•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Nam A Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have officially signed the Supply Chain Finance (SCF) Technical Assistance Project, a milestone in Nam A Bank’s strategy to expand its corporate client base, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The agreement supports efforts to build capacity to develop supply chain finance products and advances the implementation of the strategic memorandum of understanding signed between Nam A Bank and IFC in February 2026.
The project is designed to help Nam A Bank shift from traditional asset-based lending toward a cash-flow based financing model. It focuses on receivables, payables, and the credibility of leading firms within supply chains. The cooperation is also intended to support broader changes in how customers are served and how risk is managed.
The SCF technical cooperation agreement between Nam A Bank and IFC is co-financed by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). Ms. Christina Ongoma, Regional Director, Financial Institutions Group – Market Development and Advisory, East Asia & Pacific, IFC, spoke at the program.
IFC will advise Nam A Bank on implementing an internationally standardized SCF model, including the design and development of a professional roadmap for the supply chain financing segment. The roadmap is structured around five core pillars:
Implementing an internationally standardized SCF model is positioned as a financial solution that addresses capital bottlenecks for firms in the value chain.
For anchor enterprises: SCF is expected to help optimize working capital, support timely funding, and improve continuity and stability across the supply chain—factors intended to strengthen competitiveness.
For suppliers and distributors (SMEs): The model is described as a practical financing lever that can help SMEs access funding at costs significantly lower than traditional lending, supported by the creditworthiness of the anchor firm. The content also notes that supply chain financing often does not require tight collateral, which may help SMEs address liquidity needs to focus on production and business.
With e-SCF digitization supported by IFC’s advisory, clients are expected to be able to submit, receive disbursements, and manage cash flow fully online. The project is intended to shorten waiting times, increase information transparency, and reduce administrative procedures.
As a member of the World Bank Group, IFC is described as the world’s largest global development institution focused on supporting the private sector in emerging markets, operating in more than 100 countries. In Vietnam, IFC is stated to play a key role in promoting sustainable development of the financial system and helping enterprises access international standards.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…