Major Vietnam private lender Techcombank intends to set up life insurance unit

By Hai Yen
Wed, January 22, 2025 | 11:50 pm GMT+7

Techcombank, one of Vietnam’s major private lenders, is seeking shareholders’ approval to contribute capital for establishing a life insurance subsidiary regardless of a slowdown in the bancassurance sector.

The move came after Techcombank (HoSE: TCB) terminated a 15-year bancassurance partnership with Canada’s Manulife Vietnam in October 2024.

Life insurance sales in Vietnam have declined since the industry crisis in 2023. Bancassurance, once a key revenue stream for Techcombank, fell to VND606 billion ($24.15 million) in 2024, down from VND1.75 trillion ($69.75 million) in 2022.

A customer conducts transactions at a branch of Techcombank. Photo courtesy of the lender.

A customer conducts transactions at a branch of Techcombank. Photo courtesy of the lender.

Following its separation from Manulife, Techcombank stated that it sees an opportunity to revitalize its insurance business with a differentiated strategy.

Additionally, Techcombank announced plans to seek shareholder approval to increase its stake in Techcom Nonlife Insurance JSC (TCGIns) beyond 11%, making it a subsidiary.

The Vietnamese life insurance sector's premium revenue declined 5.5% year-on-year to VND132.2 trillion ($5.2 billion) in the first 11 months of 2024, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The local life insurance sector has experienced significant shifts over the past two years. The revised Insurance Business Law, effective from January 2023, and the finance ministry’s Circular 67, dated November 2, 2023, stipulates stricter regulations aimed at protecting policyholders' rights.

Key changes include a ban on banks selling investment-linked insurance products within 60 days before or after a loan is disbursed and a requirement for insurance advisors to record consultations via audio or video.

The State Bank of Vietnam is also in the process of drafting Decree 88, which would impose administrative fines of VND400-500 million ($19,678) on banks found to link non-mandatory insurance products with their banking services.

Currently, there are 85 insurance companies operating in Vietnam, including 19 life insurers, with two domestic firms (Bao Viet and Bao Minh) and the remainder being foreign or joint-venture entities.

Comments (0)
  • Read More
USD/VND exchange rate remains under upward pressure amid inflation risks

USD/VND exchange rate remains under upward pressure amid inflation risks

The Vietnamese dong is facing persistent pressure against the U.S. dollar, as rising import-driven inflation risks complicate policymakers’ task of balancing price stability, exchange rate management and economic growth.

Banking - Tue, April 7, 2026 | 1:46 pm GMT+7

Heavyweight investors to shape southern Danang’s industrial future

Heavyweight investors to shape southern Danang’s industrial future

A wave of major corporations, including Thaco, Geleximco, and Bin Corporation, is accelerating investment in industrial zones in the southern part of Vietnam's central hub Danang city, helping to shape a green, modern, and high value-added industrial ecosystem.

Industries - Tue, April 7, 2026 | 11:42 am GMT+7

Vietnam's Party chief To Lam elected State President

Vietnam's Party chief To Lam elected State President

To Lam, Vietnam's Party General Secretary - the highest position in the country, has been elected as State President for the 2026-2031 term.

Politics - Tue, April 7, 2026 | 10:05 am GMT+7

After Petrovietnam divestment, Petrosetco reveals major ambitions, prepares to welcome strategic investors

After Petrovietnam divestment, Petrosetco reveals major ambitions, prepares to welcome strategic investors

Following the divestment by state-owned giant Petrovietnam, Petrosetco is preparing for its biggest moves in years: increasing charter capital to over VND2.6 trillion ($98.71 million), investing in real estate, and entering water infrastructure projects.

Companies - Tue, April 7, 2026 | 8:55 am GMT+7

Real estate major FLC kicks off $760 mln project in central Vietnam

Real estate major FLC kicks off $760 mln project in central Vietnam

Vietnam’s major real estate developer FLC Group on Saturday broke ground on a nearly VND20 trillion ($760 million) golf, entertainment, resort and urban area complex in Gia Lai province.

Real Estate - Mon, April 6, 2026 | 10:57 pm GMT+7

Gold trading major Bao Tin Minh Chau's founder subject to legal proceedings for alleged accounting violations

Gold trading major Bao Tin Minh Chau's founder subject to legal proceedings for alleged accounting violations

Legal proceedings have been launched against Vu Minh Chau, founder and majority owner of Hanoi-based gold trading firm Bao Tin Minh Chau, for alleged violations of accounting regulations during business operations, police said on Monday.

Society - Mon, April 6, 2026 | 5:57 pm GMT+7

Southern Vietnam-based Hyosung Vina Chemicals losses persist despite capital injection

Southern Vietnam-based Hyosung Vina Chemicals losses persist despite capital injection

Hyosung Vina Chemicals, the Vietnam arm of South Korean chaebol Hyosung, reported another year of heavy losses in 2025, underscoring persistent financial strain despite a significant capital injection from its parent group.

Companies - Mon, April 6, 2026 | 5:08 pm GMT+7

Petrolimex expects record revenue, profit drop in 2026 amid energy transition pressures

Petrolimex expects record revenue, profit drop in 2026 amid energy transition pressures

Petrolimex, Vietnam’s largest gasoline retailer, is targeting record revenue in 2026 even as profitability comes under pressure, highlighting the mounting challenges traditional fuel distributors face amid the energy transition and tightening policy environment.

Companies - Mon, April 6, 2026 | 4:24 pm GMT+7

Vietnam’s auto assembler TMT targets 3-fold profit surge, bets on electric pivot

Vietnam’s auto assembler TMT targets 3-fold profit surge, bets on electric pivot

Vietnamese auto assembler and distributor TMT Motors (HoSE: TMT) targets a sharp jump in profitability in 2026 as the company accelerates a strategic pivot toward electric vehicles.

Companies - Mon, April 6, 2026 | 4:10 pm GMT+7

MB targets 30-35% annual credit and deposit expansions, 15% profit growth for 2026

MB targets 30-35% annual credit and deposit expansions, 15% profit growth for 2026

Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank (MB) aims to grow its loan book and capital mobilization by 30-35% annually over 2026-2028 as Vietnam’s economy is expected to sustain strong momentum, said chairman Luu Trung Thai.

Banking - Mon, April 6, 2026 | 1:59 pm GMT+7

Tran Thanh Man re-elected as Vietnam National Assembly Chairman

Tran Thanh Man re-elected as Vietnam National Assembly Chairman

Tran Thanh Man has been re-elected as Chairman of the National Assembly, Vietnam's legislative body, for the 16th tenure after securing unanimous approval from lawmakers.

Politics - Mon, April 6, 2026 | 1:47 pm GMT+7

New Vietnamese legislature’s first session to elect key leaders

New Vietnamese legislature’s first session to elect key leaders

The first session of the 16th National Assembly, Vietnam's legislature, opened in Hanoi on Monday morning, focusing on electing new key leaders to steer the country in the next five years.

Politics - Mon, April 6, 2026 | 9:34 am GMT+7

Vietnam’s FDI disbursement hits 5-year high in Q1

Vietnam’s FDI disbursement hits 5-year high in Q1

Vietnam received $5.41 billion in implemented FDI capital for Q1/2026, up 9.1% year-on-year and marking the highest level for the quarter in five years.

Economy - Mon, April 6, 2026 | 8:38 am GMT+7

Vietnamese stocks entering new growth cycle: broker

Vietnamese stocks entering new growth cycle: broker

Vietnam’s stock market is poised to enter a new growth cycle where short-term fluctuations may only serve as a stepping stone to a more positive long-term trend, according to leading domestic brokerage SSI Securities.

Finance - Sun, April 5, 2026 | 7:55 pm GMT+7

Vietnam's agri major BAF targets sixfold profit jump, bets on high-rise pig farming complexes

Vietnam's agri major BAF targets sixfold profit jump, bets on high-rise pig farming complexes

BAF Vietnam Agriculture JSC (HoSE: BAF) is targeting a more than sixfold increase in net profit this year as the top Vietnamese agribusiness accelerates investment in large-scale, high-tech livestock operations, positioning itself for a strong rebound after a challenging 2025.

Companies - Sun, April 5, 2026 | 11:54 am GMT+7

Mixue’s global boom masks growing pains in Vietnam

Mixue’s global boom masks growing pains in Vietnam

China’s Mixue is posting strong global growth, but the world’s largest beverage chain by store count is encountering mounting challenges in Vietnam, where rapid expansion and shifting consumer preferences are eroding its once-formidable price advantage.

Companies - Sun, April 5, 2026 | 9:00 am GMT+7