Donald Lambert

Principal Private Sector Development Specialist, Southeast Asia Department, ADB

Donald Lambert leads the Private Sector Development Unit within ADB’s Viet Nam Resident Mission. The unit supports expanding the role of the private sector in contributing to Viet Nam’s socio-economic development. Previously at ADB, he worked on financial sector development in India and Sri Lanka, served as head of the corporate recovery unit, and was a credit risk management specialist covering ADB’s financial institutions portfolio. Employment prior to ADB included with the US Federal Reserve and as a US Army officer. Mr. Lambert holds a master’s degree from Harvard University, a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, and is a CFA® charterholder.

Only 25 of Sri Lankan SMEs need loans, the lowest percentage among ADB developing member countries.

Baiting Banks: 2 Lessons from Incentivizing SME Lending

We learned in Sri Lanka that the most effective development projects not only provide new solutions to old problems, but also adapt to changing circumstances.

Expanded microfinance will give people in Viet Nam greater opportunities to improve their lives. Photo: ADB

Bold Reforms Can Unleash the Power of Microfinance in Viet Nam

For microfinance institutions in Viet Nam to flourish and grow their client base, regulatory changes are needed, beginning with their ownership.

Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh đang trong quá trình cải cách những vấn đề quan trọng trong hệ thống tài chính của thành phố. Ảnh: ADB

Bốn cách giúp thành phố Hồ Chí Minh trở thành một trung tâm tài chính

Với những cải cách tài chính quan trọng, TP Hồ Chí Minh có tiềm năng theo mô hình của Tokyo, Thượng Hải, Mumbai và các thành phố khác thành các trung tâm nổi trội về tài chính toàn cầu.

With the right strategies, state-owned enterprises can attract foreign financing for infrastructure. Photo: ADB

Building Credit: How State-Owned Enterprises Can Get Foreign Financing for Infrastructure

State-owned enterprises face unique challenges when it comes to attracting foreign financing for infrastructure projects. But there are solutions.

The Golden Bridge in Da Nang. Viet Nam is on the path to its next phase of growth and development. Photo: Andreea Popa

Building Viet Nam’s Bridge to Greater Economic Growth and Development

There are three key strategies that can help Viet Nam achieve its ambitious development targets in the coming years.

Sri Lankan venture capital firms have recently provided equity to successful SMEs that want to expand.

Can Venture Capital Fill the SME Finance Gap in Sri Lanka?

If investors are not keen on local SMEs, venture capital firms will struggle to find the exit door.

Mandatory credit ratings are needed for Viet Nam’s corporate bond market.

Debunking Viet Nam’s Credit Rating Misconceptions

Mandating public credit ratings for all publicly and privately traded bonds will improve the transparency and sustainability of Viet Nam’s corporate bond market.

A sound PPP law could supercharge Viet Nam’s effort to improve its infrastructure. Photo: ADB

Eight Steps to Get PPPs Right in Viet Nam

A well-structured law on private-public partnerships is a key opportunity to upgrade Viet Nam’s infrastructure.

Donald Lambert, Sanjay Grover

A worker helping construct a port in India.

First Bond Issue Under Guarantee Facility Can be a Boon for Indian Infrastructure

The first bond issue under a project bond guarantee facility set up in 2012 by ADB and IIFCL is a landmark achievement for Indian infrastructure development, as credit enhancement can help draw in money from insurance companies and pension funds.

Donald Lambert, Siddhartha Shah

Viet Nam has set ambitious goals to address climate change. Photo: Peter Hammer

Four Ways To Fund Viet Nam’s COP26 Climate Commitments

Viet Nam is committing to ambitious goals to address climate change. Here’s how to fund them.