On January 27, 2026, in Hanoi, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Region 1, in collaboration with the Co-operative Bank of Vietnam (Co-opBank) and Deposit Insurance of Vietnam, convened a thematic conference to implement strategic directives for the People’s Credit Funds (PCFs) network in 2026.
The SBV delegation at the conference comprised leaders from the Department for the Safety of Credit Institutions, the Department for Credit Institution Management and Supervision, and the SBV Inspectorate, together with the Management Board of SBV Region 1.
Distinguished attendees also included representatives of the Vietnam Association of People’s Credit Funds (VAPCF) and Vietnam Deposit Insurance (DIV); representatives of the Hanoi Cooperative Alliance, the Hanoi City Police, the Department of Finance; and leaders of local People’s Committees of wards and communes where PCFs maintain their headquarters. The conference further welcomed the participation of Chairpersons of the Boards of Directors, heads of Supervisory Boards, and Directors of 98 PCFs operating in the capital city.
Co-opBank was represented by Mr. Khuat Duy Tuan, Member of the Board of Directors; Mr. Nguyen Van Giang, Standing Deputy General Director; together with senior leaders of several relevant departments at the Head Office and representatives of Co-opBank branches, including the Transaction Office, Hanoi, and Ha Tay branches.
The conference held strategic importance in assessing the operational performance of the PCFs network in Hanoi in 2025 and in establishing key priorities for 2026. It also provided a critical forum for in-depth deliberations to identify emerging opportunities and strengths, as well as to address difficulties and challenges anticipated in the operations of PCFs period.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa – Director of the SBV Region 1 delivered remarks
In the area under SBV Region 1, as of December 31, 2025, total capital of PCFs increased by 5%, outstanding loans rose by 9% compared with the same period in 2024, and the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remained consistently at a commendably low level. From Co-opBank’s perspective, the three Co-opBank branches serving Region 1 have proactively supported PCFs in capital optimization and provided advanced digital banking solutions including Co-opBank Mobile Banking, payroll disbursement trustee services, overdraft facilities on payment accounts, and Co-opBank NAPAS chip cards. These innovative solutions have enhanced service quality and addressed the increasingly diverse needs of members. Nationwide, more than 1,000 PCFs – of which 78 out of 98 PCFs in the SBV Region 1 area – have integrated with Co-opBank’s digital banking platform, delivering greater convenience and operational efficiency to financial transactions.
In addition, Co-opBank has placed strong emphasis on professional training and human resource development for PCFs. Complimentary training programs covering critical operational areas- including payment agent services, deployment of the PaymentHub payment gateway system, and tax-related operations – have enabled PCF officer to strengthen management capabilities and operational competencies. Concurrently, inspection and supervision activities have been intensified to ensure transparency, mitigate risks, and establish a robust foundation for the stable and sustainable development of the entire PCFs network.
At the conference, Mr. Khuat Duy Tuan, Member of the Board of Directors of Co-opBank, commended the significant results achieved by Co-opBank in fulfilling its responsibilities toward PCFs, while also acknowledging the invaluable support of SBV Region 1, not only in enhancing supervisory effectiveness but also in maintaining close coordination with Co-opBank in addressing underperforming PCFs. These collaborative efforts, he noted, have improved the financial condition of numerous PCFs facing difficulties, contributing to a more stable and sustainable operating environment for the PCFs network. Mr. Khuat Duy Tuan further proposed that SBV Region 1 continue to strengthen support for PCFs in enhancing financial capacity and governance frameworks, particularly by intensifying professional training programs to enable PCFs to develop more robustly in the context of ongoing digital transformation. Concurrently, he emphasized the imperative to enhance information-sharing coordination mechanisms to ensure Co-opBank can promptly access real-time updates on PCF operations, especially those encountering operational challenges, in order to coordinate timely support and implement early intervention measures while potential losses remain contained, thereby safeguarding the stability of neighboring PCFs and the integrity of the system as a whole.
Mr. Khuat Duy Tuan – Member of the Board of Directors of Co-opBank, delivered remarks
Regarding PCFs, Mr. Khuat Duy Tuan called upon the funds to maintain strict compliance with legal regulations, operate in full accordance with the mutual-support principles of the PCF model, complete internal regulations and operational procedures, and standardize the brand identity system, thereby enhancing the credibility and institutional image of the PCFs network nationwide.
In her concluding remarks at the conference, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa, Director of SBV Region 1, outlined six strategic priorities to be implemented in 2026 and subsequent years to ensure the sustainable development of the PCFs network. These priorities include continuing the resolute implementation of the comprehensive restructuring scheme for the PCFs network, particularly the resolution of underperforming PCFs, with the objective of completing comprehensive remediation by 2030; executing the plan to reorganize the PCFs network following adjustments to commune-level administrative boundaries, ensuring that each commune maintains an effectively operating PCF suited to local conditions; strengthening supervision and enhancing the financial capacity of PCFs, with particular emphasis on the recovery and resolution of non-performing loans; accelerating digital transformation and the adoption of information technology to improve operational efficiency and service quality; and, finally, strengthening coordination with local authorities and relevant agencies to address operational challenges and provide timely support to PCFs, thereby promoting the stable and sustainable development of the entire network.
Overview of the conference
Reporter
