Hong Leong set to provide priority banking in Vietnam

Hong Leong Bank wants to help customers enjoy Vietnam’s growth

“This launch in Hanoi is testimony to Hong Leong Bank’s continuous commitment to further reaching out to the communities in Vietnam, and to further deepen our relationship and investment in the country.

“With our Hanoi branch conveniently located in the capital’s downtown, offering a suite of relevant banking products and services, in addition to our Priority Banking service, we will be able to appeal to and serve more customers and at the same time, deepen and strengthen our presence in Vietnam,” said Yvonne Chia, Hong Leong Bank Berhad group managing director.

She said that after the launch of its Hanoi branch, Hong Leong Bank Vietnam also planned to open the third branch in southern Binh Duong province and a transaction centre in District 5 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Hong Leong Bank was the first Southeast Asian bank to be granted a licence to operate a wholly foreign-owned commercial bank in Vietnam.

“The differentiation we have with other locally incorporated banks is that we are an Asian bank and we understand the mindset of Asian people,” said Chia.

In December 2008, Hong Leong Bank received a licence to open its locally incorporated bank in Vietnam and the bank commenced operations in October, 2009 with the opening of its head office and the first branch in Ho Chi Minh City.

“We understand that to launch our Priority Banking service in Vietnam, Hanoi is the first place to be taken into consideration.

“Priority Banking service is a big part of consumer banking, and this key segment is growing rapidly.  With our deep local knowledge and global expertise, we will provide Priority Banking customers a new level of banking experience to support their priorities and help them realise their goals and in doing so, enhance their lifestyles,” Chia said.

“Our Priority Banking customers will be pampered with exclusive privileges in four key areas of life: healthcare, education, lifestyle and investment,” she continued.

Pham Van Vu, deputy general director of the State Bank of Vietnam’s Hanoi branch, said foreign credit institutions including Hong Leong Bank provided high-quality banking services and contributed to Vietnam’s development.

“Priority banking service is currently acknowledged as a hot service for both local and locally incorporated banks in Vietnam as a  way to lure affluent customers to bank with them,” Vu said.

Priority Banking customers at  Hong Leong Bank Vietnam are those that open with balances of VND1.2 billion ($60,000) and above.

Customers with VND20 billion ($1 million) in deposits will be rewarded with additional benefits. Each of these customers will have their own personal relationship manager, who will attend to all their financial needs. From everyday banking needs to investment advice, these relationship managers will create financial solutions that meet the customers’ financial goals, life stages and risk appetites.

The privileges offered by Hong Leong Bank Vietnam’s Priority Banking transcend borders as they also apply at the priority centres in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong, where the bank’s customers are provided with comprehensive solutions to meet their financial needs, onshore and offshore.

Accommodation at the world’s best hotels, privileges at top golf courses, as well as exclusive events and seminars are among some of the lifestyle benefits offered to Hong Leong Bank Vietnam’s Priority Banking customers.

With Hong Leong Travel Services, the joy of travel for the bank’s Priority Banking customers is also at their fingertips. From flight ticketing arrangements, domestic and international travel packages, worldwide hotel reservations, car rentals or even customised holiday packages, one phone call is all it takes to get Hong Leong Bank’s members to the next trade visit or conference anywhere around the world.