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Vietnam’s asset-owning class is changing in both scale and mindset, becoming more proactive and expecting a financial ecosystem that can keep pace with shifting needs. Ms. Tường Nguyễn, Deputy CEO of Vietnam International Bank (VIB), discussed the philosophy and strategy behind VIB Privilege Banking, an elite banking proposition formalized in April 2026 with a launch experience described as “aurora-like.” She said the program is designed for clients who stay flexible and react quickly to market changes so opportunities are not missed.
VIB Privilege Banking is structured into two tiers: Priority and Premier. Ms. Nguyễn said the boundary between the tiers reflects different client profiles rather than a single asset threshold.
In VIB’s view, the tier boundary is meant to reflect where clients are in their financial journey, not just where they stand at one point in time.
VIB chose “Aurora”—in reference to the aurora borealis—as the symbol for Privilege Banking. The program’s design is framed around three expectations: a financial ecosystem that can flex with clients and markets (Dynamic), personalization that reflects each client’s financial journey (Unique), and exclusive privileges that acknowledge and accompany clients over time (Exclusive).
Ms. Nguyễn described Aurora as movement rather than stillness, changing as clients’ circumstances evolve—through career building, business expansion, or shifts toward family, safety, or long-term goals. She said Privilege Banking is intended to move in step with clients and prepare in advance.
Dynamic underpins a three-layer system designed to connect liquidity, accumulation, and investment while preserving flexibility.
VIB said idle cash can still earn returns each day through the Siêu Lợi Suất account while remaining fully liquid for deposits and withdrawals without eroding accumulated gains.
The program is positioned as offering five and ten times higher returns than ordinary VIB customers.
The second layer focuses on mid- to long-term accumulation. VIB said iDepo and Hi-Depo are designed to help clients grow cash toward weekly, monthly, or yearly targets without forcing clients into rigid traditional maturities. Plans can be reassigned without losing accumulated value.
The third layer provides investment access through a global partner ecosystem within VIB’s platform. VIB said clients can access a range of investment channels, including financial instruments and wealth-protection solutions, without dispersing assets across multiple providers.
VIB said that when the three layers operate together, clients do not have to choose between safety with no returns and high-risk investments with liquidity constraints. The aim is to keep cash flow, assets, and opportunities connected—particularly in areas such as real estate and investment, where opportunities can appear quickly.
For financing needs, VIB Privilege Banking offers loans up to VND 500 billion with flexible principal grace periods and no prepayment penalties. It also said loans under VND 20 billion have a 4-hour approval window.
Ms. Nguyễn said Dynamic extends beyond investment and financing into payments, financial transactions, travel, and lifestyle experiences. VIB Priority Signature and VIB Premier Signature cards are described as being designed around spend categories such as travel, dining, and shopping, with benefits including:
VIB said Unique means clients are served according to their own journey rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. On MyVIB, Ownrora is described as a personalized space for Privilege clients, offering asset allocation suggestions aligned with short-, medium-, and long-term cash flows and investment style, spending guides for key categories, and a financial dashboard to support clearer decisions. A dedicated Priority Relationship Director is also described as accompanying clients more closely.
Exclusive is described as acknowledging clients’ trust and reflecting an understanding of major financial decisions. VIB said the mission is to redefine private banking through tailored support rather than special treatment.
To mark onboarding, VIB said Privilege clients receive a handcrafted silk scarf made from 100% silk, produced using a traditional “thủy ấn” technique with Swarovski crystals. The scarf is designed by artist Dang To Anh and is described as featuring aurora-inspired color shifts.
VIB also said the aurora experience program runs through July 31, 2026, offering nine trips for two to observe the northern lights in Northern Europe, each valued at VND 400 million. VIB noted that participation requires readiness and timing, as aurora cannot be scheduled on demand.
Ms. Nguyễn emphasized that Privilege Banking is built for a long-term journey. She said a Priority client today may become Premier in a few years as assets grow and needs become more complex. She added that VIB aims to accompany clients as their requirements evolve, including flexible real estate finance, smarter digital banking experiences, and increasingly personalized lifestyle privileges.
Looking ahead, Ms. Nguyễn said VIB Privilege Banking is expected to redefine market standards by focusing on empowering clients with tools to take control of their financial direction. She said the program’s flexible, liquidity-preserving solutions across yields, spending, and capital are intended to enable clients to act proactively when opportunities arise.
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