From its early days as a fledgling branch with just 17 staff members, the Long An Branch of Co-operative Bank of Vietnam (Co-opBank Long An) has weathered numerous ups and downs to emerge as one of the bank’s strong and stable branches. It plays a vital role in supporting the People’s Credit Fund (PCF) system and driving local economic development.
Upholding the Mission as “The Bank for PCFs”
Founded in 2001 under the name CCF – Long An Branch (now Co-opBank Long An Branch), the branch encountered numerous difficulties in its early years, especially during the 2002–2009 period, when it faced tremendous challenges. However, thanks to persistent efforts, the branch began overcoming these difficulties in 2010 and entered a period of significant transformation. In 2013, it was officially restructured as Co-opBank Long An Branch, marking a pivotal milestone in its development journey. Since then, the branch has focused on strengthening its organizational structure, enhancing operational capacity, and expanding its network to fulfill its role as “The Bank for PCFs,” supporting 42 PCFs across the provinces of Long An, Tien Giang, and Ben Tre.
These operational transformations are evident in the branch’s diversification of loan products and capital intermediation services tailored to PCFs. By attracting and optimizing the capital resources within the PCF system, the branch prioritizes timely credit intermediation to help PCFs expand lending activities, enhance competitiveness, and respond promptly to member demands.
As of February 28, 2025, total inter-fund deposits from PCFs at Co-opBank Long An Branch reached VND 1,025 billion, accounting for 93% of total mobilized funds. Currently, 6 out of 42 PCFs are receiving capital support through intermediation and are cooperating with the branch in syndicated lending to their members, with a total disbursed amount of VND 44 billion. Importantly, no PCF has required emergency liquidity support for payment obligations.
The branch’s role as the banker for PCFs is increasingly evident through the rollout of internal transfer systems (CF-eBank), the 24/7 fast payment system, and the Co-opBank Mobile Banking application—allowing PCFs and their members to make instant, secure, and convenient transactions anytime, anywhere.
To date, 18 out of 42 PCFs under the branch’s coverage have joined the CF-eBank internal transfer system and the 24/7 fast payment network. Meanwhile, 17 PCFs have completed transfer training and certification and are in the process of obtaining licenses to participate in the CF-eBank electronic banking system.
To support PCFs in embracing digital transformation, Co-opBank Long An Branch has established a dedicated Digital Banking Task Force. This team assists PCFs in their digital transition, while also conducting training and technical workshops for PCF staff.
Since early 2025, the Digital Banking Task Force of Co-opBank Long An has directly assisted PCFs in opening eKYC-based online payment accounts for members during PCF Annual Member Assemblies. These efforts help members and residents—particularly in agricultural, rural, and remote areas—access financial and banking services, promote cashless payments, and align with the digitalization objectives of the Government and the State Bank of Vietnam.
Enhancing the Resilience of PCFs
Co-opBank Long An Branch has implemented a wide range of initiatives to support the stable, safe, and efficient development of PCFs. One key effort involves strengthening its remote supervision role and issuing early risk warnings based on monitoring software, statistical reports submitted by PCFs to the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), and quarterly internal credit rating results. When signs of risk are detected, the branch provides advisory support and alerts to PCFs, and reports to the SBV as necessary.
The branch also focuses on improving staff capacity in credit assessment, appraisal, and management of loan quality for PCFs. It regularly conducts inspections and monitors the use of loan capital and repayment capacity of PCFs, in compliance with SBV regulations and Co-opBank’s internal policies.
What PCFs most value about Co-opBank Long An Branch is its strong commitment to advisory support. This is evident in the branch’s close coordination with the Vietnam Association of People’s Credit Funds (VAPCF) and Co-opBank Headquarters to guide and train PCF staff in professional banking operations. The branch actively supports VAPCF in organizing, implementing, and managing training courses specifically designed for PCF personnel. It also assists PCFs in addressing recommendations from the SBV’s Banking Supervision Agency and the Deposit Insurance of Vietnam when requested.
Co-opBank Long An has proactively worked with the SBV to organize PCF-related conferences and workshops, helping capture operational updates and challenges within the system. It also collaborates closely with the SBV, local Party committees, and government authorities to disseminate policies and promote awareness of the SBV and Government’s initiatives related to PCFs.
In addition to its core responsibilities, Co-opBank Long An actively contributes to local economic development by offering a diverse range of financial products and services tailored to the needs of residents and businesses. These efforts support economic growth, job creation, and the realization of Vietnam’s national strategy for financial inclusion, bringing formal financial services closer to people in rural, remote, and underserved areas.
With a solid foundation, Co-opBank Long An Branch will continue to innovate and strive to become a versatile, modern bank that truly serves as “the bank for PCFs.” It remains committed to supporting the PCF network and contributing to the sustainable economic development of the region—playing its part in the implementation of Vietnam’s financial inclusion strategy.
Some Highlighted Images:
The Leadership Team and Staff of Co-opBank Long An Branch
Mr. Nguyễn Đình Thủy – Director of Co-opBank Long An Branch speaking at the Thematic Conference and Annual Review of the PCF System’s Activities in Long An Province (2024)
Customers Conducting Transactions at Co-opBank Long An Branch
Co-opBank Long An Branch Accelerates Digital Transformation to Provide Modern Banking Services to PCFs and Their Members
Co-opBank Long An Branch Actively Participates in Social Welfare Activities in the Local Community
Ngọc An
