1. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE FROM 01/10/2019

1.1. Circular No. 11/2019/TT-NHNN regulations on special control for credit institutions

• Name of legal document: Circular No. 11/2019/TT-NHNN issued on 02/08/2019 by the Governor of the State Bank of Viet Nam NHNN regulations on special control for credit institutions (referred to as the “Circular No. 11/2019/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 01/10/2019.

The content should be noted: providing the form of special control.

Specifically, Article 7 of Circular No. 11/2019/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 7. Special forms of control

1. Based on the actual situation and level of risks in operations of the credit institution, the Governor of the State Bank or the Director of the branch of State Bank shall consider and decide:

a) Put credit institutions under special control in the form of special supervision or comprehensive control;

b) The content, scope, measures and tasks of control of activities are specified in the Decision of special control, in accordance with the form of special control and content specified in Clause 1, Article 15[1] of this Circular.

2. Special supervision means the placement of a credit institution under the direct control of the State Bank through direct, remote direct control and on-spot inspection by the special control committee for the operation of the credit institution is under special control.

3. Comprehensive control means the placing of a credit institution under the direct control of the State Bank through the direct control and on-spot control of the Special Control Board for daily activities of Credit institutions are under special control.

4. The form of special control is changed as follows:

a) Based on the actual situation and level of risks in operations of the credit institution under special control, the Special Control Board shall propose the Governor of the State Bank (via The Central Banking Inspection and Supervision Authority) change the form of special control to the credit institution under special control specified in Clause 1, Article 6[2] of this Circular or propose the Director of the branch of State Bank to change the form of special control for with credit institutions under special control specified in Clause 2, Article 6 of this Circular;b) Within 20 days after receiving the recommendations of the Special Control Board specified at Point a of this Clause, the Governor of the State Bank or the Directors of the branches of State Bank shall consider and decide to change the forms of special control for credit institutions are under special control according to their competence prescribed in Article 6 of this Circular.”

1.2. Circular No. 13/2019/TT-NHNN amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular related to licensing, organization and operation of credit institutions and branches of foreign banks.

• Name of legal document: Circular No. 13/2019/TT-NHNN issued on 21/08/2019 by the Governor of the State Bank of Viet Nam NHNN amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular related to licensing, organization and operation of credit institutions and branches of foreign banks (referred to as the “Circular No. 13/2019/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 05/10/2019.

Some content should be noted:

• Firstly, amending and supplementing regulations on procedures for approval for provisional lists of personnel of credit institutions and branches of foreign banks.

Specifically, Clause 8 Article 2 Circular No. 13/2019/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 2. Amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 22/2018/TT-NHNN dated September 5, 2018 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam guidelines for procedures and application for approval for provisional lists of personnel of commercial banks, non-bank credit institutions and foreign banks’ branches (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 22/2018/TT-NHNN)

…

8. Article 8 is amended and supplemented as follows:

“Article 8. Procedures for approval for provisional lists of personnel of credit institutions and foreign banks’ branches

1. The credit institution or foreign bank’s branch shall prepare an application as prescribed in Articles 6 and 7 of this Circular and submit it to the State Bank for the subjects specified in Clause 1, Article 4 of this Circular or the branches of State Bank for the subjects defined in Clause 2, Article 4 of this Circular. If the application is unsatisfactory, within 07 working days from the receipt of the application, the State Bank (Central Banking Inspection and Supervision Authority) shall request the credit institution or foreign bank’s branch in writing to complete it.
2. The credit institution or foreign bank’s branch shall complete the application at the request of the State Bank (Central Banking Inspection and Supervision Authority) or the branches of State Bank within up to 45 working days from the date on which additional documents are requested in writing by the State Bank (Central Banking Inspection and Supervision Authority). After the aforementioned time limit, the credit institution or foreign bank’s branch shall re-submit an application as prescribed in this Circular to the State Bank or the branches of State Bank for consideration and approval.
3. Within 30 working days from the receipt of satisfactory application prescribed in Articles 6 and 7 of this Circular, the State Bank shall send a written approval or written rejection of the provisional list of the credit institutions or foreign bank’s branch. In case of rejection, a written explanation of the State Bank or the branches of State Bank shall be provided.””

• Secondly, amending and supplementing regulations on complying with reporting regulations

Specifically, Clause 9 Article 2 of Circular No. 13/2019/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 2. Amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 22/2018/TT-NHNN dated September 5, 2018 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam guidelines for procedures and application for approval for provisional lists of personnel of commercial banks, non-bank credit institutions and foreign banks’ branches (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 22/2018/TT-NHNN)

…

9. Article 11 is amended and supplemented as follows:

“Article 11. Complying with reporting regulations

1. Credit institutions and branches of foreign banks shall promptly notify in writing to the State Bank of changes related to the satisfaction of criteria and conditions of the personnel to be elected or appointed arising in the course of the State Bank’s consideration of dossiers of application for approval of the list of personnel plans or from the date the State Bank issues written approval of the lists of expected personnel until the personnel are elected, appointed in accordance with the following provisions:

a) For credit institutions and branches of foreign banks defined in Clause 1, Article 4 of this Circular: send to the Central Banking Inspection and Supervision Authority;

b) For branches of foreign banks prescribed in Clause 2, Article 4 of this Circular: send to the branch of State Bank where the branch of foreign bank is located.

2. Within 10 working days after the election, appointment of titles of Chairman and members of the Board of Directors, Chairman and members of the Board of members, Head and members of the Control Board, General Director Directors (directors), credit institutions and branches of foreign banks must send written notices to the State Bank as prescribed at Points a and b, Clause 1 of this Article on the list of elected and appointed persons according to the form in Appendix 03 attached to this Circular. ”.”

• Thirdly, amending and supplementing regulations on responsibilities of the Central Banking Inspection and Supervision Authority

Specifically, Clause 10 Article 2 of Circular No. 13/2019/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 2. Amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 22/2018/TT-NHNN dated September 5, 2018 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam guidelines for procedures and application for approval for provisional lists of personnel of commercial banks, non-bank credit institutions and foreign banks’ branches (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 22/2018/TT-NHNN)

…

9. Clause 1 Article 121 is amended and supplemented as follows:

“1. The Central Banking Inspection and Supervision Authority shall be the focal point to assess the fulfillment of dossiers, standards and conditions of expected personnel of credit institutions and foreign bank branches subject to regulation stipulated in Clause 1, Article 4 of this Circular according to the provisions of the Law on Credit Institutions and this Circular; get opinions from related units ; sum up and submit to the Governor of the State Bank for consideration, written approval or disapproval of expected personnel of the credit institution, branches of foreign banks. “.”

1.3. Circular No. 14/2019/TT-NHNN amendments to a number of articles in circulars of the State bank of Vietnam regulating regular reporting regime

• Name of legal document: Circular No. 14/2019/TT-NHNN issued on 30/08/2019 by the Governor of the State Bank of Viet Nam NHNN amendments to a number of articles in circulars of the State bank of Vietnam regulating regular reporting regime (referred to as the “Circular No. 14/2019/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 15/10/2019.

Some content should be noted:

• Firstly, amending the report on vault safety.

Specifically, Clause 4 Article 1 Circular No. 14/2019/TT-NHNN stipulates:“Article 1. Amendments to provisions of reporting regime

…

4. Amendments to the reporting regime of vault safety under Circular No. 01/2014/TT-NHNN dated January 06, 2014 of the Governor of the State bank of Vietnam on transfer, reception, preservation and delivery of cash, valuable assets and financial instruments (hereinafter referred to as “Circular No. 01/2014/TT-NHNN”):

Article 69 of Circular 01/2014/TT-NHNN is revised as follows:

 “Article 69. Report on vault safety

Annually, the branches of the State Bank, the credit institutions and the foreign bank branches shall report on the vault safety as follows:

1. The report contents: Report on the facts, implementation results, the weaknesses in the vault safety.

2. The report accepting agencies and deadline:

– The reports of the credit institutions, foreign bank branches submitted to the branches of the State Bank located in their areas and the superior credit institutions, foreign bank branches (if any) before January 01 of the year following the report year.

– The branches of the State Bank, the credit institutions, foreign bank branches shall consolidate the report and submit to the State Bank (Issue and Vault Department) before January 15 of the year following the report year.

3. The report submission and reception methods: The report must be produced in physical form and sent directly or via postal service.

4. The data collection period: From December 15 of the year preceding the year of the reporting period to December 14 of the reporting period.

5. The report form: Using Form No. 01 issued together with this Circular.””

• Secondly, amending the regular reports on the management and use of digital certificates.

Specifically, Clause 6 Article 1 Circular No. 14/2019/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. Amendments to provisions of reporting regime

…

6. Amendments to the reporting regime of the management and use of digital certificates of State Bank under Circular No. 28/2015/TT-NHNN dated December 18, 2015 of the Governor of the State bank of Vietnam on management, use of digital signatures, digital certificates and digital signature certification service of State Bank (hereinafter referred to as “Circular No. 28/2015/TT-NHNN”):

Clause 1 Article 17 of Circular No. 28/2015/TT-NHNN is revised as follows:

 “1. The regular reports on the management and use of digital certificates:

a) Name of the reports: report on reconciliation of the State Bank digital certificate list.

b) Contents of the reports: The list of digital certificates issued by the certification authorities affiliated to the State Bank and the use conditions thereof.

c) Regulated entities: The units affiliated to the State Bank, the credit institutions, the foreign bank branches, the State Treasury, the Deposit Insurance of Vietnam and other organizations issued with the digital certificates by the State Bank.

d) Recipient of the reports: The Information Technology Department – the State Bank.

e) Submission and receipt methods of the reports:

– Physical reports must be submitted directly or via the postal service;

– The electronic reports in Excel format must be submitted to the email address ca.nhnn@sbv.gov.vn or the electronic reports must be submitted via the online public services of the State Bank.

g) Submission frequency and deadline for the reports: on a 6-month basis, on June 20 and December 20 of the reporting year at the latest.

h) Data collection period:

– The data collection period with respect to the reports of the first 06 months of the year shall be determined from December 15 of the year preceding the reporting period to June 15 of the reporting period.

– The release period of final report figures with respect to the reports of the last 06 months of the year shall be determined from June 15 to December 14 inclusively of the reporting period.

i) The report form: Using Form No. 09 issued together with this Circular.””

2. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ISSUED IN 09/2019

Consolidated document No. 28/VBHN-NHNN in 2019 consolidated Circulars providing regulations on time limits, processes and procedures for transition applied to cases in which major shareholders of a credit institution and related persons thereof own shares equalling at least 5% of charter capital of another credit institution

• Name of legal document: Consolidated document No. 28/VBHN-NHNN in 2019 consolidated Circulars providing regulations on time limits, processes and procedures for transition applied to cases in which major shareholders of a credit institution and related persons thereof own shares equalling at least 5% of charter capital of another credit institution
• Consolidated date: 16/09/2019.

The content should be noted:

Consolidating the provisions stipulated at Circular No. 46/2018/TT-NHNN dated December 28, 2018 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam providing regulations on time limits, processes and procedures for transition applied to cases in which major shareholders of a credit institution and related persons thereof own shares equalling at least 5% of charter capital of another credit institution (referred to as the “Circular No. 46/2018/TT-NHNN”) and a number of articles of Circular No. 46/2018/TT-NHNN amended, supplemented by Circular No. 14/2019/TT-NHNN issued on 30/08/2019 by the Governor of the State Bank of Viet Nam NHNN amendments to a number of articles in circulars of the State bank of Vietnam regulating regular reporting regime.

[1] “Article 15. Tasks and powers of the Special Control Board

1. The Special Control Board performs the tasks and powers prescribed in Article 146b of the Law on Credit Institutions (amended and supplemented in 2017). The special control board shall perform its tasks and powers through one or several of the following activities:

a) Request the specially controlled credit institution to provide complete, accurate and timely information, documents and records related to the operations of the specially controlled credit institution, including the following information, documents, records:

(i) Financial situation, actual value of charter capital and reserve funds;(ii) Actual situation on organization, personnel, management, administration, information technology system and internal control system;

(iii) Actual situation of operation, business, investment; solvency when due;

(iv) Situation of assets and collaterals, in which specific reports on bad debt situations, bad receivable debts, potential structural debts become bad debts, bad debts sold to the Management Company unresolved assets, accrued interests must be withdrawn as prescribed by law but not yet withdrawn;

(v) List of customers (excluding credit institutions, branches of foreign banks) receiving credit; list of organizations and individuals sending money; other creditors;

(vi) Other information serving the performance of tasks of the Special Control Board.

b) Requesting the specially controlled credit institution to inventory existing cash and cash equivalents in the whole system on the principle of performing cross-checking, cross – supervising and reporting on performance results within 05 days after completing the inventory;

c) Organizing the supervision of the inventory process specified at Point b of this Clause in accordance with the reality and operation scope of the credit institution under special control;

d) In the period where there is no plan for restructuring or restructuring the credit institution under special control that has not been approved by the competent authority, based on the information, documents and records approved by the group. Specially controlled credit institutions provided for in points a and b of this clause or information from independent audit reports, inspection conclusions and other sources of information, Special Control Board assesses the operational status of the credit institution under special control to actively implement or report to the Governor of the State Bank (via the Central Banking Inspection and Supervision Authority) or the Director of the State Bank branch handling measures in accordance with the reality of specially controlled credit institutions;

dd) Approving before the credit institution under special control performs a number of transactions and operations;

f) Requesting the specially controlled credit institution to report its operation results according to the contents and frequency suitable to the reality of the specially controlled credit institution;

g) Deciding to attend the meetings of the Board of Directors, Board of Members, Board of Controllers of the credit institution that are under special control and give opinions on the contents of the meeting related to powers, duties of the special control committee;

h) Directing, inspecting, supervising and controlling the operations of the credit institution under special control to prevent the hiding, dispersing, pledging, mortgaging, and transferring of assets and other acts that may cause damage to specially controlled credit institutions;

i) Periodically as prescribed in the Decision of special control or when necessary or at the request of the Governor of the State Bank, Director of the State Bank branch, report to the Governor of the State Bank (via the Central Banking Inspection and Supervision Authority, for Special Control Boards of credit institutions under special control specified in Clause 1, Article 6 of this Circular) or Directors of the branches of State Bank (for the Special Control Board of a credit institution under special control specified in Clause 2, Article 6 of this Circular) the situation of management, administration, operation, business, investment, finance, liquidity and other issues (if any) of the credit institution under special control and recommendations and handling measures (if any); results, difficulties and obstacles in the course of implementing the restructuring plan, already approved by the competent authorities, and proposing and proposing handling measures (if any);

k) Promptly reporting to the Governor of the State Bank (via the Central Banking Inspection and Supervision Authority, for the Special Control Board of the specially controlled credit institution specified in Clause 1, Article 6 of the Circular) this Circular) or the Directors of the branches of the State Bank (for the Special Control Board of the credit institution under special control specified in Clause 2, Article 6 of this Circular) unusual developments in activities, potential risks, risks of unsafety and law violations of credit institutions under special control; difficulties and obstacles arising in the process of special control of the credit institution and recommendations, recommendations for handling measures;

l) Promptly notifying the credit institution under special control to information and direction of competent authorities relating to operations and restructuring plans.

m) Other duties assigned by the Governor of the State Bank or the Directors of the branches of the State Bank.”

[2] “Article 6. Competence to make decisions in the special control of the credit institution

1. The Governor of the State Bank shall consider and decide the following contents regarding credit institutions which are not People’s Credit Funds:

a) Putting credit institutions in the cases specified in Clause 1, Article 145 of the Law on Credit Institutions (amended and supplemented in 2017), Article 4 and Article 5 of this Circular into special control;

b) Forms of special control prescribed in Article 7 of this Circular;

c) Establishing of a special control board under the provisions of Articles 14 and 15 of this Circular;

d) Duration of special control;

dd) Noticing of special control as prescribed in Article 9 of this Circular;

e) Disclosing special control information in accordance with Article 10 of this Circular;

g) Actual value of charter capital and reserve funds, record reduction of charter capital of commercial banks subject to special control approved by the Government for compulsory transfer as prescribed in Article 11 of this Circular;

h) Extending of the term of special control as prescribed in Article 12 of this Circular;

i) Terminating special control as prescribed in Article 13 of this Circular;

k) Other contents specified in the Law on Credit Institutions (amended and supplemented in 2017) and this Circular.

2. Directors of branches of State Bank in provinces, cities under the central Government’s management (hereinafter referred to as branches of the State Bank) shall consider and decide on the following issues for credit institutions being People’s Credit Funds are headquartered in the area:

a) The contents specified at Points a, b, c, d, dd, e, h and i, Clause 1 of this Article;

b) The contents specified at Points a and b, Clause 3, Article 146; Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 of Article 146a (except for the contents of special loans, extension of special loan terms of the State Bank); Clauses 2 and 6, Article 146dd; Points a, b and d, Clause 2, Article 148b; Clauses 2, 3 and 4 (except for the case specified in Clause 3 of this Article) Article 148c; Clauses 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 11 of Article 148d; Clauses 1 and 2, Article 149c and Clauses 1 and 2, Article 149d of the Law on Credit Institutions (amended and supplemented in 2017).

For the contents specified at Point dd, Clause 2, Article 148b; Clauses 7 and 12, Article 148, and Clause 3, Article 149c of the Law on Credit Institutions (amended and supplemented in 2017), the Directors of the branches of the State Bank reports to the Governor of the State Bank (via the Central Banking Inspection and Supervision Authority) to approved before implementation.

3. The Directors of the branches of the State Bank report and propose the Governor of the State Bank (via the Central Banking Inspection and Supervision Authority) to propose the Government to implement the contents specified in Clause 1, Article 146 of the Law on Credit Institutions (amended and supplemented in 2017) for credit institutions being People’s Credit Funds are headquartered in the area.”

1. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE FROM 01/11/2018

1.1. Decree No. 117/2018/NĐ-CP on keeping confidential and providing customer information of credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Decree No. 117/2018/NĐ-CP issued on 11/9/2018 by Goverment on keeping confidential and providing customer information of credit institutions and foreign bank branches (hereinafter referred to as the “Decree No. 117/2018/NĐ-CP”).

• Effective date: 01/11/2018.

Some contents should be noted:

• Firstly, providing for the principles of confidentiality and supply of customer information by credit institutions and foreign bank branches.

Specifically, Article 4 of Decree No. 17/2018/NĐ-CP stipulates: “Principles of confidentiality and supply of customer information

1. Customer information of credit institutions and foreign bank branches must be kept secret and only be provided in accordance with the provisions of the Law on credit institutions 2010, amended and supplemented in 2017, this Decree and related laws.

2. Credit institutions and branches of foreign banks are not allowed to provide identification customer information when accessing banking services, including secret codes, biometrics data, and access passwords of customers and other identification customer information for any agency, organization or individual, unless agreed by the customer in writing or in another form as agreed with the customer.

3. State agencies, other organizations and individuals may request credit institutions and foreign bank branches to supply customer information according to the right purposes, contents, scope and competence as prescribed of the law or the acceptance of the customer and are liable for the request for the provision of customer information.

4. State agencies, other organizations and individuals must keep customer information confidential, use customer information for the right purpose when requesting information and not provide to third parties without approval of customers, except for cases provided under the provisions of law.

5. Agencies, organizations and individuals must archive and preserve according to the law provisions on archive and preservation of dossiers and documents on customer information, dossiers of request for supply of customer information, the delivery of customer information.”

• Secondly, stipulating cases of providing customer information for organizations and individuals.

Specifically, Article 11 of Decree No. 117/2018/NĐ-CP stipulates: “Cases of providing customer information

1. Credit institutions and foreign bank branches may only provide customer information to other organizations and individuals in one of the following cases:

a) Other organizations and individuals may request credit institutions or foreign bank branches to supply customer information specified in laws and resolutions of the National Assembly.

b) Approved by the customers in writing or in another form as agreed with the customers.

2. Credit institutions and foreign banks branches shall be responsible for providing customer information to their customers or their lawful representatives.”

• Thirdly, regulating the rights and responsibilities of credit institutions and foreign bank branches in keeping confidential and providing customer information.

Specifically, Article 14 of Decree No. 117/2018/NĐ-CP stipulates: “Rights and responsibilities of credit institutions and foreign bank branches

1. Credit institutions and foreign bank branches have the following rights:

a) Requesting state agencies, other organizations or individuals to supplement information and documents requesting the supply of customer information in accordance with the provisions of this Decree;

b) Refusing to supply customer information to other State bodies, organizations or individuals for requests for supply of customer information not being in accordance with the provisions of laws or this Decree or requests for supply customer information being duplicated, not being within the scope of customer information that the credit institution or foreign bank branches are maintaining in accordance with the law.

2. Credit institutions and foreign bank branches have the following responsibilities:

a) Providing right scope of customer information provided honestly, fully, timely for the right subjects;

b) Ensuring safety and confidentiality of customer information in the process of supplying, managing, using and storing customer information;

c) Settling complaints of customers in the supply of customer information according to law provisions;

d) Organizing the supervision, inspection and handling of violations of internal regulations on keeping secret, archiving and supplying customer information;

e) Taking responsibility according to the provisions of law, for cases of violating the provisions of this Decree and relevant laws.”

1.2. Circular No. 22/2018/TT-NHNN guiding on procedures and documents for approving the list of tentative personnel of commercial banks, non-bank credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Circular No. 22/2018/TT-NHNN issued on 05/9/2018 by the State Bank of Vietnam guiding on procedures and documents for approving the list of tentative personnel of commercial banks, non-bank credit institutions and foreign bank branches (hereinafter referred to as the “Circular No. 22/2018/TT-NHNN”).

• Effective date: 01/11/2018.

Some contents should be noted:

• Firstly, proving for necessary documents in the dossier of request for approving the list of tentative personnel of credit institutions.

Specifically, Article 6 of Circular No. 22/2018/TT-NHNN stipulates that dossier of request for approving the list of tentative personnel of credit institutions includes:

1. “Documents of the credit institution shall be proposed to the State Bank for approval of the list of tentative personnel” (Clause 1 of Article 6 of Circular No. 22/1018/TT-NHNN);

2. “The written approval of tentative personnel list of credit institutions (for the Board of Directors, the Board of members and the Control Board must clearly state the term)” (Clause 2 of Article 6 of Circular No. 22/1018/TT-NHNN);

3. “The personal background of the personnel proposed to be elected or appointed according to the form in Appendix 01 attached to this Circular” (Clause 3 of Article 6 of Circular No. 22/1018/TT-NHNN);

4. “The judicial record of the personnel proposed to be elected or appointed” (Clause 4 of Article 6 of Circular No. 22/1018/TT-NHNN);

5. “The list of related persons of the personnel proposed to be elected or appointed according to the form in Appendix 02 attached to this Circular” (Clause 5 of Article 6 of Circular No. 22/1018/TT-NHNN);

6. “Copies of diplomas and certificates proving the professional qualifications of personnel proposed for election or appointment, of which the diploma of Vietnamese nationality personnel issued by a foreign educational establishment must be approved by the Ministry of Education and Training recognize in accordance with relevant laws” (Clause 6 of Article 6 of Circular No. 22/1018/TT-NHNN);

7. “Documents evidencing the satisfaction of criteria and conditions for personnel who intend to hold the post of member of the Board of Directors, the Board of members of the credit institution as stipulated in Point d[1] Clause 1 of Article 50 of the Law on credit institutions” (Clause 7 of Article 6 of Circular No. 22/1018/TT-NHNN);

8. “Documents evidencing the satisfaction of criteria and conditions for personnel expected to hold the post of General Director (Director) of the credit institution as stipulated in Point d[2] Clause 4 of Article 50 of the Law on credit institutions” (Clause 8 of Article 6 of Circular No. 22/1018/TT-NHNN);

9. “Documents proving the satisfaction of standards and conditions “having at least 03 years working directly in banking, finance, accounting or auditing fields” with regard to personnel expected to hold the post of member of the Control Board Control of credit institutions as stipulated in Point c[3] Clause 3 of Article 50 of the Law on credit institutions: Documents of the authorized representative of the unit where the personnel has been or is working confirming the direct working personnel in banking, finance, accounting or auditing fields and the working time in the field, or copies of documents proving the field of working, working time of personnel in the fields” (Clause 9 of Article 6 of Circular No. 22/1018/TT-NHNN);

10. “For personnel who are expected to be elected or appointed under the cases specified at Points e[4] and [5]f, Clause 2, Article 33 of the Law on credit institutions: Documents of competent agencies appointing personnel who are expected to act as management representatives contributed capital of the State at credit institutions” (Clause 10 of Article 6 of Circular No. 22/1018/TT-NHNN).

• Secondly, issuing written forms of documents in the dossier of request for approving the list of tentative personnel of credit institutions.

Specifically, form of personal background, form of table of related person list, form of Notification of List of people elected, appointment to be members of Board of Directors, the Board of members, the Control Board, General Director (Director), etc. are stipulated in Appendixes 01, 02, 03, etc. respectively issued together with Circular No. 22/2018/TT-NHNN.

1.3. Circular No. 23/2018/TT-NHNN providing for the reorganization and revocation of licenses and liquidation of assets of people’s credit funds

• Name of legal document: Circular No. 23/2018/TT-NHNN issued on 14/9/2018 by the State Bank of Vietnam providing for the reorganization and revocation of licenses and liquidation of assets of people’s credit funds (hereinafter referred to as the “Circular No. 23/2018/TT-NHNN”).

• Effective date: 01/11/2018.

Some contents should be noted:

• Firstly, providing for the principles of reorganizing people’s credit funds.

Specifically, Article 6 of Circular No. 23/2018/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Principles of reorganizing people’s credit funds

1. Complying with the provisions of this Circular and relevant law provisions.

2. The reorganization of people’s credit funds shall be effected on the basis of the reorganization plans approved by the State Bank in accordance with the provisions of law.

3. Ensuring the safe and continuous operation of people’s credit funds; ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of members of the people’s credit funds and customers in the course of reorganization.

4. The transfer or sale of assets in the process of reorganizing the people’s credit funds must be public and transparent, comply with law provisions and the agreement of parties, ensure the property safety and does not affect the interests of people’s credit funds to reorganize, organizations and individuals involved in the reorganization.

5. People’s credit funds after the reorganization inherit of the rights and obligations of the people’s credit funds reorganized in accordance with the provisions of law and agreements between the parties.

6. The licenses of the divided people’s credit funds or the people’s credit funds participating in the consolidation shall cease to be effective when new people’s credit funds are inaugurated. The license of the merged people’s Credit Fund shall cease to be effective when the people’s credit fund for merger completes the procedures for changing the registration of the cooperative.”

• Secondly, providing for cases of revocation of licenses of people’s credit funds.

Specifically, Article 16 of Circular No. 23/2018/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Cases of revocation of licenses

1. People’s credit funds voluntarily apply for dissolution when they are able to repay all debts and fulfill other property obligations.

2. A dossier of application for a people’s credit fund has fraudulent information so as to be eligible for a license.

3. People’s credit funds operate in contravention of the contents prescribed in their permits.

4. People’s credit funds seriously violate the law provisions on limits and prudential ratios in operation.

5. People’s Credit Funds fail to implement or implement inadequately handling decisions of the State Bank’s branches to ensure safety in banking operations.

6. People’s credit funds are divided, merged, consolidated or bankrupt.

7. People’s Credit Funds are expired but did not apply for extension or apply for extension but have not been approved in writing by the State Bank’s branches.”

1.4. Circular No. 24/2018/TT-NHHN amending, supplementing and annulling a number of articles of circulars and documents which stipulate the regime of periodical reporting

• Name of legal document: Circular No. 24/2018/TT-NHNN issued on 28/9/2018 by the State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the “Circular No. 24/2018/TT-NHNN”).

• Effective date: 15/11/2018.

Some contents should be noted:

• Firstly, amending the regulation on reporting regime in the activities of purchasing and selling foreign currency cash of individuals with authorized credit institutions[6].

Specifically, point a Clause 3 Article 1 of Circular No. 24/2018/TT-NHNN stipulates: “”Article 10 of Circular No. 20/2011 / TT-NHNN is amended and supplemented as follows:

Article 10. Reporting regime

Authorized credit institutions to make reports on the situation of buying and selling foreign currencies in cash with individuals according to the regulations of the State Bank on the regime of statistical reporting applicable to credit institutions and foreign bank branches.””

• Secondly, abolishing Appendix 3 – Appendix on the form attached to Circular No. 20/2011/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, point b Clause 3 Article 1 of Circular No. 24/2018/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Abolishing Appendix 3 attached to Circular No. 20/2011/TT-NHNN.”

• Thirdly, annulling the annual report on the implementation of technical requirements on security and confidentiality of equipment in service of payment of bank cards in Circular No. 47/2014/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, Clause 4 Article 1 of Circular No. 24/2018/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Annulling the annual report on the implementation of technical requirements on security and confidentiality of equipment in service of payment of bank cards in Circular No. 47/2014/TT-NHNN issued on December 31st, 2014 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam stipulating technical requirements on security and confidentiality of equipment for payment of bank cards (hereinafter called Circular No. 47/2014/TT-NHNN for short) as follows:

Annulling Clause 1, Article 20 of Circular No. 47/2014/TT-NHNN.”

• Fourthly, annulling the annual report on security and safety for the provision of Internet banking services in Circular No. 35/2016/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, Clause 5 Article 1 of Circular No. 24/2018/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Annulling the annual report on security and safety for the provision of Internet banking services in Circular No. 35/2016/TT-NHNN dated December 29th, 2016 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam on the safety and security of the provision of Internet banking services (hereinafter referred to as Circular No. 35/2016/TT-NHNN) as follows:

Annulling Clause 3, Article 20 of Circular No. 35/2016/TT-NHNN.”

2. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ISSUED IN 09/2018 AND 10/2018

2.1. Consolidated Document No. 17/VBHN-NHNN consolidated the decrees on credit policy for agricultural and rural development issued by the State Bank of Vietnam

• Name of legal document: Consolidated Document No. 17/VBHN-NHNN issued on 25/9/2018 by the State Bank of Vietnam consolidated the decrees on credit policy for agricultural and rural development issued by the State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the “Consolidated Document No. 17/VBHN-NHNN”).

• Effective date: 25/9/2018.

The content should be noted: consolidating Decree No. 55/2015/NĐ-CP of June 9th, 2015 of Government on credit policies in service of agricultural and rural development and take effect from October 25th, 2018 and Decree No. 116/2018/NĐ-CP of September 7, 2018 of the Government amending and supplementing a number of articles of Decree No. 55/2015/NĐ-CP

2.2.  Circular No. 25/2018/TT-NHNN amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Decree No. 10/2015/TT-NHNN of July 22nd, 2015 of Government guiding the implementation of a number of contents of the Decree No. 55/ND-CP of June 9th, 2015 of Government on credit policies in service of agricultural and rural development

• Name of legal document: Circular No. 25/2018/TT-NHNN issued on 24/10/2018 by the State Bank of Vietnamamending and supplementing a number of articles of the Decree No. 10/2015/TT-NHNN of July 22nd, 2015 of Government guiding the implementation of a number of contents of the Decree No. 55/NĐ-CP of June 9th, 2015 of Government on credit policies in service of agricultural and rural development (hereinafter referred to as the “Circular No. 24/2018/TT-NHNN”).

• Effective date: 10/12/2018.

Some contents should be noted:

• Firstly, amending the regulation on subjects of application of Circular No. 10/2015/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, Clause 2 Article 2 of Circular No. 25/2018/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Clause 2 of Article 2 is amended and supplemented as follows:

“2. Customers are entitled to borrow capital in accordance with Clause 2 and Clause 3 of Article 2 of Decree 55/2015/NĐ-CP (as amended and supplemented by Clause 1 Article 1 of Decree No. 116/2018/NĐ-CP). “”

• Secondly, adding the provision on debt grace.

Specifically, Clause 4, Article 1 of Circular No. 24/2018/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Adding Article 4a as follows:

“Article 4a. Debt grace

For borrowers to plant, care for and re-plant perennial trees, the credit institution and the customer shall agree on the grace period for debt repayment in accordance with the construction period of the perennial crop. The grace period is the period from the time when the credit institution begins to disburse the loan until the customer commences repayment of principal and interest as agreed in the credit agreement.””

• Thirdly, abolishing Form 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 issued together with Circular No. 10/2015/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, Article 2 of Circular No. 25/2018/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Abolishing Point d of Clause 4 of Article 8 and Form 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 issued together with Circular No. 10/2015/TT-NHNN.”

[1] “Has at least 03 years’ experience of working as a manager or executive of a credit institution, at least 05 year’s experience of working as an executive of a finance, banking, accounting or audit enterprise or an enterprise whose equity is not smaller than the legal capital of a credit institution, or at least 05 years’ experience of working in a finance, banking accounting or audit department.”

[2] “Has at least 03 years’ experience of working as a manager or executive of a credit institution, at least 05 year’s experience of working as an executive of a finance, banking, accounting or audit enterprise or an enterprise whose equity is not smaller than the legal capital of a credit institution, or at least 05 years’ experience of working in a finance, banking accounting or audit department.”

[3] “Holding a tertiary or higher degree in economics, business administration, law, accounting or audit: having at least 3 years working directly in banking, finance, accounting or audit”

[4] “Cadres and civil servants and managers of division or higher level of enterprises in which the State holds 50% or more of the charter capital, except those appointed to represent the State’s capital share in the credit institution”

[5] “Officers, non-commissioned officers, professional army men and defense workers of agencies and units under the Vietnam People’s Army: officers, professional non-commissioned officers of agencies and units under the Vietnam People’s Police, except those appointed to represent the State’s capital share in the credit institution”

[6] Credit institutions, foreign bank branches are allowed to engage in foreign exchange activities