Under the MoU, Mobifone, Viettel and VNPT will work with the GSMA to focus on developing and implementing APIs that address critical functions such as authentication, fraud prevention, location services, device verification, and payments.
According to new research by ThinkHowe, commissioned by the GSMA, Vietnamese consumers are increasingly wary of financial fraud, with over 89% expressing concerns about account hacking and data breaches.
The MoU also marks the official entry of Mobifone and VNPT into the Open Gateway initiative. Viettel joined the initiative in February 2024.
Vu Van Trieu, deputy general director for VNPT Media Corporation, said joining the initiative is an opportunity for the telco to expand cooperation in five key open API domains: user authentication, telco services, digital finance, IoT and 5G, and scoring, lead generation and fraud score.
“In particular, for digital payment solutions, VNPT aims to deploy interoperable models for cross-border transaction processing, reconciliation, and authentication – contributing to building an inclusive financial ecosystem in Vietnam,” he said in a statement.
Julian Gorman, GSMA’s head of APAC, said the collaboration between Mobifone, Viettel and VNPT will transforming them into developer-ready platforms to support fintech, e-commerce, and digital services.
“Their collaboration marks a significant step towards creating a more integrated and innovative digital ecosystem in Vietnam,” he said. “By leveraging the power of APIs, these operators will play a crucial role in driving digital transformation and fostering secure, trustworthy fintech innovation across the region.”
Gorman also noted that more than 280 mobile networks representing 80% of the world’s mobile connections are now taking part in the Open Gateway initiative.
The MoU was signed earlier this week at the GSMA Digital Summit Hanoi event, where fraud management and digital security were prominent themes.
“On one hand, high mobile adoption and a flourishing e-wallet market are unlocking incredible opportunities for economic growth and financial inclusion. On the other, rising scams and identity threats are putting consumer trust at risk," Gorman said.
Discussions covered practical measures to combat digital fraud, including real-time transaction verification, multi-factor authentication, Silent OTP solutions, and closer collaboration between mobile operators, banks, and fintech players. Sessions also addressed the threat of SIM-swap fraud and how API-driven security tools can be effectively integrated across sectors.
At the same event, the GSMA signed an MoU with the Vietnam Digital Communications Association (VDCA) to deepen cooperation on accelerating Vietnam’s mobile and digital communications ecosystem.
