Vietnam banks post profit surge as digital transactions climb

HDBank’s digital banking platform recorded a 35% increase in transaction volume and a 106% rise in transaction value in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a broader shift toward cashless payments in Vietnam. The market logged more than 12 billion cash‑less transactions in the first half of 2025, nearly matching the total for the entire previous year. HDBank attributes the growth to investments in its Di‑HDBank, Di‑HDBiz and Digital Core platforms, achieving sub‑3‑second processing times, 99% system stability and new Voice‑AI services, and it was recognized with two Better Choice Awards in 2025.

Across the banking sector, profits surged in the first six months of 2026. VPBank’s assets topped VND 1.5 quadrillion and its pre‑tax profit rose 68% to about VND 18.9 trillion, while its Q2 profit hit a historic high. TPBank reported pre‑tax earnings of VND 4.67 trillion and ABBank posted VND 3.02 trillion, an 80% increase YoY. Analysts estimate a sector‑wide profit gain of roughly 16% for the half‑year, driven by strong credit growth, expanding digital services and the use of big‑data and AI in underwriting and risk management.