Vietnamese banks are setting ambitious profit targets for 2026, fueled by strong asset quality and a favorable economic outlook. The country’s four largest lenders – Vietcombank, VietinBank, BIDV and Agribank – are projecting significant growth, signaling confidence in the sector’s continued resilience. This positive outlook comes as Vietnam’s economy continues to recover and expand, creating increased demand for financial services. Understanding these Gewinnaussichten für den Bankensektor is crucial for investors and observers of Southeast Asia’s dynamic financial landscape.
The optimism isn’t limited to the largest players. Smaller commercial banks are also setting aggressive goals, indicating broad-based confidence within the Vietnamese banking system. Experts predict a sector-wide profit growth of 20% in 2026, driven by improving net interest margins and effective cost control. This growth is particularly welcome after a period of lower interest rates that favored borrowers, and as the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) navigates a path of controlled monetary policy.
Agribank is aiming for a pre-tax profit of 32.5 trillion VND (approximately $1.27 billion USD as of March 26, 2026), a roughly 10% increase compared to 2025. The bank plans to increase its credit volume by 12-15%, alongside a similar rise in mobilized capital, while maintaining a non-performing loan (NPL) ratio below 1.5%. Agribank also targets a balance sheet total exceeding $100 billion USD by the end of 2025, making its profit goal appear attainable.
Leading the Charge: BIDV’s Expansion Plans
The Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) is demonstrating particularly strong ambition. The bank intends to increase its outstanding loan volume by 15-16%, reduce its NPL ratio to a maximum of 1.5%, and boost pre-tax profit by 10% compared to 2025. By the end of 2025, BIDV anticipates becoming the leading institution in the financial system with a total asset value exceeding 3.27 trillion VND (approximately $127.4 billion USD).
BIDV has already reported a strong start to 2026, forecasting a pre-tax profit of around 3 trillion VND for the first quarter. As of January 31, 2026, the bank’s outstanding loan balance reached nearly 2.31 trillion VND, with an NPL ratio of 1.26% and a coverage ratio of 101%, according to a BIDV representative. Calculations suggest BIDV’s credit growth will reach 17.9% in 2026, with total operating income projected at 104.753 trillion VND, a 19% increase. Net profit is expected to rise by 21% to 40.916 trillion VND. The bank anticipates improved asset quality, with the NPL ratio falling to around 1.1% by the end of 2026, and a 30% increase in other income driven by the recovery of terrible debts.
Growth Across the Board: Vietcombank, VietinBank, and Beyond
Vietcombank is targeting a profit growth of 5-10%, forecasting a profit exceeding 50 trillion VND. VietinBank is projecting an even more impressive pre-tax profit of around 56.1 trillion VND, representing a 29% increase. Vietcombank’s leadership emphasizes a focus on innovating its growth model, restructuring operations, and leveraging the strengths of the entire Vietcombank ecosystem. The bank is also prioritizing the development of digital skills among its workforce and fostering innovation.
Beyond these major players, Vietnam Prosperity Commercial Joint Stock Bank (VPBank) aims for a pre-tax profit of 41.323 trillion VND, a 35% increase over 2025, with outstanding loans nearing 1.3 trillion VND (up 34%) and customer deposits and securities exceeding 1.03 trillion VND (a 40% increase). The Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB) anticipates credit and deposit growth of around 35%, exceeding the market average due to its participation in the mandatory bank transfer system.
MB expects profit growth of 15-20%, reaching approximately 39.5 trillion VND, with retail banking remaining a core business. The bank is also focusing on production and export, expanding its foreign direct investment customer segment, and exploring recent business areas like gold trading and secure platforms for digital asset markets.
Factors Driving the Optimism
Several factors are contributing to this positive outlook. The return of rising interest rates, after a prolonged period of low rates, is creating favorable conditions for banks, particularly larger institutions. Improved control over credit costs is also enabling banks to increase profits, with all lenders striving to maintain NPL ratios at very low levels (1-1.5%). This reduces the pressure to form risk provisions, directly contributing to profit growth. Increased demand for credit, both for production and consumption, is providing a significant boost.
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) is actively supporting this growth. Governor Nguyen Thi Hong has affirmed the SBV’s commitment to proactively and flexibly shaping monetary policy, coordinating closely with fiscal policy to stabilize the macroeconomy, control inflation, and stabilize the foreign exchange market. The targeted credit growth rate is around 15%, but will be adjusted based on actual developments and the capital needs of the economy. Credit allocation prioritizes production, business sectors, and sustainable economic growth, while carefully controlling lending to potentially risky sectors.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute financial advice.
Looking ahead, the Vietnamese banking sector is poised for continued growth, contingent on maintaining asset quality and navigating the evolving macroeconomic landscape. The next key indicator to watch will be the official financial reports released by the banks at the end of the second quarter of 2026, providing a more detailed assessment of their performance. We encourage readers to share their perspectives and insights on the Vietnamese banking sector in the comments below.
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