Standard Chartered arranges US$721ml loan to support Vietnam MSMEs

The facility, arranged in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and a syndicate of international lenders, is the largest syndicated social loan secured by HDBank to date and represents another milestone in Vietnam's sustainable finance market.

Standard Chartered acted as Coordinator, Social Loan Coordinator, Joint Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner, and Facility Agent for the transaction. A signing ceremony held in Ho Chi Minh City brought together representatives of HDBank, Standard Chartered, ADB and participating international financial institutions to mark the completion of the deal.

The loan was structured in line with the Social Loan Principles and HDBank's Sustainable Finance Framework. Originally launched with a target size of US$450 million, the facility ultimately raised US$721 million after attracting strong interest from international investors, with participation from 29 commercial banks.

The successful syndication reflects growing confidence among international lenders in HDBank as well as Vietnam's economic outlook. As Social Loan Coordinator, Standard Chartered worked with HDBank to establish a framework for allocating and monitoring the proceeds in accordance with the Social Loan Principles.

Nguyen Thuy Hanh, CEO and head of Banking & Coverage at Standard Chartered Bank Vietnam, noted the transaction builds on the success of HDBank's inaugural international syndicated loan completed in 2025 and demonstrates the long-standing partnership between the two institutions.

She said Standard Chartered's international network, syndication expertise and sustainable finance capabilities helped bring together a broad group of global lenders to support financing for MSMEs and women-owned and women-led businesses while contributing to Vietnam's long-term economic development.

Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, strategic investor and vice chairwoman of the Board of Directors of HDBank, described the transaction as HDBank's first loan dedicated exclusively to social initiatives, including programmes supporting women.

“The success of this transaction recognises HDBank's long-standing commitment to supporting communities through initiatives that assist individuals and businesses, promote healthcare, education, culture and sports, and support women and children” Thao stressed.

The transaction follows a US$140 million syndicated loan arranged for HDBank in 2025, in which Standard Chartered acted as Sole Coordinator and Joint Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner.

Standard Chartered said it would continue supporting HDBank's growth strategy by leveraging its international network, investor base and product expertise to facilitate financing solutions, capital market activities and sustainable development initiatives in Vietnam.

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