HDBank has successfully secured a US$721 million international syndicated social loan, the largest of its kind ever raised by a Vietnamese organization. The agreement, signed on July 30, involves the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Standard Chartered, and other international financial institutions, highlighting strong global investor confidence in both HDBank and Vietnam’s long-term economic prospects.
The facility is structured in line with the Social Loan Principles and HDBank’s Sustainable Finance Framework. Proceeds will be directed towards expanding access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with a particular focus on women-owned businesses. This initiative supports financial inclusion and sustainable development in Vietnam, aligning with broader national goals.
The transaction attracted significant interest from international investors, with commitments reaching US$721 million—approximately 60 percent above the original target. This oversubscription underscores the growing appeal of Vietnam’s sustainable finance market among global investors. ADB and Standard Chartered acted as joint coordinators, while ANZ, Cathay United Bank, Commerzbank, Maybank Securities, MUFG Bank, and the State Bank of India served as mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners.
The CEO of Standard Chartered Vietnam noted that this facility is the largest syndicated social loan ever raised by a Vietnamese organization. “This achievement reflects investors’ confidence in HDBank and its leadership team, and demonstrates optimism about Vietnam’s long-term growth prospects and the growing appeal of the country’s sustainable finance market among global investors,” the CEO said.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of HDBank’s Board of Directors, described the loan as a milestone for the bank. “It is our first financing facility dedicated exclusively to social initiatives, including programmes supporting women,” she said. She added that the transaction recognizes HDBank’s long-standing commitment to community development through programmes supporting businesses, healthcare, education, culture, sports, women, and children.
Tran Hoai Nam, HDBank’s Permanent Deputy CEO, emphasized that the proceeds will strengthen the bank’s medium- and long-term funding base while expanding lending to SMEs, particularly women-led businesses. This move is expected to catalyze economic growth and empower underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Earlier, HDBank secured US$270 million in green financing and US$380 million in sustainable finance from international development finance institutions, including IFC, ADB, Proparco, DEG, LeapFrog, FMO, BII, JICA, FinDev, and SMBC. These previous transactions, combined with the new social loan, demonstrate HDBank’s strategic focus on sustainable finance and its role as a key player in Vietnam’s financial sector.
The record social loan not only provides HDBank with substantial capital but also signals a broader trend: Vietnam is becoming a hotspot for sustainable investment. As the country continues to develop, such financial instruments are crucial for channeling funds into projects that have positive social and environmental impacts, ultimately contributing to the nation’s sustainable development goals.
