VIENTIANE: The Lao capital market has reached a milestone with the official launch of Supreme Smarty Fund Management Co., Ltd. (SSF), the first entity of its kind to be licensed in the country.
The company’s opening ceremony in Vientiane drew a high-profile gathering of financial officials.
Key events leading up to the launch included the National Assembly’s approval of the amended Securities Law in 2019 and a 2023 update to the Decision on fund management business licensing.
In addition, specialised training and examinations took place in December 2024 to ensure qualified personnel were able to take on the company’s responsibilities.
The launch event was led by the Deputy Governor of the Bank of the Lao PDR, Soulysak Thamnuvong, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Supreme Smarty Fund Management Company Limited, Phongsavath Leuname, Chairman of the JDB Public Shareholders’ Committee, Ekaphanh Phapithack, and representatives from related sectors.
Head of the Asset Management Committee, Phengsy Phengmeuang, congratulated company executives, saying its establishment represented a transition from “zero to one” for the nation’s fund management sector and was a praiseworthy success.
She noted that this achievement followed years of rigorous preparation and legislative reform.
Looking to the future, Phengsy expressed optimism regarding the Lao economy. She predicted rapid growth over the next decade, particularly in the energy, mining, tourism and agriculture sectors.
“The establishment of the State Enterprise Reform Committee this year, alongside the listing of state-owned enterprises on the stock exchange, will significantly accelerate the growth of the capital market,” she said.
She also revealed that the Securities and Exchange Commission plans to join the International Organisation of Securities Commissions within this year. This move is expected to broaden the horizon for private and equity funds in Laos.
CEO Phongsavath provided details about the origins of Supreme Smarty Fund Management Co., Ltd. Established on November 19, 2025, the firm is a joint venture between Pineal Investment Co., Ltd.—founded by Chinese investor Mr Li Xaioming—and the Joint Development Bank (JDB).
Registered with capital of 30 billion kip (US$1.4 million) the company is headquartered at the Asia International Building in the Thatluang Lake Specific Economic Zone in Vientiane. It received its official operating licence on January 2, 2026.
Phongsavath said the company’s vision is to act as a bridge between domestic and international capital markets, enabling Lao citizens to invest globally while facilitating international investment in Laos.
This year, the company plans to introduce two main products: a private equity fund aimed at increasing liquidity for high-quality listed companies, and a foreign securities investment fund.
The latter will provide a legal avenue for local investors to access major global markets, including China, Hong Kong and the United States, under the supervision of the Bank of the Lao PDR and SECO. - Vientiane Times/ANN
