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.

It targets pre-tax profit growth of about 15% for 2026 compared to 2025's actual figure of VND34,268 billion ($1.3 billion), which was a 18.9% increase against 2024.

In the bank’s newly-released 2025 annual report, Thai noted that 2026 would present significant growth opportunities for the banking sector, supported by robust economic expansion.

"A GDP growth target of above 10% and per capita income exceeding $5,000 would accelerate the accumulation of financial assets, creating room for banking activities to expand," he wrote.

Against that backdrop, MB plans to strengthen its internal capabilities to capture a new growth cycle in 2026-2028.

The military-run bank has set its 2026 operating motto as “Accelerated – Solid – Efficient,” focusing on technology-driven growth and innovation, prudent governance, and efficiency measured by productivity, service quality and customer value.

MB aims to add about 5 million new customers in the year, bringing its total customer base to 40 million, while deepening engagement through digital platforms and services.

The lender seeks to maintain return on equity (ROE) above 20% in 2026, keep its non-performing loan (NPL) ratio below 1% in the year and under 1.5% for the 2026-2028 period, in line with central bank limits.

“Our strategy is to pursue fast but sustainable growth, expanding scale on the foundation of strict risk management and real-time data,” Thai said, adding that the bank would focus on improving capital efficiency, enhancing customer lifetime value and maintaining its leadership in digital transformation.

MB also plans to keep key indicators, including net interest margin (NIM), cost of funds (COF), return on assets (ROA,) and cost-to-income ratio (CIR), among the top tier of the banking sector.

For 2026, the bank will focus on three pillars: becoming Vietnam’s leading digital enterprise, building a low-cost and sustainable funding base, and ensuring efficiency and safety.

MB is also reviewing its 2022-2026 strategy and preparing a new development plan for the next phase.

Internally, the bank will enhance coordination between the parent bank and subsidiaries to better leverage its ecosystem and increase contributions to group revenue and profit. Subsidiaries will be guided to improve operational efficiency and aim for leading positions in their respective segments.

MB has been building a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem comprising eight member companies operating in various fields: banking (MBCambodia, MBV), securities (MBS), investment fund management (MBCapital), insurance (MIC), life insurance (MB Life), debt management and asset recovery (MBAMC), and consumer finance (Mcredit).

The creditor will continue strengthening governance in line with high standards, tightly control asset quality, optimize costs, and improve investment efficiency. Stabilizing its shareholder structure and enhancing corporate value remain key priorities.

On network expansion, MB plans to invest further in southern and central regions, as well as other potential markets, while improving the performance of its existing network.

It also aims to step up technology adoption to enhance customer experience and boost group-wide productivity by 20% in 2026, maintaining gains in subsequent years.

No. 1 position in digital transformation

MB's total assets by the end of 2025 had exceeded VND1,600 trillion ($60.75 billion), a 43% increase compared to the beginning of the year – among the fastest growth in the Vietnamese banking system. Outstanding loans exceeded VND1,000 trillion ($37.97 billion), a 37% increase.

The current account deposit ratio (CASA) consistently hovered around 36%, among the highest in the system, allowing the bank to reduce its cost of capital.

With 35 million customers, the majority of whom are payroll and large enterprises, the bank has a stable source of low-cost capital. Simultaneously, the operating expense ratio (CIR) was maintained at approximately 29%, lower than the industry average.

Capital and credit sources surged, operational efficiency improved, while ROE remained strong and asset quality was controlled. The non-performing loan ratio in 2025 was kept below 1.3%, meeting the set target.

This is the result of accelerating digital transformation, streamlining operations, and optimizing internal processes. In particular, 2025 saw significant progress in the MB Group financial conglomerate model.

In 2025, MB's brand value surpassed $2 billion, placing it among the top 3 banks and top 10 most valuable brands nationwide, a five-fold increase compared to five years prior, according to the Brand Finance ranking published on January 15, 2026.

MB contributed approximately VND10 trillion ($379.7 million) to the state budget in the year, up 16% against 2024.

Belonging to the Big 5 group in Vietnam, MB has achieved many accomplishments affirming its number one position in the market in the field of digital transformation.

MB's customer base has increased 13 times in just five years, a clear testament to the dynamism of MB's digital strategy.

The bank is operating two major digital platforms: BIZ MBBank, serving more than 358,000 businesses, and the MBBank App, serving the largest number of users in Vietnam - reaching 35 million people.

On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange, MBB shares closed Friday at VND25,900 ($0.98) apiece.