New regulations on special loans

(Chinhphu.vn) - The Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam has issued Circular No. 02/2026/TT-NHNN amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 35/2025/TT-NHNN regulating special lending to credit institutions.

Báo Chính Phủ•07/04/2026

New regulations on special loans - Image 1.

New regulations on special loans

Circular No. 02/2026/TT-NHNN focuses on amending and supplementing many important contents related to the special lending mechanism, especially adding the role of the deposit insurance organization in this activity.

Specifically, the scope of regulation has been expanded to include not only special loans from the State Bank of Vietnam to credit institutions, but also "special loans from the State Bank of Vietnam…, deposit insurance organizations, and other credit institutions to credit institutions; special loans from the State Bank of Vietnam to deposit insurance organizations".

The scope of application has also been expanded to include the deposit insurance organization and other organizations and individuals involved in special lending activities. This regulation signifies the inclusion of the deposit insurance organization as an official entity in the special lending mechanism, alongside the State Bank of Vietnam and other credit institutions.

One notable aspect is the clear establishment of the dual role of the deposit insurance organization in special lending relationships. The circular stipulates that "the special lender is the State Bank of Vietnam, the deposit insurance organization, other credit institutions…". At the same time, this organization can also be the borrower when "the deposit insurance organization takes out a special loan from the State Bank of Vietnam". Thus, the special lending mechanism is designed to be more flexible, involving multiple entities to support the resolution of liquidity difficulties in the system.

The Circular has amended and supplemented provisions regarding eligible borrowers, special lending cases, lending principles, and responsibilities of relevant parties. Notably, the Circular adds regulations on the State Bank of Vietnam providing special loans to deposit insurance organizations in certain cases as stipulated in the Law on Deposit Insurance.

Special loans with 0% annual interest rate and no collateral required for deposit insurance organizations.

Specifically, the Circular stipulates "special loans at 0% interest per year, without collateral, for deposit insurance organizations" in cases prescribed by law. This is a noteworthy support mechanism, allowing deposit insurance organizations to have additional resources to perform their insurance payout function when necessary.

Conversely, the deposit insurance organization is also allowed to use its resources to support the system by providing "special loans to credit institutions from its operational reserve fund." This regulation contributes to expanding the tools available for dealing with struggling credit institutions.

The circular also clearly stipulates the purpose of using the special loan of the deposit insurance organization. Accordingly, "the deposit insurance organization may only use the special loan to pay insurance claims." At the same time, the loan amount is determined based on actual needs and must not exceed the shortfall of the operational reserve fund.

Regarding interest rates, the preferential policy continues to be maintained, with "interest rate on principal for special loans… being 0%/year; no interest rate applied to overdue interest payments." This demonstrates the special supportive nature of this tool, aimed at addressing urgent situations without increasing financial costs.

The circular also establishes a strict process for borrowing, disbursing, and repaying loans. Deposit insurance organizations needing loans must submit complete documentation to the State Bank of Vietnam, clearly stating the amount, purpose, term, and commitment to using the funds in accordance with regulations. Within a maximum of 20 working days from the date of receiving complete documentation, the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam will review and decide on the loan.

Regarding debt repayment obligations, the Circular clearly stipulates that "when the special loan matures, the deposit insurance organization must repay the entire debt to the State Bank of Vietnam." In case of failure to fulfill obligations or misuse of funds, the State Bank of Vietnam may apply remedial measures, including deducting money from the deposit insurance organization's account to recover the debt.

In addition, the Circular also supplements regulations on the responsibilities of relevant parties. The deposit insurance organization is responsible for providing complete and accurate information, using capital for the intended purpose, and complying with legal regulations. Units under the State Bank of Vietnam are assigned the task of coordinating, supervising, and handling violations during implementation.

Circular No. 02/2026/TT-NHNN takes effect from May 1, 2026. The issuance of this Circular aims to concretize the provisions of the 2025 Law on Deposit Insurance, while also perfecting the legal framework for special lending, contributing to strengthening the ability to support and ensure the safety of the credit institution system.

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/quy-dinh-moi-ve-cho-vay-dac-biet-102260407170237572.htm