SHB raises 3.3 trillion dong from major funds, reinforcing its top-5 position among Vietnam's private joint-stock banks

SHB (Saigon-Hanoi Bank) announced the results of its private placement of shares at a price of 16,850 dong per share. The offering netted nearly 3.3 trillion dong, adding about 1.3 trillion dong in capital surplus – a significant step in its capital-raising plan, strengthening its financial foundation and competitiveness in the new development phase. Notably, this is SHB’s first private placement to professional securities investors, with participation from many reputable domestic and international funds. The offering’s 100% success, with notable participation from large foreign funds, demonstrates strong SHB appeal on the capital market and investor confidence in the bank’s long‑term growth prospects. The private placement occurred just after the 2026 AGM, where shareholder attendance was at a record, reflecting market interest and confidence in SHB. The completion by funds serves as a concrete, long‑term commitment beyond the narrative of the AGM. Capital inflows converge: a ‘vote of confidence’ from international institutions. Prior to this, SHB had signed a contract to place shares with a host of reputable financial institutions, including Dragon Capital, Korea Investment Management (KIM), VinaCapital, Hanwha Life Vietnam, PVI Asset Management, and FPT Capital, among other professional funds. The funds’ completion of payment marks not just a deal, but a validation of SHB’s ability to attract high‑quality institutional capital for a large private placement. This private placement is one component of SHB’s plan to raise its charter capital, which also includes private placements to professional investors, a rights issue to existing shareholders, and employee stock options. SHB plans to issue a total of 750 million new shares, aiming to lift charter capital to VND 53,442 billion. After completion, the bank expects to add more than VND 10,000 billion of capital, including surplus. This is not only about scale but about upgrading capital quality – a core factor in competitive advantage. A stronger capital base will help SHB improve the capital adequacy ratio (CAR), meet Basel standards and international requirements, expand lending, increase resilience to market volatility, and enhance its ability to mobilize international capital and cooperate with major financial institutions. In 2025, SHB successfully mobilized USD 600 million of international capital under ESG criteria and is advancing plans to reach up to USD 1 billion. This underscores that the capital raise supports growth while broadening access to international funding sources, and strengthens SHB’s appeal to foreign and domestic investors as the market seeks leading, transparent, high‑liquidity entities with sustainable growth. From scale to stature: Positioning a new‑generation bank. The sequence from record AGM attendance to the success of the private placement demonstrates SHB’s clear shift—from ‘scale’ to ‘stature.’ After 33 years of growth tied to the economy, SHB is not only among Vietnam’s top five private banks but is becoming a representative among Vietnamese private banks in an increasingly integrated era—where capital, technology, governance, and an ecosystem operate to higher standards. Alongside the capital‑raising narrative, SHB continues to pursue growth on a solid platform. In 2025, the bank posted pre‑tax profit of VND 15,028 billion, up 30% year‑over‑year and achieving 104% of the AGM’s plan. The dividend policy remains a highlight, with an expected payout of 16% (6% cash and 10% stock), reflecting a commitment to balancing shareholder interests with a long‑term development strategy. SHB’s stock remains attractive in the VN30 index with strong market liquidity and potential upside from market upgrades. SHB is also expected to be included in the FTSE Global All Cap index, unlocking passive inflows from large international ETFs and index funds. This is a key factor in boosting SHB’s appeal to foreign and domestic investors as foreign capital seeks leading, transparent, high‑liquidity companies with sustainable growth. Another notable point is that foreign room remains substantial. This is a major advantage as foreign investors increasingly focus on Vietnamese private banks, yet not all banks have room to attract foreign capital. With a stronger capital base, high liquidity, VN30 positioning, and potential inclusion in international indices, SHB has favorable conditions to continue attracting international funds. Beyond the capital raise, this event sets the stage for further engagement with international investors. The participation and payment completion by major funds provide not only additional capital but also elevate SHB’s visibility on the international investment map, an essential step toward strengthening capital capacity, aligning governance standards, expanding international cooperation, and elevating SHB’s status in the region. Strategic shift for the new era. SHB aims by 2030 to become the leading bank in terms of efficiency, the most loved digital bank, the best retail bank, and a leading provider of capital and financial products and services for strategic corporate customers with an ecosystem, supply chain, SME clients, individuals, and a sustainable green development orientation. The 2035 vision is to become a modern, digital, green bank at the forefront of the region. From shareholder records to international capital, from capital increases to upgrades in market status, from ample foreign room to attracting foreign strategic investors, SHB is shaping an image of a ‘nationally significant bank of a new generation’—not only large in scale but strong in internal capability, aligned with international governance standards, and ready to go global. Minh Tài