FINA and British Education Centre Partner to Launch Educational Financial Solutions for Lao Youth

May 14, 2026

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VIENTIANE, May 13, 2026 — FINA Microfinance Institution (FINA) and British Education Centre (BEC) have officially signed a Strategic Business Partnership Agreement. This collaboration is designed to foster financial discipline and provide accessible funding solutions for Lao students and families pursuing international education.

The signing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Alounkeo Kittikhoun, Chairman of the Strategy and Planning Committee of PTL Holding Co., Ltd.; Mr. Sila Viengkeo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PetroTrade); and Mr. Champa Khamsouksay, Vice President of Real Estate and Investment at PTL Holding Co., Ltd.

Key executives from both organizations led the ceremony, including Ms. Souphaphone Souannavong, Founder & CEO of FINA; Ms. Somphavanh Bualaphet, Deputy CEO of FINA; and Ms. Siraprapa Sae-Ieo, CEO of the British Education Centre. They were joined by industry partners, education representatives, and international witnesses.

Addressing the Financial Gap in Education

During the event, Ms. Somphavanh Bualaphet, Deputy CEO of FINA, highlighted a critical market insight: while over 70% of the Lao population remains unbanked, approximately 65% have mobile internet access. This digital landscape provides a unique opportunity to expand financial inclusion. FINA aims to bridge this gap by promoting long-term savings and providing dedicated educational funding through fixed-deposit accounts and specialized student loan products.

Ms. Siraprapa Sae-Ieo, CEO of BEC, noted that since 2013, BEC has provided comprehensive consultancy for Lao students, guiding them through university selection, scholarship applications, visa processing, and accommodation in major destinations including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

“Education is the most vital investment for the future, but the cost of studying abroad can be a barrier for many families,” stated Ms. Sae-Ieo. “This partnership with FINA stems from a shared vision to make global education more accessible through flexible funding and competitive interest rates.”

Key Highlights of the Partnership

To ease the financial burden on students, FINA has introduced several exclusive benefits under this agreement:

Collateral-Free Student Loans: FINA offers educational loans of up to LAK 100 million without requiring collateral, significantly lowering the barrier for international studies.
Flexible Financing: Loan amounts exceeding LAK 100 million will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, tailored to the applicant’s capacity.
Expedited Processing: A streamlined approval process ensures a turnaround time of just 48 hours once all documentation is submitted, accompanied by reduced application fees.
Visa Support: FINA will provide official bank statements and financial certification required for student visa applications to ensure a seamless transition for students heading abroad.

Expert Panel: The Importance of Financial Planning

The event concluded with a panel discussion titled “Financial Planning and Funding for Education,” moderated by Ms. Sunepha Detvongsa, CEO of iQuri Tech.

Ms. Amonlath Chanthabouly, Assistant to the Chairwoman and Marketing Manager at Houng Heuang Lao Logistics (and a BEC alumna), shared her personal experience. She reflected on how consistent, long-term savings by her family allowed her to complete her degree in the UK during the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her story emphasized that early financial planning is essential to prevent students from having to suspend their studies due to unforeseen financial hardship.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in connecting the financial and educational sectors to empower the next generation of Lao professionals.

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FINA Microfinance Institution