Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, Head of the National Steering Committee on Financial Inclusion, chaired the third meeting of the Steering Committee. (Photo: VGP)
At the third meeting of the National Steering Committee on Financial Inclusion held in Hanoi on February 24, 2026, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính - Head of the National Steering Committee on Financial Inclusion emphasized that financial inclusion must ensure equal access to financial and banking services for all citizens and businesses, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to leaving no one behind in socio-economic development.
The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Nguyen Thi Hong, leaders of ministries, departments, agencies, and members of the Steering Committee.
The five-year implementation results demonstrate substantial progress. By the end of 2025, 86.97% of Vietnamese adults held a payment account at a bank or licensed financial institution, exceeding the original target of at least 80%. Approximately 33% of adults had savings deposits at banks, surpassing the 25–30% goal. Non-cash payment transactions recorded an average annual growth rate of nearly 59%, almost three times the initial target. Around 290,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) had outstanding loans with credit institutions, exceeding the target of 250,000 enterprises. Meanwhile, 71% of adults had credit histories recorded in the national credit information system, improving transparency and access to formal lending channels.
These indicators reflect not only strong institutional coordination but also the rapid digital transformation of Vietnam’s banking and financial sector. Digital payments, mobile banking services, and expanded credit infrastructure have contributed to narrowing the financial access gap, particularly among underserved populations.
Looking ahead, the draft National Financial Inclusion Strategy for 2026–2030 sets more ambitious objectives. By 2030, Vietnam aims for 95% of the population aged 15 and above to own a transaction account at a bank or authorized institution. The value of non-cash payments is projected to reach 30 times GDP, underscoring the Government’s determination to accelerate digital finance and the digital economy. At least 30% of adults are expected to hold savings at credit institutions, while a minimum of 300,000 SMEs should have outstanding loans. Additionally, 75% of adults are targeted to have credit information records, and insurance sector revenue is projected to reach approximately 3.3–3.5% of GDP.
The next phase of the strategy will focus on refining the legal and regulatory framework, promoting diversified and affordable financial products, strengthening payment and credit information infrastructure, and advancing nationwide financial literacy programs. Particular attention will be paid to vulnerable groups, including low-income households, residents in remote and mountainous areas, ethnic minorities, women, students, and small businesses.
Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính reiterated that financial inclusion must be built on the principle that citizens and enterprises are both the center and beneficiaries of development. The goal is not merely broader access to banking services, but sustainable, responsible, and safe financial participation that supports social progress and equitable growth.
After five years of implementation, Vietnam’s financial inclusion agenda has delivered measurable outcomes and strengthened resilience within the financial system. The 2026–2030 strategy now positions the country to develop a more advanced, secure, and inclusive financial ecosystem—one that supports economic modernization, digital transformation, and long-term social stability.
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