Over the past 25 years of growth and development, Co-opBank Bac Ninh Branch has become one of the leading branches within the Co-operative Bank of Vietnam system. In addition to serving as the key institution for capital intermediation, liquidity support, and ensuring the safe operation of the 26 People’s Credit Funds (PCFs) in the province, the Branch has also played an important role in bringing modern banking products and services to rural and agricultural communities, thereby promoting the development of the cooperative economy and helping curb illegal lending.
From a modest beginning with only 10 employees and total operating funds of just VND 11 billion, Co-opBank Bac Ninh Branch has achieved remarkable growth in scale, financial capacity, and operational quality. This development journey has been marked by three significant milestones.
The first milestone came in 2001, when the Bac Ninh Regional Credit Fund was transformed into the Central People’s Credit Fund – Bac Ninh Branch. This laid the foundation for the Branch to expand its network, invest in infrastructure, strengthen its human resources, and progressively reinforce its role in capital intermediation and supporting PCFs in developing safely and effectively.
The second milestone came in 2013, when the Branch was officially renamed Co-opBank Bac Ninh Branch. This marked the beginning of a comprehensive transformation in organizational structure, governance, technology, and products and services. A range of modern solutions, including Core Banking, CF-eBank, collection and payment services, were introduced, significantly improving operational efficiency and strengthening connectivity across the entire PCF network.
Since 2022, the Branch has entered a new phase of digital transformation with the rollout of Co-opBank Mobile Banking, together with a range of digital platforms such as CF-eBiz, CF-eAM, CF-ePCF, and other electronic banking solutions designed for PCFs. These initiatives have not only expanded the digital banking ecosystem but also strengthened connectivity between Co-opBank and the PCF network, supporting the long-term vision of establishing Co-opBank as the payment gateway for PCFs in the province.
Throughout its development, capital intermediation and liquidity support have remained the Branch’s core responsibilities. Co-opBank Bac Ninh Branch has consistently met the funding needs of PCFs, enabling them to expand lending for production, business activities, and household livelihoods. At the same time, the Branch has efficiently managed surplus funds deposited by PCFs, ensuring the effective allocation of financial resources across the network.
Beyond serving as the financial backbone of the PCF network, the Branch has continuously expanded its support services by offering syndicated loans, overdraft facilities, interest rate concessions, and a range of credit solutions tailored to the operational characteristics of PCFs. Whenever a PCF has shown signs of liquidity stress, the Branch has proactively coordinated with the SBV and local authorities to implement timely support measures, helping many PCFs overcome difficulties, stabilize their operations, and safeguard the safety and stability of the entire system.
Alongside these efforts, inspection and supervision have been carried out rigorously. During the 2019–2024 period, the Branch conducted 16 inspections covering 12 PCFs at the request of the SBV, promptly identifying operational shortcomings, recommending corrective measures, and helping improve the performance of the funds. Notably, Co-opBank Bac Ninh Branch also assigned experienced officers to directly support the restructuring of weak PCFs, taking on key management positions at these institutions and making significant contributions to strengthening and safeguarding the stability of the entire system.
In parallel with supporting the PCF network, the Branch has maintained steady growth in capital mobilization, lending, profitability, credit quality, and non-performing loan (NPL) control. This performance has been underpinned by a balanced approach that integrates sound risk management, digital transformation, and a strong culture of compliance.
The Branch has established a governance model based on the three lines of defense, covering business operations, credit appraisal, and internal inspection. At the same time, it has accelerated the application of technology to monitor transactions, detect unusual activities at an early stage, and proactively mitigate risks. Equally important is its continued investment in developing a highly qualified workforce that upholds discipline, compliance, and professional ethics, which the Branch regards as the cornerstone of safe and efficient banking operations.
As digital transformation continues to accelerate, Co-opBank Bac Ninh Branch is expanding its portfolio of modern banking products and services for both customers and PCFs. In addition to Co-opBank Mobile Banking, NAPAS chip cards, eKYC, and CF-eBiz, the Branch will prioritize the development of cashless payment solutions for household businesses and PCF members, including payment soundboxes, point-of-sale (POS) management software, VNPAY payment services, and other digital solutions, thereby contributing to the advancement of inclusive finance in rural areas.
Looking ahead, as Bac Ninh strives to become a centrally governed city by 2030 and the PCF network implements the Scheme on the “Comprehensive Restructuring of the People’s Credit Fund System and the Co-operative Bank of Vietnam for the 2026–2030 Period, with a Vision to 2045,” Co-opBank Bac Ninh Branch remains committed to maintaining its role as the “Bank of the PCFs”. The Branch will continue to strengthen its financial capacity, promote prudent credit growth, accelerate digital transformation, modernize its technology infrastructure, enhance the quality of its human resources, reinforce risk management, and work closely with PCFs to build a safe, sustainable, and resilient cooperative financial system.
Built on a solid foundation established over the past 25 years, together with a clear strategic direction and a strong commitment to innovation, Co-opBank Bac Ninh Branch continues to reinforce its role as a trusted partner of the PCF network, contributing to the development of the cooperative economy, advancing inclusive finance, and supporting the socio-economic development of the locality.
The Banking Times
