On Mar. 18, 2025, VIE CB issued decree to finalize the above amendments.
Foreign investors can own up to 30% in commercial banks and 50% in non-bank institutions, with higher limits allowed in special cases approved by the Prime Minister.
For banks under compulsory transfer, foreign investors may own up to 49% under the approved transfer plan; ownership calculations shall include indirect holdings.
If foreign ownership exceeds legal limits due to share offerings, investors must reduce their holdings within six months and cannot buy more shares until limits are met.
The decree will be effective from May 19, 2025.
Document dated Mar. 18, 2025, received from VIE CB Mar. 20, summarized Mar. 21.
On Dec. 12, VIE CB consulted on draft decree on foreign investors.
VIE CB consulted on draft decree amending number of articles of decree 01/2014/ND-CP of Jan. 3, 2014 on foreign investors buying shares in Vietnamese credit institutions.
Follows VIE SEC Jul. 2021 issued a circular on foreign market activity, see #110031.
Proposed Changes
VIE CB proposed changes to foreign investors to buy such shares in case a joint-stock credit institution offers more shares, or issues shares to increase its charter capital.
However, in special cases, the proposals will allow VIE GVT to decide on the total share ownership allowed for all foreign investors, relating to any compulsory transfer plan.
It also defines the requirements for credit institutions that have plans to increase its charter capital, with further requirements for 50% or more State-owned institutions.
Details of the bodies that details of the consultation have been sent to are included.
Effectiveness
The opinions of individuals and organizations must be sent to the Banking Inspection and Supervision Agency, although no deadline date is specified within the documents.
Mar. 2023 Comments
On Mar. 28, 2023, VIE CB issued an update on the consultation re the draft decree which amends and supplements a number of articles of decree no. 01/2014/ND-CP.
Also published the government report and summary of opinions on the proposals.
Many units agree with the draft decree incl. ACB finance leasing company, SCB financial leasing company, Argribank financial leasing company, DAB, Saigon Bank.
Published summary of opinions also include consultation feedback by VIE CB.
Mar. 2025 Amendment Finalized
On Mar. 18, 2025, VIE CB issued decree to finalize the above amendments.
Foreign investors can own up to 30% in commercial banks and 50% in non-bank institutions, with higher limits allowed in special cases approved by the Prime Minister.
For banks under compulsory transfer, foreign investors may own up to 49% under the approved transfer plan; ownership calculations shall include indirect holdings.
If foreign ownership exceeds legal limits due to share offerings, investors must reduce their holdings within six months and cannot buy more shares until limits are met.
The decree will be effective from May 19, 2025.
Document dated Mar. 18, 2025, received from VIE CB Mar. 20, summarized Mar. 21.
Regulators
VIE CB; VIE GVT
Entity Types
B/D; Bank; CU; Inv Co; MSB
Reference
Dec 69/2025/ND-CP, 3/18/2025; FS, PR, 3/28/2023; CP 12/12/2022; Dec 01/2014/ND-CP, 1/3/2014
