1. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE FROM 01/08/2023

Circular No. 08/2023/TT-NHNN prescribing eligibility requirements for foreign loans without Government’s guarantee

• Name of legal document: Circular No. 08/2023/TT-NHNN issued on 30/06/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing eligibility requirements for foreign loans without Government’s guarantee (referred to as the “Circular No. 08/2023/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 15/08/2023.

The content should be noted:

• Firstly, loan purposes of the borrowers that are credit instututions or foreign bank branches.

Specifically, Article 14 of Circular No. 08/2023/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 14. Loan purposes

1. Short-term and medium/long-term foreign loans are used for:a) increasing the borrower’s funding for credit extension activities to meet its credit growth target;b) restructuring the borrower’s foreign debts;
2. When applying for a medium/long-term foreign loan, the borrower shall be required to prove its loan purposes by presenting:a) The plan for use of foreign loan capital as prescribed in Clause 2 Article 7 of this Circular if the loan is used for the purpose defined in Point a Clause 1 of this Article; orb) The debt restructuring plan as prescribed in Article 8 of this Circular if the loan is used for the purpose defined in Point b Clause 1 of this Article.”

• Secondly, limit on short-term foreign loans of the borrowers that are credit instututions or foreign bank branches.

Specifically, Article 15 of Circular No. 08/2023/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 15. Limit on short-term foreign loans

A borrower may apply for a short-term foreign loan if it meets the limit on short-term foreign loans as at December 31 of the year preceding the year in which the loan application is submitted. The limit on short-term foreign loans is the maximum ratio of total outstanding principal of short-term foreign loans to standalone equity, and shall not exceed:

1. 30% if the borrower is a commercial bank; or
2. 150% if the borrower is a FBB or another credit institution.”

2. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE ISSUED IN 07/2023

2.1. Circular No. 18/VBHN-NHNN prescribing lending transactions of credit institutions and/or foreign bank branches with customers

• Name of legal document: Circular No. 18/VBHN-NHNN issued on 12/07/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing lending transactions of credit institutions and/or foreign bank branches with customers.
• Effective date: 12/07/2023.

The content should be noted: Consolidating the Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN dated December 30, 2016 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing lending transactions of credit institutions and/or foreign bank branches with customers, effective from March 15, 2017, and Circular No. 06/2023/TT-NHNN dated June 28, 2023 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN dated December 30, 2016 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing lending transactions of credit institutions and/or foreign bank branches with customers, effective from September 1, 2023.

2.2. Circular No. 09/2023/TT-NHNN instructing for implementation of some articles of the Law on Anti-Money Laundering

• Name of legal document: Circular No. 09/2023/TT-NHNN issued on 28/07/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam instructing for implementation of some articles of the Law on Anti-Money Laundering (referred to as the “Circular No. 09/2023/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 28/07/2023.

The content should be noted: Stipulating suspicious transaction reporting regime.

Specifically, Article 7 of Circular No. 09/2023/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 7. Suspicious transaction reporting regime

1. The reporting object is responsible for reporting to the agency performing the function and task of preventing and combating money laundering when detecting suspicious transactions as prescribed in Article 26 of the Law on Anti-Money Laundering. The report shall be made in writing in accordance with Appendix II issued together with this Circular or by electronic data when a compatible information technology system is established for reporting electronic data as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 10 of this Circular and not in the case of reporting to other competent state agencies as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 37 of the Law on Anti-Money Laundering.
2. The reporting of suspicious transactions according to the provisions of Article 26 of the Law on Anti-Money Laundering does not depend on the amount of transaction money of the customer, whether the transaction has been completed or not.
3. Agencies performing anti-money laundering functions and tasks are responsible for confirming receipt of suspicious transaction reports by sending an email to an individual’s or ministry’s email address or department as prescribed at Point b, Clause 9, Article 5 of this Circular or in writing within 05 working days from the date of receipt of the suspicious transaction report; exchange with the subject reporting the arising problems (if any).

…”

1. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE FROM 01/07/2023

1.1.  Decree No. 13/2023/ND-CP protection of personal data

• Name of legal document: Decree 13/2023/ND-CP issued on 17/04/2023 by the Government protection of personal data (referred to as the “Decree No. 13/2023/ND-CP”).
• Effective date: 01/07/2023.

The content should be noted: Duties for credit institutions.

Specifically, Article 3 of Decree No. 13/2023/ND-CP stipulates: “Article 3. Rules for protection of personal data

1. The personal data shall be processed as prescribed by law.
2. The data subject shall be entitled to receive information related to the processing of his/her personal data, unless otherwise provided for by law.
3. The personal data shall be processed for the purposes that have been registered and declared by the Personal Data Controller, the Personal Data Processor, the Personal Data Controller-cum-Processor and the Third Party.
4. The collected personal data shall be appropriate for the scope and purposes of processing. The purchase or sale of personal data shall be prohibited in any form, unless otherwise provided for by law.
5. The personal data shall be updated and added for the processing purposes.
6. The personal data shall be protected and secured throughout the processing. To be specific, the personal data shall be protected from violations against regulations on protection of personal data and prevention of loss, destruction or damage caused by incidents and use of technical measures.
7. The personal data shall be stored within a period of time that is appropriate for the processing purposes, unless otherwise provided for by law.
8. The Personal Data Controller and the Personal Data Controller-cum-Processor shall comply with the rules for data processing specified in Clauses 1 through 7 of this Article and prove their compliance.”

1.2.  Circular No. 06/2023/TT-NHNN amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN dated December 30, 2016 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing lending transactions of credit institutions and/or foreign bank branches with customers

• Name of legal document: Circular No. 06/2023/TT-NHNN issued on 28/06/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN dated December 30, 2016 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing lending transactions of credit institutions and/or foreign bank branches with customers (referred to as the “Circular No. 06/2023/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 01/09/2023.

The content should be noted: Rejected loan demands.

Specifically, Article 6 of Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: ““Article 1. Amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN

…

2. To amend and supplement Article 8 as follows:

“Article 8. Rejected loan demands

Credit institutions shall not be allowed to approve the following loan demands:

1. To carry out business investment activities in bussiness lines banned from investment and business in accordance with the Law on Investment.
2. To pay expenses and meet the financial needs of business investment activities in bussiness lines banned from investment and business in accordance with the Law on Investment and other transactions and acts prohibited by laws.
3. To purchase and use goods and services in bussiness lines banned from investment and business in accordance with the Law on Investment.
4. To buy gold bars.
5. To repay the loan at the lending credit institution, except for the case of lending to pay the loan interest arising during the construction process, the interest expense is calculated in total construction investment approved by competent authorities in accordance with laws.
6. To repay foreign loans (excluding foreign loans in the form of goods purchase and sale with deferred payment), credit extension at other credit institutions, except for loans to repay loans before maturity. The loan fully meets the following conditions:a) The loan term does not exceed the remaining loan term of the old loan;b) It is a loan that has not yet been restructured.
7. To send money.
8. To pay for capital contribution, purchase, receive and transfer capital contributions of limited liability companies or partnerships; contribute capital, purchase, receive and transfer shares of joint stock companies that have not been listed on the stock market or have not been registered for trading on the Upcom trading system.
9. To pay the capital contribution under the capital contribution contract, investment cooperation contract or business cooperation contract for the implementation of an investment project that is not eligible to be put into business as prescribed by law at that time credit institutions decide to lend.
10. For financial compensation, unless the loan fully meets the following conditions:a) The customer has advanced the customer’s own capital to pay and pay the cost of implementing the business project, which the costs of implementing this business project have been incurred less than 12 months up to the time credit institutions decide to lend;b) Expenses paid and paid with the customer’s own capital in order to carry out the business project are the expenses using the loan source of the credit institution according to the capital use plan sent to the credit institutions to be considered for medium and long-term loans to carry out that business project.””

2. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE ISSUED IN 06/2023

2.1. Decision No. 1123/QĐ-NHNN refinancing interest rate, re-discount interest rate, interest rate on overnight loans in interbank electronic payment and loans for making up fund deficits in clearing payment given by the State Bank of Vietnam to credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Decision No. 1123/QĐ-NHNN issued on 16/06/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam refinancing interest rate, re-discount interest rate, interest rate on overnight loans in interbank electronic payment and loans for making up fund deficits in clearing payment given by the State Bank of Vietnam to credit institutions and foreign bank branches (referred to as the “Decision No. 1123/QĐ-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 19/06/2023.

The content should be noted: The interest rates are adopted by the State Bank of Vietnam.

Specifically, Article 1 of Decision No. 1123/QĐ-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. The following interest rates are adopted by the State Bank of Vietnam, including:

1. Refinancing interest rate: 4,5%/year.
2. Re-discount interest rate: 3,0%/year.
3. Interest rate on overnight loans in interbank electronic payment and loans for making up fund deficits in clearing payment given by the State Bank of Vietnam to credit Institutions and foreign bank branches: 5,0%/year.”

2.2. Decision No. 1124/QĐ-NHNN on maximum interest rates of deposits in Vietnam Dong of organizations and individuals at credit institutions and foreign bank branches according to Circular No. 07/2014/TT-NHNN dated March 17, 2014

• Name of legal document: Decision No. 1124/QĐ-NHNN issued on 16/06/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam on maximum interest rates of deposits in Vietnam Dong of organizations and individuals at credit institutions and foreign bank branches according to Circular No. 07/2014/TT-NHNNdated March 17, 2014 (referred to as the “Decision No. 1124/QĐ-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 19/06/2023.

The content should be noted: Maximum interest rates of deposits in Vietnam Dong (VND) of organizations and individuals at credit institutions and foreign banks branches according to Circular No. 07/2014/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, Article 1 of Decision No. 1124/QĐ-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. Maximum interest rates of deposits in Vietnam Dong (VND) of organizations (except credit institutions and foreign bank branches) and individuals at credit institutions and foreign banks branches according to Circular No. 07/2014/TT-NHNN dated March 17, 2014 are as follows:

1. The maximum interest rate of demand deposits and deposits with a term less than 1 month is 0,5%/year.
2. The maximum interest rate of deposits with a term from 1 month to less than 6 months is 4,75%/year. Particularly, people’s credit funds and microfinance institutions shall apply the maximum interest rate of 5,25%/year with respect to deposits with a term from 1 month to less than 6 months.”

2.3. Decision No. 1125/QĐ-NHNN prescribing maximum interest rates of short-term loans in Vietnamese Dong granted by credit institutions and foreign bank branches to meet borrowers’ funding demand in certain business sectors according to Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN dated December 30, 2016

• Name of legal document: Decision No. 1125/QĐ-NHNN issued on 16/06/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing maximum interest rates of short-term loans in Vietnamese Dong granted by credit institutions and foreign bank branches to meet borrowers’ funding demand in certain business sectors according to Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNNdated December 30, 2016 (referred to as the “Decision No. 1125/QĐ-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 19/06/2023.

The content should be noted: Maximum interest rates of short-term loans in Vietnamese Dong (VND) according to Clause 2 Article 13 of the Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, Article 1 of Decision No. 1125/QĐ-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. Maximum interest rates of short-term loans in Vietnamese Dong (VND) according to Clause 2 Article 13 of the Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN dated December 30, 2016 are as follows:

1. Credit institutions and foreign bank branches (except for People’s Credit Funds and microfinance institutions) shall grant short-term loans in VND with the maximum interest rate of 4,0%/year.
2. People’s Credit Funds and microfinance institutions shall grant short-term loans in VND with the maximum interest rate of 5,0%/year.”

2.4. Official Letter No. 2535/TCT-TTKT on strengthen coordination in tax administration

• Name of document: Official Letter 2535/TCT-TTKT issued on 21/06/2023 by the General Department of Taxation on strengthen coordination in tax administration (referred to as the “Official Letter No. 2535/TCT-TTKT”).

The content should be noted: Providing information on transactions through accounts, account balances, transaction data.

Specifically, Section 1 of Official Letter No. 2535/TCT-TTKT stipulates: “1. About providing information on transactions through accounts, account balances, transaction data.

– Commercial banks and other credit institutions provide information on transactions through accounts, account balances and transaction data at the request of the Director of Taxation Department for purposes of inspection, examination, determine the tax payable and take measures to enforce the administrative decision on tax administration in accordance with the tax law, within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the written request of the tax authority. In case commercial banks and other credit institutions fail to provide data at the request of tax administration authorities, they will be administratively sanctioned as prescribed in Article 19 of Decree No. 125/2020/ND-CP dated October 19, 2020 of the Government on penalties for administrative violations on taxes and invoices.

– Tax Departments, upon request for information, shall send documents to the Head Office of commercial banks and other credit institutions for implementation. The requested content needs to be complete and detailed with identification information and content for commercial banks and other credit institutions to implement. For complicated and important matters, it is possible to organize a meeting between the Tax Department and commercial banks and other credit institutions; or coordinate and work with the Tax Department to directly manage such commercial banks and other credit institutions in accordance with law. Tax Departments that directly manage commercial banks and other credit institutions are responsible for coordinating with Tax Departments upon request.

– Tax Departments are responsible for keeping information confidential, using information for the right purposes and taking full responsibility for the safety of information in accordance with the Law on Tax Administration and relevant laws.”

1. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE FROM 01/05/2023

1.1. Directive No. 02/CT-NHNN on strengthening credit work and implementing the policy of rescheduling debt repayment and maintaining the same debt group in order to support customers in difficulty as prescribed in Circular 02/2023/ TT-NHNN April 23, 2023

• Name of legal document: Directive No. 02/CT-NHNN issued on 23/05/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam on strengthening credit work and implementing the policy of rescheduling debt repayment and maintaining the same debt group in order to support customers in difficulty as prescribed in Circular 02/2023/ TT-NHNN April 23, 2023 (referred to as the “Directive No. 02/CT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 23/05/2023.

The content should be noted: Duties for credit institutions.

Specifically, Section IV of Directive No. 02/CT-NHNN stipulates: “IV. FOR CREDIT INSTITUTIONS

1. Continue to effectively implement Directive 01/CT-NHNN dated January 17, 2023 of the Governor of the State Bank on organizing the implementation of key tasks of the banking industry in 2023; which focuses on implementing safe and effective credit growth solutions, improving credit quality, controlling and handling bad debts.
2. Continue to reduce costs to reduce lending interest rates, reduce fees to support businesses and people to recover and develop production and business.
3. Actively implement credit programs and policies for a number of sectors and fields under the direction of the Government and the Prime Minister; including a credit package of VND 120,000 billion for investors and homebuyers of social housing projects, worker housing, renovation and reconstruction projects of old apartment buildings according to Resolution 33/NQ-CP dated 11/3/2023 of the Government; implemented with the utmost determination the interest rate support program from the state budget for loans of enterprises, cooperatives and business households according to Decree 31/2022/ND-CP, without letting any an enterprise, cooperative or business household that is subject to interest rate support and has a need but is not supported in a timely manner.
4. Accelerating the effective implementation of the Bank-enterprise connection program; promptly implement solutions to remove difficulties and create favorable conditions for people and businesses to access credit capital.
5. Regarding the implementation of Circular 02/2023/TT-NHNN:

– Expeditiously promulgate and immediately implement internal regulations on rescheduling debt repayment and keeping the same debt group as prescribed in Circular 02/2023/TT-NHNN. It is strictly forbidden to act causing difficulties or troubles, or to issue additional conditions and procedures other than those prescribed in Circular No. 02/2023/TT-NHNN.

– The Chairman of the Board of Members/Board of Directors, the General Director of credit institutions directly directs the implementation of restructuring the repayment term and maintaining the debt group according to Circular 02/2023/TT – The State Bank and take responsibility before the Governor of the State Bank for the implementation results; take measures to strictly handle units and individuals that deploy slowly, deliberately cause difficulties, irresponsibly, and do not comply with regulations.

– Promote communication and publicity on dossiers and procedures for rescheduling debt repayment and keeping the debt group intact so that customers can grasp information, properly understand and fully understand the policy; promptly respond to problems related to documents and procedures for customers, create favorable conditions to support customers to complete dossiers, get early access to support policies.

– To organize the implementation of the policy of restructuring the debt repayment term, keeping the debt group unchanged in accordance with regulations; closely supervise, safely, prevent and stop taking advantage of debt rescheduling and maintaining debt groups to collude and take advantage of policies.
– Classify debts, make provision for risks and record accrued interest in accordance with law.

– Timely and fully report on the results of restructuring the repayment term and keeping the debt group unchanged in accordance with the regulations and guidance of the State Bank.

– Proactively handle difficulties and problems in the system and promptly report and propose to the State Bank, ministries, branches and People’s Committees of provinces and cities to take measures to handle difficulties and problems beyond their competence in the implementation process.”

1.2. Decision No. 950/QĐ-NHNN refinancing interest rate, re-discount interest rate, interest rate on overnight loans in interbank electronic payment and loans for making up fund deficits in clearing payment given by the State Bank of Vietnam to credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Decision 950/QĐ-NHNN issued on 23/05/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam refinancing interest rate, re-discount interest rate, interest rate on overnight loans in interbank electronic payment and loans for making up fund deficits in clearing payment given by the State bank of Vietnam to credit institutions and foreign bank branches (referred to as the “Decision No. 950/QĐ-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 25/05/2023.

The content should be noted: The interest rates are adopted by the State Bank of Vietnam.

Specifically, Article 1 of Decision No. 950/QĐ-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. The following interest rates are adopted by the State Bank of Vietnam, including:

1. Refinancing interest rate: 5,0%/year.
2. Re-discount interest rate: 3,5%/year.
3. Interest rate on overnight loans in interbank electronic payment and loans for making up fund deficits in clearing payment given by the State Bank of Vietnam to credit Institutions and foreign bank branches: 5,5%/year.”

1.3. Decision No. 951/QĐ-NHNN on maximum interest rates of deposits in Vietnam Dong of organizations and individuals at credit institutions and foreign bank branches according to Circular No. 07/2014/TT-NHNN dated March 17, 2014

• Name of legal document: Decision 951/QĐ-NHNN issued on 23/05/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam on maximum interest rates of deposits in Vietnam Dong of organizations and individuals at credit institutions and foreign bank branches according to Circular No. 07/2014/TT-NHNNdated March 17, 2014 (referred to as the “Decision No. 951/QĐ-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 25/05/2023.

The content should be noted: Maximum interest rates of deposits in Vietnam Dong (VND) of organizations and individuals at credit institutions and foreign banks branches according to Circular No. 07/2014/TT-NHNN dated March 17, 2014.

Specifically, Article 1 of Decision No. 951/QĐ-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. Maximum interest rates of deposits in Vietnam Dong (VND) of organizations (except credit institutions and foreign bank branches) and individuals at credit institutions and foreign banks branches according to Circular No. 07/2014/TT-NHNN dated March 17, 2014 are as follows:

1. The maximum interest rate of demand deposits and deposits with a term less than 1 month is 0,5%/year.
2. The maximum interest rate of deposits with a term from 1 month to less than 6 months is 5,0%/year. Particularly, people’s credit funds and microfinance institutions shall apply the maximum interest rate of 5,5%/year with respect to deposits with a term from 1 month to less than 6 months.”

1.4. Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN providing guidelines on environmental risk management in credit extension by credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Circular 17/2022/TT-NHNN issued on 23/12/2022 by the State Bank of Vietnam providing guidelines on environmental risk management in credit extension by credit institutions and foreign bank branches (referred to as the “Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 01/06/2023.

The content should be noted: Internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit.

Specifically, Article 6 of Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 6. Internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit

1. Each credit institution shall formulate its own internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit which may be separated from or included in its internal regulations on credit extension and internal control, and must be conformable with regulations of law on credit extension and credit risk management.
2. Internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit of a credit institution shall, inter alia, have the following contents:
3. a) Identification and classification of applications for credit extension which require environmental risk assessment in extending credit;
4. b) Information to be collected to serve the environmental risk management in extending credit;
5. c) Environmental risk assessment in extending credit that is carried out in conformity with the provisions of this Circular;
6. d) Environmental risk management in extending credit during the consideration, appraisal, approval and management of credit amounts extended;
7. dd) Internal reporting on environmental risk management in extending credit.”

2. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE ISSUED IN 03/2023

2.1. Circular No. 02/2023/TT-NHNN providing instructions for credit institutions and foreign branch banks on debt rescheduling and retention of debt category to assist borrowers in difficulties

• Name of legal document: Circular 02/2023/TT-NHNN issued on 23/04/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam providing instructions for credit institutions and foreign branch banks on debt rescheduling and retention of debt category to assist borrowers in difficulties (referred to as the “Circular No. 02/2023/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 24/04/2023.

The content should be noted:

• Firstly, stipulating on debt rescheduling.

Specifically, Article 4 of Circular No. 02/2023/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 4. Debt rescheduling

A credit institution or foreign branch banks may consider rescheduling outstanding debt, including the principal and/or interest (including the debts regulated by the Government’s Decree No. 55/2015/ND-CP dated June 09, 2015 on credit policies serving development of agriculture and rural areas (with amendments)) on the basis of borrowers’ requests, its financial capacity and compliance with the following regulations:

1. The outstanding debt is principal of a loan or finance lease granted before the effective date of this Circular, and from lending and finance lease.
2. The principal and/or interest have to be paid within the period from the effective date of this Circular to June 30, 2024 inclusive.
3. The outstanding debt to be rescheduled is undue or up to 10 (ten) days overdue according to the loan/finance lease agreement.
4. The credit institution or foreign branch banks determines that the borrower is unable to repay the principal and/or interest on schedule under the signed agreement due to decrease in revenue or income compared to that specified in the principal and/or interest repayment plan under the signed agreement.
5. The credit institution or foreign branch banks determines that the borrower is able to fully repay the principal and/or interest after the debt is rescheduled.
6. Debts that violate regulations of law shall not be rescheduled.
7. Rescheduling time (including repayment deadline extension) shall vary according to the degree of difficulty facing the borrower and shall not exceed 12 months from the due date of the outstanding debt to be rescheduled.
8. Debt rescheduling under regulations of this Circular shall be carried out from the effective date of this Circular to June 30, 2024 inclusive.”

• Secondly, stipulating on retention of debt category and debt classification.

Specifically, Article 5 of Circular No. 02/2023/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 5. Retention of debt category and debt classification

1. Credit institutions and Foreign branch banks may retain the debt categories with respect to the debt whose principal and/or interest has been rescheduled (hereinafter referred to as “rescheduled debt”) under regulations of this Circular in the same manner as the debt categories that have been assigned in accordance with SBV Governor’s regulations on classification of assets, rates and methods of making loan loss provision and use of loan loss provision for handling of risks arising from operations of credit institutions and Foreign branch banks at the nearest time before prior to the debt rescheduling according to regulation of this Circular.
2. After debt rescheduling and retention of debt categories are carried out as prescribed in clause 1 of this Article within the time limit for rescheduling, credit institutions and Foreign branch banks are not required to put these debts into a higher-risk category according to SBV Governor’s regulations on classification of assets, rates and methods of making loan loss provision and use of loan loss provision for handling of risks arising from operations of credit institutions and Foreign branch banks.
3. If the outstanding debts after rescheduling and retention of debt categories prescribed in clause 1 of this Article are not granted another debt rescheduling by the credit institution or foreign branch banks according to regulations of this circular, the credit institution or foreign branch banks shall carry out debt classification in accordance with SBV Governor’s regulations on classification of assets, rates and methods of making loan loss provision and use of loan loss provision for handling of risks arising from operations of credit institutions and Foreign branch banks.
4. From the rescheduling date, credit institutions and foreign branch banks shall not record the interests on the outstanding debts that are rescheduled and debts that remain current non-performing loans (Category 1) as prescribed in this Circular as revenue (estimated). Instead, they shall be monitored off-balance sheet and recorded as revenue when they are collected in accordance with regulations of law on financial regimes applicable to credit institutions and foreign branch banks.”

2.2. Circular No. 03/2023/TT-NHNN providing on ceasing the implementation effective of Clause 11 Article 4 Circular No. 16/2021/TT-NHNN date November 10, 2021 of the Governer of the State bank of Vietnam on corporate bond trading of credit institutions and branches of foreign banks

• Name of legal document: Circular 03/2023/TT-NHNN issued on 23/04/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam providing on ceasing the implementation effective of Clause 11 Article 4 Circular No. 16/2021/TT-NHNN date November 10, 2021 of the Governer of the State bank of Vietnam on corporate bond trading of credit institutions and branches of foreign banks (referred to as the “Circular No. 02/2023/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 24/04/2023.

The content should be noted: Stipualting on cessation of effect from April 24, 2023 to the end of December 31, 2023 for the provisions of Clause 11 Article 4 of Circular No. 16/2021/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, Article 1 of Circular No. 03/2023/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. Cessation of effect from April 24, 2023 to the end of December 31, 2023 for the provisions of Clause 11 Article 4 of Circular No. 16/2021/TT-NHNN.

During the cessation period of Clause 11 Article 4 of Circular No. 16/2021/TT-NHNN as prescribed in this Article, credit institutions, foreign bank branches (hereinafter referred to as credit institutions) may redeem corporate bonds that have not been listed on the stock market or have not been registered for trading on the Upcom trading system (hereinafter referred to as unlisted corporate bonds) that have been sold by a credit institution and/or Unlisted corporate bonds may be issued in the same lot/phrase as unlisted corporate bonds sold by a credit institution when:

1. a) Satisfy the provisions of Article 4 of Circular No. 16/2021/TT-NHNN;
2. b) The buyer of this corporate bond from a credit institution shall pay the entire amount of the purchase of corporate bonds at the time the credit institution signs a contract to sell corporate bonds to the bond buyer;

c) The bond issuer is rated at the highest level according to the credit institution’s internal credit rating regulations at the latest time before the credit institution purchases corporate bonds.”

1. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE FROM 01/04/2023

1.1.  Circular No. 11/2022/TT-NHNN regulating on bank guarantee

• Name of legal document: Circular 11/2022/TT-NHNN issued on 30/09/2022 by the State Bank of Vietnam regulating on bank guarantee (referred to as the “Circular No. 11/2022/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 01/04/2023.

The content should be noted:

• Firstly, stipulating on cases of non-guarantee, guarantee restriction and implementation of credit limit

Specifically, Article 5 of Circular No. 11/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 5. Cases of non-guarantee, guarantee restriction and implementation of credit limit

When making guarantees, credit institutions and foreign bank branches must comply with the provisions of the Law on Credit Institutions and the guidance of the State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the State Bank) about the cases of not being granted credit, restrict credit granting, limiting credit granting.”

• Secondly, stipulating on requirements for customers.

Specifically, Article 11 of Circular No. 11/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 11. Requirements for customers

1. 1. Credit institutions, foreign bank branches shall consider and decide to grant guarantees, reciprocal guarantees, and confirm guarantees for customers when customers satisfy the following requirements:a) Having full civil legal capacity and civil act capacity as prescribed by law;b) The guaranteed obligation is a lawful financial obligation;c) Being assessed by the credit institution, foreign bank’s branch with guarantee to be able to repay the amount that the credit institution or foreign bank branch has to pay on behalf of when performing the guarantee obligation.
   2. Credit institutions, foreign bank branches are not allowed to guarantee for the bond payment obligations of the issuing enterprises for the purposes of: restructuring the debts of the issuing enterprises themselves; contribute capital, buy shares in other enterprises and increase the scale of operating capital.”

1.2. Decision No. 574/QĐ-NHNN refinancing interest rate, re-discount interest rate, interest rate on overnight loans in interbank electronic payment and loans for making up fund deficits in clearing payment given by the State bank of Vietnam to credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Decision 574/QĐ-NHNN issued on 31/03/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam refinancing interest rate, re-discount interest rate, interest rate on overnight loans in interbank electronic payment and loans for making up fund deficits in clearing payment given by the State bank of Vietnam to credit institutions and foreign bank branches (referred to as the “Decision No. 574/QĐ-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 04/03/2023.

The content should be noted: The interest rates are adopted by the State Bank of Vietnam.

Specifically, Article 1 of Decision No. 574/QĐ-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. The following interest rates are adopted by the State Bank of Vietnam, including:

1. Refinancing interest rate: 5,5%/year.
2. Re-discount interest rate: 3,5%/year.
3. Interest rate on overnight loans in interbank electronic payment and loans for making up fund deficits in clearing payment given by the State Bank of Vietnam to credit Institutions and foreign bank branches: 6,0%/year.”

1.3. Decision No. 575/QĐ-NHNN maximum interest rates of deposits in Vietnamese dong of organizations and individuals at credit institutions and foreign bank branches according to Circular No. 07/2014/TT-NHNN dated March 17, 2014

• Name of legal document: Decision 575/QĐ-NHNN issued on 31/03/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam maximum interest rates of deposits in Vietnamese dong of organizations and individuals at credit institutions and foreign bank branches according to Circular No. 07/2014/TT-NHNNdated March 17, 2014 (referred to as the “Decision No. 575/QĐ-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 04/03/2023.

The content should be noted: Maximum interest rates of deposits in Vietnamese Dong (VND) of organizations (except credit institutions and foreign bank branches) and individuals at credit institutions and foreign bank branches according to Circular No. 07/2014/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, Article 1 of Decision No. 575/QĐ-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. Maximum interest rates of deposits in Vietnamese Dong (VND) of organizations (except credit institutions and foreign bank branches) and individuals at credit institutions and foreign bank branches according to Circular No. 07/2014/TT-NHNN dated March 17, 2014 are as follows:

1. The maximum interest rate of demand deposits and deposits with a term less than 1 month is 0,5%/year.
2. The maximum interest rate of deposits with a term from 1 month to less than 6 months is 5,5%/year. Particularly, people’s credit funds and microfinance institutions shall apply the maximum interest rate of 6,0%/year with respect to deposits with a term from 1 month to less than 6 months.”

1.4. Decision No. 576/QĐ-NHNN prescribing maximum interest rates of short-term loans in Vietnamese dong granted by credit institutions and foreign bank branches to meet borrowers’ funding demand in certain business sectors according to Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN dated December 30, 2016

• Name of legal document: Decision 576/QĐ-NHNN issued on 31/03/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing maximum interest rates of short-term loans in Vietnamese dong granted by credit institutions and foreign bank branches to meet borrowers’ funding demand in certain business sectors according to Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNNdated December 30, 2016 (referred to as the “Decision No. 576/QĐ-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 04/03/2023.

The content should be noted: Maximum interest rates of short-term loans in Vietnamese Dong (VND) according to Clause 2 Article 13 of the Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, Article 1 of Decision No. 576/QĐ-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. Maximum interest rates of short-term loans in Vietnamese Dong (VND) according to Clause 2 Article 13 of the Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN dated December 30, 2016 are as follows:

1. Credit institutions and foreign bank branches (except people’s credit funds and microfinance institutions) shall grant short-term loans in VND with the maximum interest rate of 4,5%/year.
2. People’s credit funds and microfinance institutions shall grant short-term loans in VND with the maximum interest rate of 5,5%/year.”

1.5. Circular No. 02/2023/TT-NHNN providing instructions for credit institutions and foreign branch banks on debt rescheduling and retention of debt category to assist borrowers in difficulties

• Name of legal document: Circular 02/2023/TT-NHNN issued on 23/04/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam providing instructions for credit institutions and foreign branch banks on debt rescheduling and retention of debt category to assist borrowers in difficulties (referred to as the “Circular No. 02/2023/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 24/04/2023.

The content should be noted:

• Firstly, stipulating on debt rescheduling.

Specifically, Article 4 of Circular No. 02/2023/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 4. Debt rescheduling

A credit institution or foreign branch banks may consider rescheduling outstanding debt, including the principal and/or interest (including the debts regulated by the Government’s Decree No. 55/2015/ND-CP dated June 09, 2015 on credit policies serving development of agriculture and rural areas (with amendments)) on the basis of borrowers’ requests, its financial capacity and compliance with the following regulations:

1. The outstanding debt is principal of a loan or finance lease granted before the effective date of this Circular, and from lending and finance lease.
2. The principal and/or interest have to be paid within the period from the effective date of this Circular to June 30, 2024 inclusive.
3. The outstanding debt to be rescheduled is undue or up to 10 (ten) days overdue according to the loan/finance lease agreement.
4. The credit institution or foreign branch banks determines that the borrower is unable to repay the principal and/or interest on schedule under the signed agreement due to decrease in revenue or income compared to that specified in the principal and/or interest repayment plan under the signed agreement.
5. The credit institution or foreign branch banks determines that the borrower is able to fully repay the principal and/or interest after the debt is rescheduled.
6. Debts that violate regulations of law shall not be rescheduled.
7. Rescheduling time (including repayment deadline extension) shall vary according to the degree of difficulty facing the borrower and shall not exceed 12 months from the due date of the outstanding debt to be rescheduled.
8. Debt rescheduling under regulations of this Circular shall be carried out from the effective date of this Circular to June 30, 2024 inclusive.”

• Secondly, stipulating on retention of debt category and debt classification.

Specifically, Article 5 of Circular No. 02/2023/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 5. Retention of debt category and debt classification

1. Credit institutions and Foreign branch banks may retain the debt categories with respect to the debt whose principal and/or interest has been rescheduled (hereinafter referred to as “rescheduled debt”) under regulations of this Circular in the same manner as the debt categories that have been assigned in accordance with SBV Governor’s regulations on classification of assets, rates and methods of making loan loss provision and use of loan loss provision for handling of risks arising from operations of credit institutions and Foreign branch banks at the nearest time before prior to the debt rescheduling according to regulation of this Circular.
2. After debt rescheduling and retention of debt categories are carried out as prescribed in clause 1 of this Article within the time limit for rescheduling, credit institutions and Foreign branch banks are not required to put these debts into a higher-risk category according to SBV Governor’s regulations on classification of assets, rates and methods of making loan loss provision and use of loan loss provision for handling of risks arising from operations of credit institutions and Foreign branch banks.
3. If the outstanding debts after rescheduling and retention of debt categories prescribed in clause 1 of this Article are not granted another debt rescheduling by the credit institution or foreign branch banks according to regulations of this circular, the credit institution or foreign branch banks shall carry out debt classification in accordance with SBV Governor’s regulations on classification of assets, rates and methods of making loan loss provision and use of loan loss provision for handling of risks arising from operations of credit institutions and Foreign branch banks.
4. From the rescheduling date, credit institutions and foreign branch banks shall not record the interests on the outstanding debts that are rescheduled and debts that remain current non-performing loans (Category 1) as prescribed in this Circular as revenue (estimated). Instead, they shall be monitored off-balance sheet and recorded as revenue when they are collected in accordance with regulations of law on financial regimes applicable to credit institutions and foreign branch banks.”

1.6. Circular No. 03/2023/TT-NHNN providing on ceasing the implementation effective of Clause 11 Article 4 Circular No. 16/2021/TT-NHNN date November 10, 2021 of the Governer of the State bank of Vietnam on corporate bond trading of credit institutions and branches of foreign banks

• Name of legal document: Circular 03/2023/TT-NHNN issued on 23/04/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam providing on ceasing the implementation effective of Clause 11 Article 4 Circular No. 16/2021/TT-NHNN date November 10, 2021 of the Governer of the State bank of Vietnam on corporate bond trading of credit institutions and branches of foreign banks (referred to as the “Circular No. 02/2023/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 24/04/2023.

The content should be noted: Stipualting on cessation of effect from April 24, 2023 to the end of December 31, 2023 for the provisions of Clause 11 Article 4 of Circular No. 16/2021/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, Article 1 of Circular No. 03/2023/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. Cessation of effect from April 24, 2023 to the end of December 31, 2023 for the provisions of Clause 11 Article 4 of Circular No. 16/2021/TT-NHNN.

During the cessation period of Clause 11 Article 4 of Circular No. 16/2021/TT-NHNN as prescribed in this Article, credit institutions, foreign bank branches (hereinafter referred to as credit institutions) may redeem corporate bonds that have not been listed on the stock market or have not been registered for trading on the Upcom trading system (hereinafter referred to as unlisted corporate bonds) that have been sold by a credit institution and/or Unlisted corporate bonds may be issued in the same lot/phrase as unlisted corporate bonds sold by a credit institution when:

1. a) Satisfy the provisions of Article 4 of Circular No. 16/2021/TT-NHNN;
2. b) The buyer of this corporate bond from a credit institution shall pay the entire amount of the purchase of corporate bonds at the time the credit institution signs a contract to sell corporate bonds to the bond buyer;
3. c) The bond issuer is rated at the highest level according to the credit institution’s internal credit rating regulations at the latest time before the credit institution purchases corporate bonds.”

1.7. Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN providing guidelines on environmental risk management in credit extension by credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Circular 17/2022/TT-NHNN issued on 23/12/2022 by the State Bank of Vietnam providing guidelines on environmental risk management in credit extension by credit institutions and foreign bank branches (referred to as the “Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 01/06/2023.

The content should be noted: Internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit.

Specifically, Article 6 of Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 6. Internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit

1. Each credit institution shall formulate its own internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit which may be separated from or included in its internal regulations on credit extension and internal control, and must be conformable with regulations of law on credit extension and credit risk management.
2. Internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit of a credit institution shall, inter alia, have the following contents:
3. a) Identification and classification of applications for credit extension which require environmental risk assessment in extending credit;
4. b) Information to be collected to serve the environmental risk management in extending credit;
5. c) Environmental risk assessment in extending credit that is carried out in conformity with the provisions of this Circular;
6. d) Environmental risk management in extending credit during the consideration, appraisal, approval and management of credit amounts extended;
7. dd) Internal reporting on environmental risk management in extending credit.”

2. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE ISSUED IN 03/2023

2.1.  Decision No. 313/QD-NHNN pertaining to refinancing interest rate, rediscounting interest rate, and interest rate of overnight lending for interbanking electronic payments and loans compensating for shortage of funds used for the State Bank of Vietnam’s settlement transactions with credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Decision No. 313/QD-NHNN issued on 14/03/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam pertaining to refinancing interest rate, rediscounting interest rate, and interest rate of overnight lending for interbanking electronic payments and loans compensating for shortage of funds used for the State Bank of Vietnam’s settlement transactions with credit institutions and foreign bank branches (referred to as the “Decision No. 313/QD-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 15/03/2023.

The content should be noted: Stipulating on the State Bank of Vietnam’s interest rates.

Specifically, Article 1 of Circular No. 313/QD-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. Regulations on SBV’s interest rates, including:

1. Refinancing interest rate: 6.0%/year.
2. Rediscounting interest rate: 3.5%/year.
3. Interest rate of overnight lending for interbanking electronic payments and loans compensating for shortage of funds used for SBV’S settlement transactions with credit institutions and foreign bank branches: 6.0%/year.”

2.2. Decision No. 314/QD-NHNN pertaining to maximum short-term lending interest rates in Vietnam Dong of credit institutions and foreign bank branches applied to loan borrowers to meet capital demands for certain sectors and industries as per Circular No. 39/2016/tt-nhnn dated december 30, 2016

• Name of legal document: Decision No. 314/QD-NHNN issued on 14/03/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam pertaining to maximum short-term lending interest rates in Vietnam Dong of credit institutions and foreign bank branches applied to loan borrowers to meet capital demands for certain sectors and industries as per Circular No. 39/2016/tt-nhnndated december 30, 2016 (referred to as the “Decision No. 314/QD-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 15/03/2023.

The content should be noted: Stipulating on the maximum interest rates applied to Vietnamese-dong short-term loans according to clause 2 of Article 13 in the Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, Article 1 of Circular No. 314/QD-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. Maximum interest rates applied to Vietnamese-dong short-term loans according to clause 2 of Article 13 in the Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN dated December 30, 2016 shall be as follows:

1. Credit institutions and foreign bank branches (except people’s credit funds and microfinance institutions) will apply the maximum interest rate of 5.0%/year to Vietnamese-dong short-term loans.

2. People’s credit funds and microfinance institutions will apply the maximum interest rate of 6.o%/year to Vietnamese-dong short-term loans.”

1. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE FROM 01/02/2023

1.1. Circular No. 18/2022/TT-NHNN amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Circular No. 09/2015/TT-NHNN dated July 17, 2015 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing debt purchase and sale by credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Circular 18/2022/TT-NHNN issued on 26/12/2022 by the State Bank of Vietnam amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Circular No. 09/2015/TT-NHNN dated July 17, 2015 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing debt purchase and sale by credit institutions and foreign bank branches (referred to as the “Circular No. 18/2022/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 09/02/2023.

The content should be noted: Amending and supplementing regulations on principles of debt purchase and sale.

Specifically, Clause 3 of Article 1 of Circular No. 18/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Circular No. 09/2015/TT-NHNN dated July 17, 2015 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing debt purchase and sale by credit institutions and foreign bank branches

…

3. Amending Clauses 3, 4, 6, and 7 and suplementing Clauses 11, 12, Article 5 as follows:

“3. Credit institutions and foreign bank branches that are considered and approved by the State Bank for debt purchase activity must have a bad debt ratio of less than 3% according to the latest classification period according to the State Bank’s regulations on classification of assets, level of deduction, method of setting up risk provisions and use of provisions to deal with risks in the operation of credit institutions, foreign bank branches before the time of requesting for requesting for approval of debt purchase activity, except for credit institutions under special control. Credit institutions and foreign bank branches that sell debts are not required to obtain permission from the State Bank.

Credit institutions, foreign bank branches may purchase debt only when they are approved by the State Bank for debt purchase activities in the establishment and operation license of the credit institution, the establishment license of the bank branch (hereinafter referred to as the License) and has a bad debt ratio of less than 3% according to the latest classification period according to the State Bank’s regulations on classification of assets, level of deduction, method of setting up risk provisions and the use of provisions to deal with risks in the operation of credit institutions, foreign bank branches before the time of signing debt purchase contracts, except for the cases specified in Clause 12 of this Article.

4. Before performing debt purchase and sale as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article, credit institutions and foreign bank branches must issue internal regulations on debt purchase and sale activities (in which, clearly define the decentralization of authority according to the principle of division of responsibilities between the appraisal stage and the decision to purchase and sell debt; method of purchase and sell debt, method of payment; debt purchase and sale process; debt valuation process and methods; risk management process for debt purchase and sell activities).”

“6. Repurchase of sold debt of a credit institution:

a) The debt seller does not repurchase the sold debt, except in the following cases:

(i) The credit institution repurchases the sold debt to the specially controlled credit institution as prescribed at Point a, Clause 12 of this Article;

(ii) The credit institution shall assist in the redemption of debts sold to the specially controlled credit institution according to the approved plan for the rehabilitation of the specially controlled credit institution as prescribed in Clause 6 of this Article148dd of Law on Credit Institutions;

(iii) The credit institution receiving the compulsory transfer repurchases the debt that has been sold to the commercial bank subject to the compulsory transfer under the provisions of Point c, Clause 12 of this Article.

b) The credit institution shall repurchase the sold debt specified at Points a(ii), a(iii) of this Clause according to the contents of its commitment to repurchase the debt in the restructuring plan approved by the competent authority in the following cases:

(i) The repurchased debt is being used by a specially controlled credit institution as security for a special loan at the State Bank but is no longer classified as a qualified debt under the provisions of the State Bank and sell replacement with other qualified debt.

(ii) When the special loan is due, the specially controlled credit institution has not yet had enough money to repay the special loan to the State Bank according to the special loan repayment plan.

7. A credit institution is not allowed to sell debt to its own subsidiary, except in the following cases:

a) Selling debt to a debt management and asset exploitation company according to the restructuring plan approved by a competent authority;

b) The credit institution that is the compulsory transferee sells the qualified debt to the commercial bank subject to the compulsory transfer according to the approved compulsory transfer plan.”

“11. Credit institutions, foreign bank branches are not allowed to grant credit to customers to purchase debt owned by that credit institution or foreign bank branch.

12. Credit institutions are not required to have a bad debt ratio of less than 3% when purchasing debt in the following cases:

a) A specially controlled credit institution shall purchase qualified debt as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 146a of the Law on Credit Institutions;

b) The specially controlled credit institution shall purchase qualified debt from the supporting credit institution according to the approved plan for rehabilitation of the specially controlled credit institution as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article 148b of Law on Credit Institutions;

c) The transferred commercial bank purchases qualified debt from the credit institution receiving the compulsory transfer according to the compulsory transfer plan already approved by the competent authority;

d) Cases of debt purchase specified at Points a(ii), a(iii) Clause 6 of this Article.””

1.2. Circular No. 20/2022/TT-NHNN on guidelines for one-way money transfer from Vietnam to abroad and payment, money transfer for other current transactions of residents being organizations and individuals

• Name of legal document: Circular 20/2022/TT-NHNN issued on 30/12/2022 by the State Bank of Vietnam on guidelines for one-way money transfer from Vietnam to abroad and payment, money transfer for other current transactions of residents being organizations and individuals (referred to as the “Circular No. 20/2022/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 15/02/2023.

The content should be noted: Stipulating on cases of purchase, transfer and carrying of foreign currency abroad for one-way money transfer purposes of organizations.

Specifically, Article 4 of Circular No. 20/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 4. Cases of purchase, transfer and carrying of foreign currency abroad for one-way money transfer purposes of organizations

1. Cases of purchase, transfer and carrying of foreign currency abroad to serve the organization’s sponsorship and aid purposes:a) Purchase, transfer, carrying of foreign currency abroad for sponsorship and aid according to commitments and agreements between the State, Government, local authorities and foreign countries. Sponsorship and aid sources are funds from the budget or the money source of the funding body itself;b) Purchase and transfer of foreign currency abroad to provide finance and aids in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters, epidemics and wars. Sources of sponsorship and aids are voluntary contributions from domestic organizations and individuals and/or funds from the funding body itself;c) Purchase and transfer of foreign currency abroad to finance programs, funds and projects established by domestic and/or overseas organizations for the purpose of supporting and encouraging development in the fields of: culture, education (scholarship funding), health. Sources of sponsorship is the funding source of the funding body itself.
2. Cases of purchase and transfer of money abroad by an organization to serve other purposes:a) Award prize money to non-residents being overseas organizations and individuals participating in programs and contests held in Vietnam in accordance with relevant laws. The source of prize money is from non-residents being overseas organizations or individuals or residents being organizations;b) One-way money transfer abroad for the following purposes from sponsorship sources received by non-residents being overseas organizations and individuals:

(i) Allocate funding to overseas members to participate in scientific research projects in Vietnam and abroad;

(ii) Refund sponsorships for projects in Vietnam according to commitments and agreements with foreign parties.”

1.3. Decision No. 181/QD-NHNN on the announcement of periodical reports stipulated in Circular no. 20/2022/TT-NHNN date 30/12/2022 of the State bank of Vietnam

• Name of legal document: Decision No. 181/QD-NHNN issued on 10/02/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam on the announcement of periodical reports stipulated in Circular no. 20/2022/TT-NHNN date 30/12/2022 of the State bank of Vietnam (referred to as the “Decision No. 181/QD-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 15/02/2023.

The content should be noted: Stipulating on the report on the situation of buying, transferring and bringing foreign currency abroad by residents being organizations for the purpose of sponsoring or giving aid abroad.

Specifically, Section 1 List of Periodical reporting regimes within the scope of management functions of the State Bank of Vietnam specified in Circular No. 20/2022/TT-NHNN promulgated together with Decision No. 181/QD-NHNN regulates:

”

1.4. Decision No. 313/QD-NHNN pertaining to refinancing interest rate, rediscounting interest rate, and interest rate of overnight lending for interbanking electronic payments and loans compensating for shortage of funds used for the State Bank of Vietnam’s settlement transactions with credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Decision No. 313/QD-NHNN issued on 14/03/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam pertaining to refinancing interest rate, rediscounting interest rate, and interest rate of overnight lending for interbanking electronic payments and loans compensating for shortage of funds used for the State Bank of Vietnam’s settlement transactions with credit institutions and foreign bank branches (referred to as the “Decision No. 313/QD-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 15/03/2023.

The content should be noted: Stipulating on the State Bank of Vietnam’s interest rates.

Specifically, Article 1 of Circular No. 313/QD-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. Regulations on SBV’s interest rates, including:

1. Refinancing interest rate: 6.0%/year.
2. Rediscounting interest rate: 3.5%/year.
3. Interest rate of overnight lending for interbanking electronic payments and loans compensating for shortage of funds used for SBV’S settlement transactions with credit institutions and foreign bank branches: 6.0%/year.”

1.5. Decision No. 314/QD-NHNN pertaining to maximum short-term lending interest rates in Vietnam Dong of credit institutions and foreign bank branches applied to loan borrowers to meet capital demands for certain sectors and industries as per Circular No. 39/2016/tt-nhnn dated december 30, 2016

• Name of legal document: Decision No. 314/QD-NHNN issued on 14/03/2023 by the State Bank of Vietnam pertaining to maximum short-term lending interest rates in Vietnam Dong of credit institutions and foreign bank branches applied to loan borrowers to meet capital demands for certain sectors and industries as per Circular No. 39/2016/tt-nhnndated december 30, 2016 (referred to as the “Decision No. 314/QD-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 15/03/2023.

The content should be noted: Stipulating on the maximum interest rates applied to Vietnamese-dong short-term loans according to clause 2 of Article 13 in the Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN.

Specifically, Article 1 of Circular No. 314/QD-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. Maximum interest rates applied to Vietnamese-dong short-term loans according to clause 2 of Article 13 in the Circular No. 39/2016/TT-NHNN dated December 30, 2016 shall be as follows:

1. Credit institutions and foreign bank branches (except people’s credit funds and microfinance institutions) will apply the maximum interest rate of 5.0%/year to Vietnamese-dong short-term loans.
2. People’s credit funds and microfinance institutions will apply the maximum interest rate of 6.o%/year to Vietnamese-dong short-term loans.”

1.6. Circular No. 11/2022/TT-NHNN regulating on bank guarantee

• Name of legal document: Circular 11/2022/TT-NHNN issued on 30/09/2022 by the State Bank of Vietnam regulating on bank guarantee (referred to as the “Circular No. 11/2022/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 01/04/2023.

The content should be noted:

• Firstly, stipulating on cases of non-guarantee, guarantee restriction and implementation of credit limit

Specifically, Article 5 of Circular No. 11/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 5. Cases of non-guarantee, guarantee restriction and implementation of credit limit

When making guarantees, credit institutions and foreign bank branches must comply with the provisions of the Law on Credit Institutions and the guidance of the State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the State Bank) about the cases of not being granted credit, restrict credit granting, limiting credit granting.”

• Secondly, stipulating on requirements for customers.

Specifically, Article 11 of Circular No. 11/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 11. Requirements for customers

1. Credit institutions, foreign bank branches shall consider and decide to grant guarantees, reciprocal guarantees, and confirm guarantees for customers when customers satisfy the following requirements:a) Having full civil legal capacity and civil act capacity as prescribed by law;b) The guaranteed obligation is a lawful financial obligation;c) Being assessed by the credit institution, foreign bank’s branch with guarantee to be able to repay the amount that the credit institution or foreign bank branch has to pay on behalf of when performing the guarantee obligation.
2. Credit institutions, foreign bank branches are not allowed to guarantee for the bond payment obligations of the issuing enterprises for the purposes of: restructuring the debts of the issuing enterprises themselves; contribute capital, buy shares in other enterprises and increase the scale of operating capital.”

1.7. Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN providing guidelines on environmental risk management in credit extension by credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Circular 17/2022/TT-NHNN issued on 23/12/2022 by the State Bank of Vietnam providing guidelines on environmental risk management in credit extension by credit institutions and foreign bank branches (referred to as the “Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 01/06/2023.

The content should be noted: Internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit.

Specifically, Article 6 of Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 6. Internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit

1. Each credit institution shall formulate its own internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit which may be separated from or included in its internal regulations on credit extension and internal control, and must be conformable with regulations of law on credit extension and credit risk management.
2. Internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit of a credit institution shall, inter alia, have the following contents:a) Identification and classification of applications for credit extension which require environmental risk assessment in extending credit;b) Information to be collected to serve the environmental risk management in extending credit;c) Environmental risk assessment in extending credit that is carried out in conformity with the provisions of this Circular;d) Environmental risk management in extending credit during the consideration, appraisal, approval and management of credit amounts extended;dd) Internal reporting on environmental risk management in extending credit.”

1. LEGAL DOCUMENTS ARE EFFECTIVE FROM 01/12/2022

1.1. Decision No. 2081/QD-NHNN prescribing interest rates imposed by commercial banks in 2023 on outstanding debts of concessional housing loans granted under Circular No. 11/2013/TT-NHNN dated May 15, 2013, Circular No. 32/2014/TT-NHNN dated November 18, 2014 and Circular No. 25/2016/TT-NHNN dated July 29, 2016

• Name of legal document: Decision No. 2081/QD-NHNN issued on 12/12/2022 by the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing interest rates imposed by commercial banks in 2023 on outstanding debts of concessional housing loans granted under Circular No. 11/2013/TT-NHNNdated May 15, 2013, Circular No. 32/2014/TT-NHNN dated November 18, 2014 and Circular No. 25/2016/TT-NHNN dated July 29, 2016 (referred to as the “Decision No. 2081/QD-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 01/01/2023.

The content should be noted: Stipulating on the interest rate imposed by commercial banks in 2023 on outstanding debts of concessional housing loans.

Specifically, Article 1 of Circular No. 2081/QD-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. The interest rate imposed by commercial banks in 2023 on outstanding debts of concessional housing loans granted under the Circular No. 11/2013/TT-NHNN dated May 15, 2013, the Circular No. 32/2014/TT-NHNN dated November 18, 2014 and the Circular No. 25/2016/TT-NHNN dated July 29, 2016 is 5,0%/year.”

1.2. Circular No. 18/2022/TT-NHNN amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Circular No. 09/2015/TT-NHNN dated July 17, 2015 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing debt purchase and sale by credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Circular 18/2022/TT-NHNN issued on 26/12/2022 by the State Bank of Vietnam amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Circular No. 09/2015/TT-NHNN dated July 17, 2015 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing debt purchase and sale by credit institutions and foreign bank branches (referred to as the “Circular No. 18/2022/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 09/02/2023.

The content should be noted: Amending and supplementing regulations on principles of debt purchase and sale

Specifically, Clause 3 of Article 1 of Circular No. 18/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 1. amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Circular No. 09/2015/TT-NHNN dated July 17, 2015 of the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam prescribing debt purchase and sale by credit institutions and foreign bank branches

…

3. Amending Clauses 3, 4, 6, and 7 and suplementing Clauses 11, 12, Article 5 as follows:

“3. Credit institutions and foreign bank branches that are considered and approved by the State Bank for debt purchase activity must have a bad debt ratio of less than 3% according to the latest classification period according to the State Bank’s regulations on classification of assets, level of deduction, method of setting up risk provisions and use of provisions to deal with risks in the operation of credit institutions, foreign bank branches before the time of requesting for requesting for approval of debt purchase activity, except for credit institutions under special control. Credit institutions and foreign bank branches that sell debts are not required to obtain permission from the State Bank.

Credit institutions, foreign bank branches may purchase debt only when they are approved by the State Bank for debt purchase activities in the establishment and operation license of the credit institution, the establishment license of the bank branch (hereinafter referred to as the License) and has a bad debt ratio of less than 3% according to the latest classification period according to the State Bank’s regulations on classification of assets, level of deduction, method of setting up risk provisions and the use of provisions to deal with risks in the operation of credit institutions, foreign bank branches before the time of signing debt purchase contracts, except for the cases specified in Clause 12 of this Article.

4. Before performing debt purchase and sale as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article, credit institutions and foreign bank branches must issue internal regulations on debt purchase and sale activities (in which, clearly define the decentralization of authority according to the principle of division of responsibilities between the appraisal stage and the decision to purchase and sell debt; method of purchase and sell debt, method of payment; debt purchase and sale process; debt valuation process and methods; risk management process for debt purchase and sell activities).”

“6. Repurchase of sold debt of a credit institution:

a) The debt seller does not repurchase the sold debt, except in the following cases:

(i) The credit institution repurchases the sold debt to the specially controlled credit institution as prescribed at Point a, Clause 12 of this Article;

(ii) The credit institution shall assist in the redemption of debts sold to the specially controlled credit institution according to the approved plan for the rehabilitation of the specially controlled credit institution as prescribed in Clause 6 of this Article148dd of Law on Credit Institutions;

(iii) The credit institution receiving the compulsory transfer repurchases the debt that has been sold to the commercial bank subject to the compulsory transfer under the provisions of Point c, Clause 12 of this Article.

b) The credit institution shall repurchase the sold debt specified at Points a(ii), a(iii) of this Clause according to the contents of its commitment to repurchase the debt in the restructuring plan approved by the competent authority in the following cases:

(i) The repurchased debt is being used by a specially controlled credit institution as security for a special loan at the State Bank but is no longer classified as a qualified debt under the provisions of the State Bank and sell replacement with other qualified debt.

(ii) When the special loan is due, the specially controlled credit institution has not yet had enough money to repay the special loan to the State Bank according to the special loan repayment plan.

7. A credit institution is not allowed to sell debt to its own subsidiary, except in the following cases:

a) Selling debt to a debt management and asset exploitation company according to the restructuring plan approved by a competent authority;

b) The credit institution that is the compulsory transferee sells the qualified debt to the commercial bank subject to the compulsory transfer according to the approved compulsory transfer plan.”

“11. Credit institutions, foreign bank branches are not allowed to grant credit to customers to purchase debt owned by that credit institution or foreign bank branch.

12. Credit institutions are not required to have a bad debt ratio of less than 3% when purchasing debt in the following cases:

a) A specially controlled credit institution shall purchase qualified debt as prescribed in Clause 2, Article 146a of the Law on Credit Institutions;

b) The specially controlled credit institution shall purchase qualified debt from the supporting credit institution according to the approved plan for rehabilitation of the specially controlled credit institution as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article 148b of Law on Credit Institutions;

c) The transferred commercial bank purchases qualified debt from the credit institution receiving the compulsory transfer according to the compulsory transfer plan already approved by the competent authority;

d) Cases of debt purchase specified at Points a(ii), a(iii) Clause 6 of this Article.””

1.3. Circular No. 11/2022/TT-NHNN regulating on bank guarantee

• Name of legal document: Circular 11/2022/TT-NHNN issued on 30/09/2022 by the State Bank of Vietnam regulating on bank guarantee (referred to as the “Circular No. 11/2022/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 01/04/2023.

The content should be noted:

• Firstly, stipulating on cases of non-guarantee, guarantee restriction and implementation of credit limit

Specifically, Article 5 of Circular No. 11/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 5. Cases of non-guarantee, guarantee restriction and implementation of credit limit

When making guarantees, credit institutions and foreign bank branches must comply with the provisions of the Law on Credit Institutions and the guidance of the State Bank of Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the State Bank) about the cases of not being granted credit, restrict credit granting, limiting credit granting.”

• Secondly, stipulating on requirements for customers.

Specifically, Article 11 of Circular No. 11/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 11. Requirements for customers

1. Credit institutions, foreign bank branches shall consider and decide to grant guarantees, reciprocal guarantees, and confirm guarantees for customers when customers satisfy the following requirements:a) Having full civil legal capacity and civil act capacity as prescribed by law;b) The guaranteed obligation is a lawful financial obligation;c) Being assessed by the credit institution, foreign bank’s branch with guarantee to be able to repay the amount that the credit institution or foreign bank branch has to pay on behalf of when performing the guarantee obligation.
2. Credit institutions, foreign bank branches are not allowed to guarantee for the bond payment obligations of the issuing enterprises for the purposes of: restructuring the debts of the issuing enterprises themselves; contribute capital, buy shares in other enterprises and increase the scale of operating capital.”

1.4.  Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN providing guidelines on environmental risk management in credit extension by credit institutions and foreign bank branches

• Name of legal document: Circular 17/2022/TT-NHNN issued on 23/12/2022 by the State Bank of Vietnam providing guidelines on environmental risk management in credit extension by credit institutions and foreign bank branches (referred to as the “Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN”).
• Effective date: 01/06/2023.

The content should be noted: Internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit.

Specifically, Article 6 of Circular No. 17/2022/TT-NHNN stipulates: “Article 6. Internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit

1. Each credit institution shall formulate its own internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit which may be separated from or included in its internal regulations on credit extension and internal control, and must be conformable with regulations of law on credit extension and credit risk management.
2. Internal regulations on environmental risk management in extending credit of a credit institution shall, inter alia, have the following contents:a) Identification and classification of applications for credit extension which require environmental risk assessment in extending credit;b) Information to be collected to serve the environmental risk management in extending credit;c) Environmental risk assessment in extending credit that is carried out in conformity with the provisions of this Circular;d) Environmental risk management in extending credit during the consideration, appraisal, approval and management of credit amounts extended;dd) Internal reporting on environmental risk management in extending credit.”