SHB: Connecting resources and partnering with the ecosystem to drive growth

Vietnam is facing a historic opportunity to break through and assert a new position on the international stage. Mr. Do Quang Vinh, Vice Chairman of the Board and Deputy General Director of Saigon - Hanoi Bank (SHB), shared insights on the bank’s ecosystem strategy and technology—two core thrusts helping SHB accompany leading enterprises toward double-digit growth. A transition to a high-quality development model Sir, Vietnam is entering a new phase of development. Could you elaborate on how this shift affects the strategy of the banking sector? Mr. Do Quang Vinh: After nearly 40 years of Đổi mới, Vietnam is at a hinge point. If the previous phase focused on openness and broad resource mobilization, the current requirement is to grow faster but more sustainably, to develop more strongly but with higher quality. We are moving from a model based on labor and capital to one based on technology, innovation, and the endogenous capabilities of enterprises. The distinctive point is that the country has established a comprehensive strategic framework with nine major Politburo resolutions. This is a unified architecture spanning technology, integration, private sector development, and culture. In this context, banks cannot continue with old inertia. We determine we must be a strong economic entity to realize major policies, lend capital where it matters most, and accompany new growth drivers. He often mentions the role of 'large economic entities'. Why does SHB choose to focus on leading corporations and ecosystems rather than dispersing resources? Mr. Do Quang Vinh: An operable strategy requires sufficiently strong actors to execute. A leading enterprise not only generates revenue for itself, but also attracts investment, technology, jobs, and thousands of satellite firms in the supply chain. SHB aligns with foundational sectors such as energy, mining, agro-industrial, and infrastructure. Currently, we reaffirm this by deepening cooperation with major partners like TKV, VRG, Tasco, Vinachem, BSR, and Vietnam Steel Corporation… However, the new element in the 'Future SHB' strategy is the shift from serving a central enterprise to accompanying the entire ecosystem. We support from member companies, suppliers, and distributors to workers and end customers. This helps SHB grow not only in breadth of customers but also in depth of the value chain, a model with greater durability and broader value diffusion than traditional retail banking. Vision: a national-scale bank of the new generation To operate such a complex, multi-tier ecosystem, what role does technology play? Mr. Do Quang Vinh: If an ecosystem is a growth space, technology is the infrastructure to realize that space. To achieve double-digit growth sustainably, SHB has defined a technology-finance strategy with five core principles, called '5 FIRST': 1. Data + AI First: We use data to analyze, forecast, and personalize products at every node of the ecosystem. 2. People First: People are the agents of digital transformation. Technology must serve customers and elevate the capabilities of the workforce. 3. Cloud First: Build flexible, scalable infrastructure to integrate smoothly with partner systems. 4. Security First: Data security and protection are prerequisites to building 'digital trust'. 5. Mobile First: Mobile devices are the primary touchpoint, enabling SHB to reach customers quickly and more frequently. Based on this platform, SHB’s products are designed to integrate multi-service offerings, providing seamless connections between business and individuals. This underpins our ability to serve large corporations while delivering digital solutions to mass retail. The goal of becoming a 'national-scale bank of the new generation'—and the implications for the country’s development—are clear. In a new era of growth, the role of banks must change. We position ourselves as strategic partners and a component of the national growth ecosystem. SHB’s strength is tied to the growth of enterprises and the prosperity of people. When we mobilize capital and bring modern financial solutions to core industries and ecosystems with broad reach, social resources are allocated more efficiently, helping businesses enhance competitiveness. By steadfastly pursuing the 'Ecosystem and Technology' trajectory, SHB commits to walking alongside the country to build a Vietnam that grows rapidly, sustainably, and self-reliantly. We believe that with thorough internal preparation and a strong position, SHB will achieve impressive growth milestones, worthy of the trust of strategic partners and the community. Thank you!