SHB charts path toward becoming next-generation national-scale bank

Saigon-Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB) is positioning itself as a “next-generation national-scale bank,” a strategy that reflects its ambition to expand beyond traditional banking and play a broader role in Vietnam’s economic development.

As Vietnam enters a new phase of economic transformation, the role of financial institutions is evolving from simple capital providers into connectors and builders of growth ecosystems.

For SHB, its more than three-decade journey has been not only about expanding scale, but also about strengthening internal capabilities, corporate identity and long-term responsibility.

That vision has been repeatedly emphasized by SHB chairman Do Quang Hien, who said the bank aims to “leave a Vietnamese mark on the international map.”

SHB said its next stage of development will focus on becoming a bank capable of supporting the country’s major economic strategies while remaining flexible enough to adapt to increasingly demanding market standards and customer expectations.

Aligning with national development

Over the years, SHB has expanded into key sectors including infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, trade and exports — industries regarded as core drivers of Vietnam’s economic growth.

The bank said its role extends beyond financing projects to becoming part of the broader economic development structure.

SHB has provided funding for a number of strategic infrastructure and industrial projects, including the three-level overpass at Hue T-junction in Danang city, expansion projects along National Highway 1 through Hue city and Khanh Hoa province, renewable energy developments, logistics projects, the Hanh Phuc rice factory in An Giang province, and the Yang Trung wind power project in Gia Lai province.

The bank said such projects represent not only financial investments but also direct contributions to Vietnam’s infrastructure and competitiveness.

Entering a new development phase, SHB aims to become a leading provider of capital, financial products and services for major corporate groups and strategic partners with large ecosystems, supply chains and retail customer networks.

Under its ecosystem-oriented business model, SHB approaches customers not as individual entities but as interconnected business networks centered around major corporations. The bank provides financial solutions not only to parent companies but also to subsidiaries, suppliers, distributors, agents, employees and end customers.

According to SHB, each large partnership therefore creates not only credit growth but also broader multi-layered growth opportunities.

Technology and data at the core

If “national-scale” defines SHB’s role, the “next-generation” aspect reflects the bank’s operational model centered on technology, data and innovation.

SHB is implementing its “Future Bank” model based on a “5 First” strategy: Data + AI First, People First, Cloud First, Security First, and Mobile First.

The bank said the strategy represents not only a technological direction but also a comprehensive transformation of operations and customer experience.

Data analytics and AI are being used to improve service personalization and operational efficiency, while cloud computing enhances scalability and flexibility. At the same time, cybersecurity and mobile experience are becoming increasingly important as customers shift toward digital channels.

SHB has also partnered with major technology companies to accelerate its digital transformation and adopt advanced solutions more quickly. The bank views technology not merely as a support tool but as a foundation for future growth.

SHB said the combination of ecosystem expansion and technology-driven operations forms a new growth model based on ecosystem connectivity, data-driven operations and digital customer trust.

Supporting national strategies

Throughout its 33-year history, SHB said it has aligned closely with the development orientations of Vietnam’s government and policy framework.

The bank cited the Politburo's Resolution 68 on private sector development as a foundation for strengthening the role of businesses within economic ecosystems, while Resolution 57 on science, technology and digital transformation has encouraged SHB to accelerate digital finance and innovation initiatives.

Meanwhile, Resolution 59 on international integration provides direction for expanding Vietnamese financial brands into global markets.

Alongside economic and technological goals, SHB said corporate culture remains a key pillar of sustainable development. The bank has integrated the spirit of Resolution 80 on promoting Vietnamese cultural and human values into its internal development strategy.

Its core values — “Heart, Trust, Credibility, Knowledge, Intelligence and Vision” — serve both as cultural principles and operational guidelines across the organization.

SHB said the integration of business strategy with national development priorities demonstrates its ambition to contribute not only to its own growth but also to Vietnam’s broader economic transformation.

By 2030, SHB aims to become the leading bank in operational efficiency, one of Vietnam’s most favored digital banks, the country’s best retail bank and a top provider of financial services to strategic corporate clients, green businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises and retail customers.

By 2035, the bank aims to become a modern, digital and green bank among the region’s leading financial institutions.

As Vietnam enters a new stage of development, SHB said its long-term strategy reflects its ambition to establish itself as a next-generation national-scale bank where finance, technology and people converge to create sustainable value for the future.