Established in 1995 as a small bank in southern Vietnam, NCB has steadily built its internal strength, expanded its network, and upgraded its operating model. From 2010 to 2020, the bank gradually shaped its brand with the goal of becoming a modern, customer-centric retail institution. Facing challenges in scale, technology, and industry competition, NCB chose a measured approach, focusing on developing high-quality human resources to accumulate resources for a breakthrough phase.

NCB focuses on developing high-quality human resources. Photo: NCB

NCB focuses on developing high-quality human resources. Photo: NCB

Restructuring the bank

2021 marked a turning point for NCB as it initiated a comprehensive restructuring under new leadership. The bank focused on retail banking and digital banking, implementing 33 technology projects and eight key digital transformation projects. Concurrently, NCB strengthened internal controls with the ICAAP solution in accordance with Basel II standards and a roadmap to improve the system under the guidance of KPMG, gradually raising risk management to international standards.

Just three years later, NCB was honored with the "Best Companies to Work for in Asia" award at the HR Asia Awards 2023. It also relocated its headquarters to central Hanoi and signed strategic partnerships with international partners for long-term development planning.

NCB's headquarters is located in a prime location in the heart of Hanoi. Photo: NCB

NCB's headquarters is located in a prime location in the heart of Hanoi. Photo: NCB

In 6/2024, NCB became the first credit institution in Vietnam to complete and have its restructuring plan (PACCL) approved, with advisory support from Ernst & Young and KPMG. Simultaneously, the bank and its international strategic consulting partners implemented a long-term development strategy, aiming to become a leading provider of financial solutions and services.

As a result, in 2024, NCB recorded significant growth: total assets surpassed 118,000 billion VND for the first time, an increase of more than 23% compared to 2023; the customer base expanded by nearly 40%; CASA increased by 54%; and outstanding loans reached 111% of the plan. Notably, NCB completed its second charter capital increase in three consecutive years, reaching 11,780 billion VND, placing the bank in the mid-sized category.

From 2021 to 2024, NCB was among the fastest-growing banks, with total assets increasing by 60%, outstanding loans by 70%, deposits by nearly 50%, and bad debts controlled according to the PACCL targets.

NCB's human resources development strategy has quickly made it a desirable employer in the industry, earning two awards at the HR Asia Awards 2025: "Best Companies to Work for in Asia" and "Leading Technology Enterprise".

NCB honored with two awards at the HR Asia Awards 2025. Photo: NCB

NCB honored with two awards at the HR Asia Awards 2025. Photo: NCB

In the first half of 2025, the bank maintained its growth momentum, with accumulated after-tax profit exceeding 462 billion VND. Total assets surpassed 144,000 billion VND, exceeding the annual plan by 6.3%. Outstanding loans reached 94% of the plan, and capital mobilization exceeded the plan by almost 1.4%. NCB was also among the first banks to allow opening payment accounts via the VNeID app and implemented the RLOS system, reducing loan approval time to five minutes.

Sustainable development strategy

In 2025, celebrating its 30th anniversary, NCB aims to increase its charter capital to 19,280 billion VND, ahead of the PACCL schedule. According to a bank representative, this is a strategic step to strengthen the financial foundation, increase long-term capital, and expand sustainable business operations.

NCB's leadership stated that the bank is leveraging global knowledge, technology, and experience from its strategic partners to achieve breakthroughs. Instead of viewing its smaller size as a limitation, NCB considers it an advantage for flexible decision-making, quick action, and bold choices in pursuing a distinct path toward sustainable development.

The "Tu Hao" Visa card comes in two special editions. Photo: NCB

The "Tu Hao" Visa card comes in two special editions. Photo: NCB

One notable achievement is the development of products tied to national identity. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of National Day (2/9), NCB introduced the "Tu Hao" Visa Platinum card in two special editions with free issuance and annual fees. The card's design blends modern financial value with the spirit of national history and is expected to become a personal symbol for Vietnamese people in international integration.

NCB also plans to implement its Digital Wealth strategy from 2025 to 2030, aiming for a new banking model with pioneering and innovative financial solutions, contributing to the nation's development in this era of growth.

"NCB is accelerating, ready to create breakthroughs, innovation, and creativity in this era of national growth, aiming to become a prestigious and efficient bank, providing the best financial solutions and services, and becoming the preferred choice for investors and customers in Vietnam," said Hoang Thu Trang, Vice Chairwoman of NCB's Board of Directors.

Minh Ngoc