On the morning of December 18, 2025, in Hanoi, the Co-operative Bank of Vietnam (Co-opBank) convened its Year-End Review Conference to assess 2025 performance and outline strategic objectives for 2026. Mr. Doan Thai Son, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Standing Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), attended the conference and provided keynote guidance.
The conference was attended by leaders from several departments of the SBV, representatives of the Vietnam Banks Association (VNBA), and representatives from the leadership of the Vietnam Association of People’s Credit Funds (VAPCF).
From Co-opBank, attendees included Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors; Ms. Pham Thi Hong Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Member of the Board of Directors, and General Director; members of the Board of General Directors; the Supervisory Board; leaders of departments at the Head Office; and Directors of 32 Co-opBank branches nationwide.
Mr. Doan Thai Son – Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Standing Deputy Governor of SBV delivered guidance remarks at the Conference
Effectively fulfil the role as the Bank of PCFs
In his opening address, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Co-opBank, stated that throughout 2025, under the strategic leadership and direction of the SBV, and through the collective commitment and dedication of all officers and employees, Co-opBank implemented a comprehensive suite of flexible and timely solutions executed decisively across all operational areas. Through these initiatives, Co-opBank continued to fulfill its mission as “the bank of all PCFs, proactively and effectively serving cooperatives and the development of the collective economic sector,” while advancing its vision of becoming “a modern community-based microfinance institution, partnering in the prosperity and sustainable development of millions of PCF members, cooperatives, and the broader community.”
In 2025, numerous key performance indicators exceeded established targets, creating a robust foundation for the next phase of development. Credit growth remained prudent and effective, aligned with the scale and structure of funding sources and risk management capabilities, while maintaining full compliance with all regulatory safety ratios.
Significantly, Law No. 68/2025/QH15, enacted by the National Assembly with specific provisions governing Co-opBank, formally affirmed Co-opBank’s strategic position and role within the national financial and banking system. Concurrently, the comprehensive restructuring plan for the PCFs network and Co-opBank is being finalized by the SBV for submission to competent authorities, establishing a critical foundation for enhancing the legal framework and advancing toward the development of dedicated legislation governing the cooperative credit institution model.
As of November 30, 2025, Co-opBank’s total capital increased by 9.13% compared to December 31, 2024, and by 54.2% compared to the beginning of the 2021 term. Total outstanding loans rose by 21.1% year-over-year and by 95.8% since the start of the current term. The on-balance-sheet non-performing loan ratio stood at 0.36%, reflecting a reduction of 1.18 percentage points from the beginning of the 2021 term.
Co-opBank’s commitment to supporting and fulfilling its responsibilities toward the PCFs network was further reinforced throughout the year. Co-opBank effectively advanced its role in system integration, capital coordination, and the delivery of banking products and services—particularly digital banking solutions—thereby enabling PCFs to operate with enhanced safety and efficiency. In 2025, Co-opBank implemented multiple strategic interest rate adjustments to support PCFs: lending rates to PCFs decreased by an average of 0.54% annually, while capital coordination deposit rates increased by 0.24% compared to year-end 2024. The outstanding balance of capital coordination deposits reached approximately 50 trillion vnd, representing a substantial contribution to ensuring system-wide liquidity for the entire PCFs network.
Co-opBank’s digital transformation initiative demonstrated measurable progress throughout 2025. Numerous operational processes were standardized through the implementation of advanced technology platforms, significantly enhancing governance efficiency and service quality. Digital banking services and cashless payment solutions were extensively deployed to member PCFs and customers, modernizing the service delivery framework.
As of November 30, 2025, the CFeBank electronic banking system encompassed 1,004 of 1,178 People’s Credit Funds (PCFs), operating through 1,104 transaction connection points nationwide to establish a comprehensive digital payment infrastructure. Co-opBank maintained a robust digital banking presence with over 412,000 Mobile Banking users and 241,000 Co-opBank Napas chip cards in circulation. Transaction volume reached 12.3 million – representing a 46% year-over-year increase – while total transaction value exceeded VND 180.8 trillion, marking a 35% growth compared to the corresponding period in 2024.
Inspection and supervisory functions were systematically enhanced throughout 2025. Co-opBank executed inspection plans across 99 PCFs while maintaining continuous oversight through the reporting information management system and internal credit rating framework.
The Safety Fund continued to fulfill its mandate effectively, delivering timely liquidity support to PCFs experiencing financial challenges. This intervention contributed significantly to systemic stability and reinforced stakeholder confidence among members and depositors.
Comprehensive restructuring initiatives – encompassing non-performing loan resolution, organizational model optimization, and human resource development – were rigorously pursued in accordance with Prime Ministerial Decision No. 689/QD-TTg and State Bank of Vietnam Governor Decision No. 1382/QD-NHNN. These efforts yielded substantial positive outcomes and materially supported the successful execution of mandated functions and responsibilities.
Co-opBank reinforced its strategic role as a capital provider to the broader economy. Through prudent credit growth management in 2025, the institution deployed multiple preferential lending programs and financial products strategically targeted toward businesses and individuals, with particular emphasis on the agricultural and rural sectors.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong – Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Co-opBank delivered remarks at the Conference
Innovation for sustainable development
The year 2026 marks an important milestone, opening a new development phase for Co-opBank after 30 years of establishment and growth; at the same time, it is the year in which the entire banking sector will review the implementation of the Scheme on “Restructuring the Credit Institutions Network in Association with Non-Performing Loan Resolution for the 2021–2025 Period,” serving as the basis for defining objectives and solutions for the next phase.
The year 2026 represents a significant milestone, inaugurating a new developmental phase for Co-opBank following three decades of establishment and growth. Concurrently, 2026 marks the year in which the banking sector will conduct a comprehensive review of the “Restructuring the Credit Institutions Network in Association with Non-Performing Loan Resolution for the 2021–2025 Period” initiative, thereby establishing the foundation for defining strategic objectives and operational solutions for the subsequent phase.
Addressing the Conference, Ms. Pham Thi Hong Minh—Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Member of the Board of Directors, and General Director of Co-opBank articulated that throughout 2026 and beyond, Co-opBank will pursue continuous innovation and decisively execute the directives issued by the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Leadership. The institution will maintain its commitment to effectively fulfilling its mandate as the central bank serving the People’s Credit Funds (PCFs) network, while optimally performing its capital coordination function. Key priorities include supporting PCFs in advancing cashless payment infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. Co-opBank will develop business and financial strategies for 2026 in close alignment with the Government’s and SBV’s monetary, credit, and banking policy frameworks. The institution will systematically implement assigned targets in accordance with regulatory directives, pursuing prudent, effective, and sustainable credit growth while simultaneously enhancing credit quality and maintaining rigorous non-performing loan controls. Additionally, Co-opBank will expedite the execution of responsibilities assigned to the banking sector under national target programs.
Co-opBank will advance the development of modern electronic payment products and services, targeting a 30 – 40% expansion in its product and service portfolio for the PCF system during 2026. Particular strategic emphasis will be placed on enhancing syndicated lending products through collaborative partnerships with PCFs.
Additionally, Co-opBank will maintain proactive oversight of the interbank money market while closely monitoring the SBV’s policy directives to optimize funding source diversification and ensure systemic liquidity. This approach will effectively address capital coordination requirements for PCFs and facilitate the development of customer lending products. Co-opBank will enhance capital utilization efficiency, prioritizing fund mobilization within the PCF network to achieve maturity-balanced funding stability. The institution will provide targeted financial support to PCFs while concurrently maintaining robust and stable funding sources for its own operational requirements.
Speaking at the Conference, Ms. Pham Thi Hong Minh – Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Member of the Board of Directors and General Director of Co-opBank stated that in 2026, Co-opBank will continue to innovate and decisively implement the directions of the SBV Leadership, while continuing to effectively fulfill its roles and responsibilities as the bank of the PCFs.
Affirm the financial pillar role of the cooperative economic sector
On behalf of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and the Leadership of the SBV, Standing Deputy Governor Doan Thai Son acknowledged and commended the efforts and achievements of Co-opBank in 2025, expressing his expectation that these results will create new momentum for development, strengthen the confidence of the PCF network, and help Co-opBank proactively seize opportunities and overcome challenges in the coming period.
On behalf of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and the Leadership of the State Bank of Vietnam, Standing Deputy Governor Doan Thai Son recognized and commended Co-opBank’s dedicated efforts and substantial achievements in 2025, expressing confidence that these accomplishments will generate renewed developmental momentum, reinforce the confidence of the PCFs network, and position Co-opBank to strategically capitalize on opportunities while navigating challenges in the forthcoming period.
The Standing Deputy Governor emphasized that 2026 holds particular strategic significance, heralding a new developmental phase for the nation as the credit institution system conducts a comprehensive review of the “Restructuring the Credit Institutions Network in Association with Non-Performing Loan Resolution for the 2021–2025 Period” initiative. This year also marks a pivotal milestone for Co-opBank following the recent commemoration of its 30th anniversary. To contribute effectively to the fulfillment of the banking sector’s mandated objectives, the Standing Deputy Governor directed the Board of Directors, the Board of General Directors, and all officers and employees of Co-opBank to build upon existing achievements, intensify efforts to execute assigned tasks and implement strategic solutions, enhance operational efficiency, and successfully accomplish the responsibilities entrusted by the Party, the State, and the SBV, thereby continuing to affirm Co-opBank’s essential role as the central banking institution connecting the PCFs network.
Accordingly, the Standing Deputy Governor outlined several strategic priorities for Co-opBank to focus on in 2026.
First, maintain close alignment with the Government’s and SBV’s policy frameworks governing monetary policy, credit operations, and banking activities; proactively develop and submit the 2026 business and financial plans to the SBV for approval; and execute implementation with rigorous adherence to safety standards, operational effectiveness, and SBV directives. Co-opBank must demonstrate robust commitment to fulfilling these mandates.
Second, further reinforce its pivotal role in network integration and capital coordination while diversifying the product and service portfolio for PCFs. Critical priorities include enhancing the effectiveness of inspection protocols and implementing comprehensive, rigorous supervision of PCF operations; providing continued guidance and support for PCFs’ digital transformation initiatives; advancing payment service delivery, developing payment infrastructure, and expanding the payment agency network for PCFs; serving as the central coordinating entity in collaboration with the Vietnam Association of People’s Credit Funds (VAPCF) to finalize standardized regulations and operational guidelines for the PCFs network; strengthening training programs and capacity-building initiatives to elevate professional competencies and ethical standards among PCF personnel; and deepening coordination with the SBV, VAPCF, Deposit Insurance of Vietnam, and relevant stakeholders to effectively execute assigned responsibilities pertaining to the PCFs network, including the resolution of weak, distressed, or potentially vulnerable PCFs.
Third, maintain close coordination with the Government’s review and approval process for Co-opBank’s charter capital increase plan; expand operational scale while enhancing equity capital quality; strengthen capital adequacy ratios in compliance with SBV regulatory requirements; and continue refining the organizational structure to advance governance, management, and risk management frameworks, progressively aligning with contemporary banking standards.
Fourth, implement comprehensive solutions to achieve prudent and effective credit growth while concurrently enhancing credit quality standards.
Fifth, expedite digital transformation initiatives by establishing a clear and actionable roadmap for the comprehensive digitization of operational processes. This transformation will serve not only Co-opBank’s internal requirements but will also enable meaningful support for the PCFs network, facilitating PCFs’ advancement in their respective digital transformation journeys.
Sixth, strengthen and expand human resource capacity with emphasis on qualitative enhancement rather than merely quantitative growth—particularly cultivating high-caliber expertise in technology and risk management to align with Co-opBank’s operational requirements in the emerging developmental phase.
Seventh, advance the comprehensive leadership and strategic direction of the Co-opBank Party Committee across all operational domains; cultivate an organizationally robust and ethically sound Party structure; and promote unity, consensus, and cohesion among the core leadership collective, thereby establishing the foundation for enhancing the Party organization’s leadership capacity and organizational effectiveness.
To facilitate Co-opBank’s successful execution of its strategic priorities, the Standing Deputy Governor directed functional Departments of the SBV and SBV Regional Offices to proactively strengthen coordination, provide substantive support, and maintain close collaborative engagement with Co-opBank. “Given its established tradition of solidarity, demonstrated sense of responsibility, and unwavering determination, I am confident that Co-opBank will continue its steady advancement, successfully realize its strategic objectives, reinforce its position as the financial cornerstone of the cooperative economic sector, and deliver meaningful contributions to the stable and sustainable development of both the banking sector and the national economy,” emphasized SBV Standing Deputy Governor Doan Thai Son.
Mr. Doan Thai Son – Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Standing Deputy Governor of the SBV together with attending delegates took a commemorative photo with the Co-opBank leadership on the sidelines of the Conference
On behalf of Co-opBank, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong – Chairman of the Board of Directors expressed profound gratitude for the comprehensive and strategic guidance provided by SBV Standing Deputy Governor Doan Thai Son. He affirmed Co-opBank’s commitment to thoroughly integrating these directives into its operational action plans for 2026 and beyond. Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong further conveyed deep appreciation for the continued leadership and guidance of the SBV Leadership, the coordinated support of SBV Departments, and the collaborative engagement of the member PCFs network. He acknowledged that the unwavering commitment demonstrated by units across the Co-opBank system collectively contributed to the significant achievements realized in 2025.
United by a spirit of solidarity, innovation, and resolute determination, the entire Co-opBank system is committed to executing all mandates entrusted by the Party, the State, the Government, and the State Bank of Vietnam to the highest standard. We remain dedicated to fulfilling our role as ‘the Bank of the PCFs’ and advancing toward our vision of becoming a modern, multifunctional, and sustainably developing financial institution,” Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong affirmed.
The delegates attending the Conference
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