On January 29, 2026, the Ninh Binh Branch and Ha Nam Branch of the Co-operative Bank of Vietnam (Co-opBank), in collaboration with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Region 7, convened a Conference on the Operations of People’s Credit Funds (PCFs) in Ninh Binh province.
The Conference was attended by representatives from SBV Region 7, including Mr. Tran The Hung, director, accompanied by Deputy directors and senior officials from specialized departments.
Representing Co-opBank were Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Director of Co-opBank Ninh Binh branch; Mr. Bui Dinh Thanh, Director of Co-opBank Ha Nam Branch; and leadership from the Member PCFs department.
Also in attendance were representatives from 50 PCFs currently operating in Ninh Binh province, including Chairpersons of the Boards of Directors, Directors, and Heads of Supervisory Boards.
The Conference centered on reviewing the operational performance of the PCFs network in Ninh Binh province throughout 2025, highlighting achievements while identifying existing shortcomings and limitations, and establishing strategic directions and solutions for the upcoming period.
Mr. Tran The Hung – Director of the SBV Region 7 delivered directive remarks at the Conference
At the Conference, participants reviewed a comprehensive report on the 2025 performance of Co-opBank Ninh Binh branch, Co-opBank Ha Nam branch, and the PCFs operating in the region.
As of December 31, 2025, total funding sources of Co-opBank Ninh Binh branch reached 2,070 billion vnd, representing a 45% year-on-year increase. Outstanding loans to PCFs stood at 59 billion vnd, accounting for 3% of total outstanding loans and reflecting a substantial 172% increase compared to 2024. The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remained at a low level, with no overdue debts recorded at the branch.
Co-opBank Ha Nam branch reported total funding sources of 2,658 billion vnd as of December 31, 2025, marking a 15.78% increase from the previous year. Outstanding loans reached VND 2,103 billion, up 22.32% year-on-year. The branch’s NPL ratio declined by 12.28 percentage points, reflecting stability and efficiency in its lending operations.
The report noted that, overall, PCFs under the two branches have operated in accordance with their guiding principles and objectives, contributing actively to capital provision for members, supporting production and business development, promoting new rural development initiatives, and mitigating informal lending practices in rural areas. However, alongside these positive outcomes, several PCFs have yet to achieve optimal operational efficiency and continue to face certain limitations.
During the discussion session, delegates highlighted key challenges confronting PCFs, particularly intensifying competition from other credit institutions, increasing demands to strengthen governance capacity and risk management capabilities, and the imperative to accelerate digital transformation while diversifying products and services. Delegates also emphasized their expectation for continued close support from Co-opBank and timely guidance and supervision from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV).
In his directive remarks, Mr. Tran The Hung, Director of SBV Region 7, acknowledged and commended the efforts of Co-opBank Ninh Binh and Ha Nam branches in effectively fulfilling their role as the central institution for the PCFs network in the region. The branches have proactively implemented capital balancing, liquidity support, and syndicated lending initiatives, thereby helping PCFs stabilize operations and ensure systemic safety. They have also actively supported PCFs in digital transformation and the adoption of modern banking products and services, consequently enhancing governance capacity and service quality for members.
Mr. Tran The Hung urged Co-opBank Ninh Binh and Ha Nam branches to build upon their achievements and continue close coordination with SBV Region 7 and local PCFs to foster the sustainable development of the PCFs network.
For PCFs in the region, he emphasized the imperative to strictly comply with legal regulations, adhere to prudential ratios, strengthen the oversight functions of the Board of Directors and Supervisory Board, and enhance transparency and accountability in their operations.
Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Director of Co-opBank Ninh Binh branch delivered remarks
At the Conference, Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Director of Co-opBank Ninh Binh branch, and Mr. Bui Dinh Thanh, Director of Co-opBank Ha Nam branch, expressed their sincere appreciation to the leadership and specialized departments of SBV Region 7 for their continued support and close coordination in supervision, guidance, and the timely implementation of capital balancing solutions.
The strategic direction provided by SBV Region 7, coupled with the close collaboration of the Co-opBank branches, has contributed significantly to the overall success of PCFs network in Ninh Binh province, creating favorable conditions for PCFs to operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably. In 2026, the Co-opBank branches are committed to building upon achievements to date, further enhancing capital balancing activities, and accelerating digital transformation efforts to strengthen competitiveness and better serve the needs of PCFs and their members.
Mr. Bui Dinh Thanh, Director of Co-opBank Ha Nam branch delivered remarks
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