Vietnam’s HDBank has secured a $721 million international syndicated social loan while the Singapore FinTech Association (SFA), together with industry players, has launched its Payments Industry Code of Conduct to improve transparency and consumer protection across the sector.
Vietnam’s HDBank raises $721m syndicated social loan
Vietnam’s HCM City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank) has secured a $721 million international syndicated social loan led by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Standard Chartered, and a group of international financial institutions.
The bank claims that this is the largest international syndicated social loan ever raised by a Vietnamese organisation.
The proceeds will be used to expand access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly women-owned businesses, supporting financial inclusion and sustainable development in Vietnam.
The facility was structured in line with the Social Loan Principles and HDBank’s Sustainable Finance Framework. ADB and Standard Chartered served as joint coordinators, while ANZ, Cathay United Bank, Commerzbank, Maybank Securities, MUFG Bank and the State Bank of India acted as mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners.
The transaction drew commitments of $721 million, about 60% above its original fundraising target.
Earlier, in July, ADB signed a $100-million loan with HDBank to expand access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Vietnam, with a focus on women-owned firms.
HDBank also reported first-half 2026 results, with pre-tax profit rising 31% year-on-year to VND13.2 trillion (US$505 million). The bank delivered industry-leading profitability, with ROE of 25.4% and ROA of 2.17%. Total operating income rose 8.8% year-on-year to VND22.68 trillion (US$862.8 million), with non-interest income up 23.1%.
Singapore FinTech Association launches voluntary code for payment service providers
The Singapore FinTech Association (SFA), together with industry players, has launched its Payments Industry Code of Conduct, aimed at improving transparency and consumer protection across the sector.
The Code sets out consistent general standards of professional conduct and transparency that payment service providers (PSPs) in Singapore may adopt in their dealings with customers and other members of the industry.
The Code applies to holders of a major payment institution licence, standard payment institution licence, or money-changing licence, as well as exempt payment service providers, in relation to their regulated fiat currency-related payment services under the Payment Services Act 2019. It does not extend to any digital payment token services which may be conducted by the PSP.
Adherence to the Code is voluntary and based on self-assessment.
