VPBank, SMBC, BII, EFA, FINDEV CANADA and JICA announced...

VPBank , Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Development Finance Institutions (DFI), a bilateral organization including British International Investment (BII), Export Finance Australia (EFA), Development Finance Institute Canada (FinDev Canada) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have just signed a syndicated loan worth 350 million USD.

On July 29, 2025, Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank), Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Development Finance Institutions (DFI), bilateral organizations including British International Investment (BII), Export Finance Australia (EFA), Development Finance Institute Canada (FinDev Canada) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced the successful signing of a syndicated loan worth USD 350 million. SMBC acts as the authorized coordinator and co-lead arranger for this financing.

The signing ceremony was held at VPBank's headquarters in Hanoi, with the presence of the Ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, the Counselor of the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam, along with senior diplomats from the embassies and senior representatives from financial institutions. On VPBank's side, the ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the General Director, and other senior leaders of the bank.

VPBank, SMBC BII EFA FINDEV CANADA and JICA announce a syndicated loan of 350 million USD to promote sustainable development in Vietnam — Representatives of Embassies, Leaders of VPBank, SMBC and financial institutions, bilateral organizations at the signing ceremony of a syndicated loan worth 350 million USD

The USD 350 million (equivalent to approximately VND 9,100 billion) loan, with a term of 5 years, is an important source of capital to support VPBank's sustainable finance strategy, focusing on 3 main pillars: social finance, green finance and financing for essential infrastructure development. This funding commitment also contributes to supporting Vietnam's national goals of promoting inclusive economic development, green growth and expanding the critical infrastructure system.

"The successful capital mobilization from leading development finance institutions and bilateral organizations once again affirms VPBank's strong financial potential, long-term strategic vision and international reputation in the field of sustainable finance. This loan will help the bank expand its green and social lending portfolio, while demonstrating its strong commitment to inclusive growth. The funding will also support Vietnamese businesses, especially women-owned businesses, in their global expansion, and contribute to improving the quality of life through essential infrastructure development," said Mr. Nguyen Duc Vinh, CEO of VPBank.

The funds will be allocated to green projects that contribute to Vietnam's commitment to achieving "net zero emissions" by 2050; support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially those owned or led by women, in line with the global 2X Challenge initiative to promote gender equality; and finance critical infrastructure projects in underserved areas, thereby improving access to basic services such as health, education, sanitation, clean water and affordable housing.

This is a landmark cooperation agreement, with the participation of four bilateral agencies, and is one of the largest syndicated loans to a joint stock commercial bank in Vietnam. This is the first direct bilateral loan by BII and EFA to the financial sector in Southeast Asia.

The agreement helps VPBank access stable and long-term capital sources, opening up opportunities for deeper cooperation. At the same time, VPBank can facilitate the connection of Vietnamese enterprises with international organizations through the network of bilateral agencies from the UK, Australia, Canada and Japan.

“SMBC is proud to partner with VPBank, BII, EFA, FinDev Canada and JICA on this historic agreement. This loan demonstrates the importance of partnerships in creating positive impact in local communities and emerging markets,” said Carsten Stoehr, Member of the Executive Board and Deputy Head of Asia Pacific, SMBC. “Social value is at the heart of SMBC’s mission, and this transaction supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating our commitment to that.”

“Vietnam is a priority market for BII’s strategy to drive climate finance in Southeast Asia, where the majority of energy sources are still fossil fuel-based. We are pleased to partner with VPBank, SMBC and other lenders on our first direct lending agreement in Vietnam. BII’s support will focus on driving climate-responsible business and supporting the green energy transition in Vietnam, which is key to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and long-term sustainable growth,” said Srini Nagarajan, Managing Director and Head of Asia, British International Investment.

“This funding marks an important step forward in our commitment to Vietnam and our banking partners in the Southeast Asian region,” said John Hopkins, CEO and Managing Director of Export Finance Australia. “By working with VPBank and other international financial institutions, we are helping to support the delivery of essential green infrastructure projects across the region.”

“This investment to support Vietnam’s climate sector is fully aligned with our Indo-Pacific investment strategy. We are proud to partner with VPBank to expand capital for businesses, especially women-led businesses, through this syndicated loan. By working with passionate partners, we aim to accelerate climate action, inclusive and sustainable growth, and create lasting positive impact in Vietnam,” said Paulo Martelli, Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, FinDev Canada.

“We are honored to enter into an agreement with VPBank and its co-financing partners to promote the expansion of sustainable finance in Vietnam. This is our second collaboration with VPBank under the SMBC–JICA Sustainable Finance Initiative, which aims to enhance access to finance for women-owned micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (WMSMEs). We hope that this project will continue to promote financial inclusion for WMSMEs and contribute to the country’s sustainable development,” said Mr. Shigeo Honzu, Senior Deputy General Director, Private Sector Partnership and Finance Department, JICA.

With the support of prestigious global financial institutions, VPBank continues to affirm its pioneering role in coordinating capital flows into projects that bring positive environmental and social impacts, in line with the "Sustainable Prosperity" strategy guided by ESG principles. This is the next step in the journey to realize Vietnam's sustainable development commitments and "Net-Zero" goals by 2050.

This loan also marks a new milestone in VPBank’s long-term journey towards becoming a leading bank in sustainable finance in Vietnam. Previously, in the first half of 2025, VPBank published its first independent Sustainability Report in accordance with international standards and successfully raised a green syndicated loan worth USD 1 billion – the largest deal ever made by a private organization in Vietnam.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/vpbank-cung-smbc-bii-efa-findev-canada-va-jica-cong-bo-khoan-vay-hop-von-tri-gia-350-trieu-usd-nham-thuc-day-phat-trien-ben-vung-tai-viet-nam-384266.html