In today's rapidly changing business landscape and the blooming of artificial intelligent technology, companies are facing increasing challenges and pressure to adapt their business models for growth and agility. To navigate these complexities while ensuring internal compliance, companies require dynamic and agile legal services. A chief legal officer making great strides in taking the Mercantile Exchange of Vietnam to greater heights is Ha My Nguyen. With a master’s degree in international Trade and Investment laws from Université Catholique de Lyon, Lawyer practicing license granted by Vietnamese Ministry of Justice and Certificate as Associate of Vietnam Institute for Arbitration Research and Training (VIART), she is well-equipped to advise and represent individuals and businesses.

In this interview, Ha My Nguyen shares her experi­ence and thoughts in the legal industry.

What are the few aspects that have shaped you into the leader you are today, both professionally and personally?

What inspired me to become a lawyer is my appre­ciation for the portrayal of striving, well-articulated individuals in courtroom from old movies like '12 Angry Men,' and 'Double Jeopardy.' I wanted to be like them, an articulate lawyer who could express a legal opinion, help those in need and provide organizations, compa­nies with methods that emphasize on productivity and reduction of information complexity to identify the risks in their business activities.

As I pursued my passion and immersed myself in the field of law, I received strong support from my fami­ly and friends on my journey to becoming a lawyer.

In Vietnam, the legal profession can be challenging for female lawyers due to factors like frequent trav­el, competition with male counterparts, and societal pressures regarding family and motherhood. These challenges made me question whether to prioritize my career or family at times. However, my determina­tion and passion for being corporate lawyer and legal consulting led me to persevere and contribute my best efforts to the legal field.

Can you share some of the key areas of expertise as a legal consultant?

I’ve been in the legal field for over a decade. I started my career as an apprentice lawyer, eventually progressing to the role of a senior paralegal in several law firms. Af­ter that, I pursued a Master of Laws program in France. Upon returning to Vietnam, I assumed the role of a legal officer at the Mercantile Exchange of Vietnam Corpora­tion, where I continue to work to this day.

Mercantile Exchange of Vietnam Corporation has been operating the first and only licensed commodity exchange in Vietnam since 2010, which facilitates the trading of goods and derivatives through its connec­tions with other long-established exchanges in the world (i.e. Chicago Board of Trade CBOT, CME Group, London Metal Exchange).

My role as a CLO primarily revolves around collab­orating with government agencies to establish policies that enhance the functioning of the Corporation, legal consulting, and ensuring legal compliance. Activities of commodity exchange in Vietnam have been blooming recently and those require specific regulations, state policies to optimize the market operation. I have gained expertise in policy advocacy and collaboration with state agencies in order to shape policies that benefit Mercantile Exchange of Vietnam.

Another core focus of mine is internal compliance. As the Corporation is a pioneer exchange in Vietnam, as well a relatively new entity in the global commodi­ty market, maintaining good internal compliance and corporate governance, complying with regulations of foreign exchanges are crucial. I work diligently to ensure that the exchange operates in accordance with both domestic and global regulations.

I’ve also involved in risk assessment and offering legal advices to the Corporation. I provide the board of directors with insights into the Corporation’s potential legal risks in its business activities.

"My determination and passion for being corporate lawyer and legal consulting led me to persevere & contribute my best efforts to the legal industry"

Could you describe some of the major challenges you encounter in your current role and how you address these obstacles?

As the Chief Legal Officer, I face 3 main challenges: First­ly, the nascent status of the Exchange requires specific regulations, necessitating adaptation and occasional reference to international laws for its operation. Sec­ondly, given Vietnam's evolving legal landscape and the increase in volume and complexity of information, there have been demands on being knowledgeable in mul­tiple laws and several fields to advise the board com­prehensively, plus providing alternative legal services. Lastly, working with the younger generation requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and motivation.

What defines you as a leader, and do you have a personal mantra for success?

As for my personal mantra for success, it's centered on personal growth and empowerment rather than relent­less competition. It's about encouraging and enabling oneself and others to grow. Instead of solely focusing on being equal to male leaders, I believe in nurturing personal growth, both for myself and for the team. This approach eases the burden and fosters a brighter future.

Mantra for success: 'N’attendez pas le moment parfait. Embrassé un moment et rendre le parfait' (Don’t wait for perfect moment. Seize a moment and make it perfect).

For those women who aspire to become leaders or entrepreneurs, do you have any advice or a message that you would like to share with them?

My view is a shared advice and I believe many women hold such a perspective. When we aspire to become leaders, it's not about striving for parity that matches male leaders. It's our feminine power that nurturing personal growth. We should concentrate on becoming better version of ourselves and helping in the growth of others, rather than trying to prove the male leadership wrong. This way we will help in lifting the burden, thus making our future brighter together.

Ha My Nguyen, Chief Legal Officer, Mercantile Exchange Of Vietnam

Ha My Nguyen’s impressive achievements include her participation in the Frankfurt Investment Arbitration Moot Court and corporate dispute settlements, and completion of Mid-level leadership training course. Her commitment to legal excellence and passion for global business make her a valuable asset to companies.