MB, HDBank, and VPBank to lift foreign ownership limit

Thanks to Decree No.69/2025/ND-CP, which will come into effect on May 19, banks with mandatory transfers like MB, HDBank, and VPBank can increase their foreign ownership limit to 49 per cent.

According to the previous regulations, the total shareholding of foreign investors in a Vietnamese credit institution was not permitted to exceed 30 per cent of the charter capital.

Meanwhile, four weak banks–CB, Oceanbank, DongA Bank, and GPBank–have been transferred to Vietcombank, MB, HDBank, and VPBank, respectively as part of a restructuring scheme for credit institutions, aimed at addressing shortcomings and strengthening the banking sector in line with government policies.

The change in the foreign ownership limit will open up opportunities for such banks to attract foreign investment, strengthen their financial capacity, and support the restructuring process of weak banks.

In addition, Decree 69 also requires foreign investors who surpass the regulated thresholds to reduce their ownership percentage within six months to comply with the limits.

Will HDBank raise its foreign ownership limit to 49 per cent according to EVFTA? HDBank is rumoured to be looking to raise its foreign ownership limit to 49 per cent to get a foreign partner on board, as part of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

VIB likely to increase its foreign ownership limit to 30 per cent Vietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank (VIB) has announced the final registration date to finalise the list of shareholders to collect written opinions, including the content of adjusting the foreign ownership limit (FOL).

Foreign investment room delivers mixed picture at banks While the foreign ownership limit at several top-tier banks has almost reached its cap with a desire for further expansion, other banks have significant room for international investment.