Log in
Business

S.Korea’s Hana Bank to buy 15% stake in Vietnam’s BIDV for US$868 million

Following the sale, the state ownership in BIDV would reduce from the current 95.28% to over 80% of the bank’s charter capital.

State-run BIDV, the country's second-largest lender by assets, on July 22 announced it would offer 603.3 million of shares, or 15% of stake worth VND20.29 trillion (US$868 million) in a private placement to South Korea’s KEB Hana Bank, a subsidiary of South Korea’s Hana Financial Group. 
 
Illustrative photo.
Illustrative photo.
Following the sale, the state holding in BIDV would reduce from the current 95.28% to over 80% of the bank’s charter capital. 

Foreign ownership in a Vietnamese bank is capped at 30%. A foreign investor is allowed to hold up to a 15% stake in a local bank while the room for a foreign strategic investor is set at 20%.

BIDV is one of Vietnam's four major government-run commercial banks. It staged an initial public offering (IPO) in 2011 and listed its stock on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange in 2012. 

KEB Hana Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides commercial banking, trust banking, foreign exchange, and merchant banking services to retail and corporate customers in South Korea and around the globe. 

On January 5, the chairman of KEB Hana Bank met with the Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue, emphasizing the cooperation between Hana Bank and BIDV. 

The stake sale is the latest large investment by a South Korean firm in the Southeast Asian country, after conglomerate SK Group in May agreed to buy a 6.1% of Vietnam’s largest firm Vingroup for US$1 billion.

Hana Financial said in a regulatory filing that the purchase of the BIDV stake will facilitate its entry into the Vietnamese market and secure sources for its mid- to long-term growth, according to Reuters. 

Vietnamese banks need as much as US$20 billion in the run-up to the adoption of Basel II standards, scheduled for January 1, 2020, Fitch Ratings said in a note last week.

​Vietnam’s Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank said last week it was seeking to sell a 7.5% stake to one or more foreign investors this year.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Vietnam posts five-year high FDI disbursement as investor confidence strengthens nationwide 2025

Vietnam posts five-year high FDI disbursement as investor confidence strengthens nationwide 2025

Despite global economic and geopolitical headwinds, foreign capital flows into Vietnam accelerated in 2025, with investment increasingly concentrated in high value-added sectors, highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a stable, long-term destination for investors.

VN-Index set for 2,200-mark next year: JP Morgan

VN-Index set for 2,200-mark next year: JP Morgan

Vietnam’s appeal goes beyond the upgrade, driven by major economic reforms that are lifting business and consumer confidence, as well as improving profit prospects over the next three to five years.

Vietnam to launch smart agriculture innovation center in Lang Son

Vietnam to launch smart agriculture innovation center in Lang Son

The center is expected to bridge gaps in technology testing, connect farmers with researchers and markets and accelerate sustainable, high-tech agricultural development nationwide.

Hanoi urged to train 100,000 digital engineers through online academy

Hanoi urged to train 100,000 digital engineers through online academy

The Capital Strategic Technology Development Forum gathered a wide range of proposals from businesses, experts and investors on how Hanoi should shape its deep-tech development agenda in the coming decades with a long-term vision to 2045.

Inclusive innovation must give everyone equal voice, experts say at TECHFEST Vietnam 2025

Inclusive innovation must give everyone equal voice, experts say at TECHFEST Vietnam 2025

Open innovation is becoming a cornerstone of Vietnam’s development strategy, as policymakers, experts and international partners emphasize people-centered collaboration to tackle inequality, climate change and urbanization through inclusive, technology-driven solutions showcased at TECHFEST Vietnam 2025.

Vietnam attracts $400 million in venture capital as tech startups surge

Vietnam attracts $400 million in venture capital as tech startups surge

Vietnam’s startup ecosystem continues to expand rapidly, with strong venture capital inflows and fast growth in digital, AI and green technologies, reinforcing the country’s appeal to global investors.

Vietnamese policymakers push for early launch of gold exchange

Vietnamese policymakers push for early launch of gold exchange

A transparent gold exchange would not only offer a safe investment channel for the public but also provide a foundation for Vietnam to become a regional hub for jewelry manufacturing and exports.

Rosatom commits to advanced-technology Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear plant in Vietnam

Rosatom commits to advanced-technology Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear plant in Vietnam

Rosatom will transfer technology, localize nuclear products in Vietnam and support the development of the country’s nuclear science and industry for peaceful purposes.