Central bank aims for 15% credit growth in 2026
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) plans to steer credit growth across the banking system to around 15% in 2026, with room for adjustment in line with macroeconomic conditions, inflationary pressures and banking system safety, aiming to balance growth support with financial stability.
According to an SBV press release on credit management for 2026, monetary policy will continue to be implemented in a proactive, flexible, timely and effective manner to help stabilise the macroeconomy, keep inflation under control, support economic growth and advance the restructuring of banks under compulsory transfer.
The central bank noted that on December 31, it publicly announced the principles for allocating credit growth quotas for 2026 to credit institutions. Credit room allocation is based on banks’ 2024 scoring and ranking results, multiplied by a common coefficient, in a move designed to encourage stronger governance, safer operations and improved credit quality.
The SBV will continue to direct banks to prioritise lending to production and business activities, key sectors and priority areas, as well as major growth drivers of the economy, while maintaining tight control over credit flows into real estate and other potentially high-risk sectors to safeguard system safety.
Ensuring stable liquidity in the money market and maintaining the safe and sound operation of the banking system remain key priorities, contributing to overall macroeconomic stability, the SBV said.
Credit institutions have been instructed to promptly implement credit solutions in line with directives from the Government and its leaders. Credit expansion must be consistent with each bank’s risk management capacity, liquidity position and capital mobilisation ability, while ensuring funds are used for their intended purposes, credit quality is enhanced, and bad debts are contained.
Banks are expected to step up their credit appraisal processes, as well as enhance internal inspections and oversight, to spot and address any violations in lending practices.
The SBV reaffirmed that it will closely monitor market developments throughout 2026 and manage credit growth proactively and flexibly, ensuring adequate capital supply for the economy while maintaining banking system safety and keeping inflation in check.
Credit growth nears 18% in 2025: central bank
Credit growth in Vietnam reached nearly 18% in 2025, reflecting the State Bank of Vietnam’s (SBV) flexible and proactive monetary management aimed at supporting economic growth while keeping inflation under control.
